Keeping your truck in top shape isn’t just about oil changes and brake checks—it’s about the little things that often get overlooked. Simple maintenance steps can save you time, money, and unnecessary trips to the truck repair shop while keeping your wheels in top condition.
Beyond the basics, regularly cleaning your wheels, checking your tyres, tightening wheel nuts and studs, and sticking to a fleet maintenance schedule can make a huge difference. Skip these steps, and you could be looking at costly repairs, safety risks, or even replacing your wheels sooner than expected.
The good news? A little extra care goes a long way. Follow these easy tips to keep your wheels looking great and performing at their best for the long haul.
Regular Cleaning and Washing
Maintaining a clean truck isn’t just about looks—it’s about preserving your investment. Dirt, grime, and road salt can lead to corrosion, impacting the vehicle’s longevity and professional appearance. Aluminium truck and trailer wheels, especially Alcoa Wheels, are known for their shine and durability. They require less maintenance than steel wheels, but neglecting them can lead to time-consuming and costly repairs.
- Routine cleaning helps prevent build-up that can eat away at the wheel’s surface. Always start by using a soft wheel brush or rag to remove any dirt or debris from the surface of the wheel. Using strong detergents, alkaline or acidic cleaners can etch the surface of the aluminium and cause dull areas on the wheels, too. Learn more about cleaning Alcoa wheels to maintain their shine.
- The aluminium polish applied every few months keeps Alcoa Wheels looking fresh.
- If you don’t want to polish your wheels,the Alcoa Dura-Bright® surface treatment cleans with just soap and water and maintains their shine without polishing. Find more about alloy wheel cleaner.
A little effort goes a long way in extending the life of your wheels and keeping your truck looking its best.
Inspect and Maintain Tyres
Tyres and wheels work together, so keeping proper tyre pressure is key to preventing unnecessary wear.
- Overinflated tyres are more prone to punctures, impact breaks, and irregular wear patterns.
- Underinflated tyres generate excess heat, which weakens their structure, reduces fuel efficiency, and puts extra stress on the wheels.
Check your tyre pressure regularly and adjust to the manufacturer’s recommendations to ensure optimal performance and safety.
Check Wheel Nuts and Bolts
Loose wheel nuts can lead to dangerous wheel-off situations. Regularly inspect and re-tighten nuts and bolts as needed. Look out for:
- Rust streaks (indicating a loose fastener or broken stud)
- Missing valve caps or broken studs
- Cracks in washers of hub-piloted wheels
- Wheels/drums not seated properly
- Signs of excessive pitting or corrosion
Dave Walters, Manager of Warranty and Field Service at Alcoa Wheels, advises:
“Wheel studs stretch every time they are torqued. They act as a spring in the system, so ensuring they aren’t stretched beyond their yield point is critical. Studs can be checked with a thread gauge.”
“The nuts are just as important—especially on a hub-piloted wheel system, where they have a nut body and a washer base. A drop or two of oil on the nuts and studs during installation can help ensure proper function.”
Routine inspections help prevent issues before they become significant problems.
Follow a Maintenance Schedule
A proactive maintenance routine keeps your truck rolling smoothly.
- Rotate your wheels regularly to extend tyre life.
- Balance your wheels to prevent vibrations and uneven wear.
- Follow manufacturer guidelines for servicing heavy-duty equipment.
Remember, Alcoa Wheels come with a 5-year warranty—see the Alcoa Wheels Service Manual—giving you peace of mind with your investment. If you ever need assistance, reach out to us—we’re here to help!
Download the Alcoa Wheels Service Manual
Make Sure It’s An Alcoa® Wheel
To spec your wheels, call 1800 955 191 to talk with our wheel experts, or fill out a contact form, and we will contact you to answer your questions and discuss your specifications.