Welcome to Alloy Logic’s blog, your source for all things related to alloy wheel installation, maintenance and repairs. Alloy wheels are a smart addition to any vehicle and can be added to most new car models, but often once you’ve spent money on getting them professionally fitted, you may be concerned about the potential damage that could occur from roads, kerbs and undergrowth. If this sounds like you, you may have already considered AlloyGators as an option to shield your alloys. AlloyGators are designed to protect wheels against kerb and pothole damage and sound like the perfect solution for your protection needs…on paper.
At Alloy Logic, we take pride in our open and honest advice and recommendations. In this blog, we’ll explore everything relating to AlloyGators including what they are, and we will answer the important question: Do AlloyGators damage wheels?
What are AlloyGators?
At Alloy Logic, we know how important your alloy wheels are and understand what it takes to protect and maintain them. To protect alloy wheels against scratches, scrapes and kerb damage, many vehicle owners turn to products such as AlloyGators. AlloyGators promise to protect wheels against kerb and pothole damage but can also be used to cover up existing wheel scuffs. They are made from tough nylon which slots between the alloy and the tyre, slightly overlapping the wheel rim. At first glance, this product sounds like an excellent solution to protecting your alloy wheels, however, they do come with many pitfalls, including causing significant damage to your wheels.
Do AlloyGators damage wheels?
The short answer to ‘Do AlloyGators damage wheels?’ is yes, they do. Drawing on our experience means that we can advise on which fittings would be best suited to you, and which ones to avoid. and we believe that you should steer clear of Alloygators. Here’s how they can cause damage to your wheels, why you should avoid them and some alternatives to consider for alloy wheel maintenance.
- AlloyGators cause damage during installation
The installation of Alloygators requires the use of a rubber mallet to fix them onto the rim with force. Unfortunately, this necessary manner of installation has been known to cause the protector and alloy itself to become marked and damaged. We recommend choosing a protector that uses bond-on technology and can be fitted by hand to significantly decrease the amount of damage caused.
- AlloyGators are unreliable and unsafe
There have been many instances reported whereby Alloygators have partially or fully detached when a vehicle has been in motion. This severely compromises your safety when on the road, will cause avoidable damage to the bodywork of your vehicle and could cause harm to others. Not only this but Alloygators have been known to cause wheels to misalign. We recommend choosing a protective fitting that is proven, safe and reliable. We can advise on the best alloy wheel protectors in the industry.
- AlloyGators are well-known for causing vehicle damage
AlloyGators have a reputation for causing damage to vehicles and many reports have been made where this has occurred. Where the metal clips grip the alloy, it can nick the rim and damage it inside. Not only this, but Alloygators effectively sand down the surface of your alloy wheel as the protector moves between the tyre bead and rim. We recommend using a protector that has bond-on technology where the bonding agent forms a protective barrier on the surface of the alloy wheel.
- AlloyGators are difficult to service and maintain
If you do install Alloygators to your vehicle, then you need to be prepared for a fitting that is difficult to service and maintain. If you have an emergency (for example a puncture or blowout), some tyre shops will refuse to fit Alloygators back onto the wheel, meaning that you’ll have to return to the shop again, plus payout for another fitting. We recommend choosing an alloy wheel protector that is well-known and highly used within the industry – speak to us to find out more.
- AlloyGators compromise your tyres
It has been noted that Alloygators are known for allowing air to escape past the tyre bead. As Alloygators aren’t installed as a continuous ring, air will undoubtedly escape, meaning that your tyres are compromised from a performance – but most importantly – a safety point of view. We recommend opting for a wheel protector that is known for its durability and comes with positive reviews – we can provide trusted recommendations.
- AlloyGators are an unattractive option
If you’re concerned about the appearance of your vehicle, then we suggest you avoid Alloygators. Not only is it hard to achieve a seamless appearance when fitting them, but Alloygators are known to bulge where the join is and can cause bubbling and flaking to your vehicle’s bodywork. We recommend looking at all the options available to you. There are many alternatives to Alloygators that come in a variety of styles and colours.
- AlloyGator don’t rate their product
AlloyGator themselves recommend against fitting AlloyGators to diamond-cut wheels due to the high risk of trapping water and speeding up lacquer corrosion. If ever there was a reason to avoid a particular product, the company not rating it themselves is a definite one! We recommend avoiding AlloyGator and looking at their competitors to see which companies have outstanding reviews and value their products.
There are many reasons why you may be looking for an alloy wheel and rim protector. Whether you want to protect your vehicle against unexpected kerb bumps, want to avoid your tyres becoming misaligned or want to avoid alloy wheel damage, we urge you not to choose AlloyGators. Not only will they mar the overall appearance of your vehicle, but they have been proven to be unsafe, unreliable and can cause avoidable damage.
What’s the alternative to AlloyGators?
Instead of relying on products such as AlloyGators, there are several other ways that vehicle owners can provide protection and proper maintenance to their alloy wheels. Here are some of our top tips for maintaining and protecting your alloy wheels…
- Regular Cleaning
Regularly cleaning your alloy wheels with a mild detergent and a soft brush or sponge is key to alloy wheel maintenance. As well as making them gleam, cleaning your alloy wheels is essential in removing any brake dust, road debris and any dirt build-up that may be present. Regularly cleaning your alloy wheels in this way will protect your wheels from corrosive substances from settling on the surface.
- Avoid Abrasive Cleaners
It is vital when cleaning your alloy wheels, that you use the correct cleaning materials for the job. The use of abrasive materials on your alloy wheels can cause damage that builds up over time, including the accidental removal of protective layers on your alloys. If you’re unsure, get in touch with alloy wheel specialists, such as Alloy Logic who can provide recommendations you can trust.
- Protective Coating
A protective coating can make all the difference to the protection of your alloy wheels. Designed to create a protective barrier against contaminants, protective coatings such as high-quality wheel sealant or wax can stop wheel damage from occurring. What’s more, protective coatings also contribute to the aesthetics of your alloy wheels and can make future cleaning much more manageable.
- Check Your Tyre Pressure
Checking your tyre pressure is essential to alloy wheel maintenance. The right tyre pressure stops your tyres from wearing unevenly. If your tyres wear unevenly, you could face damage and wear to your alloy wheels. Moreover, tyres with low or inaccurate tyre pressures can be dangerous to drive on. So, to ensure your safety on the road, be sure to regularly check your tyre pressure.
- Inspect For Damage
Sometimes, nothing can be better than simply visually inspecting your alloy wheels for damage. Often, cracks, bends, wear and tear and other damage can easily be identified by the naked eye and is a quick, easy and free way of spotting any problems. If you do spot any alloy wheel damage, we highly recommend seeking the help of alloy wheel specialists who can decide on the best course of action.
During alloy wheel maintenance, you may spot damage to your alloy wheels. If this is the case, then we highly advise seeking the help of our specialists. We can undertake professional alloy wheel refurbishment to reinstate your alloy wheels’ former aesthetics and performance abilities.
The Importance of Protecting Your Alloy Wheels
Your alloy wheels are a significant investment and one that needs to be protected. Without proper protection and maintenance, your wheels could be vulnerable to damage that could be avoided. Here’s why it’s so important to protect your alloy wheels.
- Elevated Aesthetics
There’s a reason why many vehicle owners opt for alloy wheels and it’s not just about performance. Alloy wheels deliver a sleek and uniform look, all whilst delivering protection so that they can maintain their pristine appearance.
- Enhance Performance
When alloy wheels are protected and well-maintained, they contribute to better handling, fuel efficiency and braking performance. Proper alloy wheel protection ensures that your wheels reach maximum performance ability.
- Protection Against Corrosion
Alloy wheels, like any wheels exposed to elements such as road salt, moisture, and debris, may be susceptible to corrosion. Ensuring that a reliable protective sealant is applied guarantees protection against corrosion.
- Maintain Vehicle Value
Wel-maintained alloy wheels can significantly enhance the resale value of your vehicle. Potential buyers are more likely to be attracted to a car with spotless wheels, reflecting positively on the overall condition and care of the vehicle.
- Avoid Expensive Repairs
Repairing or replacing damaged alloy wheels can be costly. Fortunately, alloy wheel replacements and repairs can easily be avoided with proper alloy wheel maintenance. This saves money and hassle further down the line.
- Safety
Damaged alloy wheels can impact the structural integrity of your whole vehicle, leading to potential safety hazards in the future. Protecting your wheels ensures optimal performance and reduces the risk of accidents or mechanical failures.
Avoid AlloyGators to protect your alloy wheels…
While AlloyGators may seem like a smart quick-fix solution for alloy wheel protection, the potential damage they may cause far outweighs any advantages. Before investing in products such as AlloyGators, we strongly recommend weighing the risks before you commit. Seeking alternative methods of wheel protection and undertaking regular maintenance may be the key to fully optimised alloy wheels that look good and perform to the best of their ability. Alloy Logic recommends avoiding AlloyGators as the last thing you want when protecting your wheels, is to find them damaged beyond repair in the process.
Alloy Logic’s Tips for Alloy Wheel Protection
Now that we’ve explained some of the reasons why you should avoid Alloygators, here are some of our top dos and don’ts for protecting your alloy wheels and rims:
- DO choose fully integrated or self-adhesive products for greater protection.
- DO adapt your driving style to avoid potential damage on the road.
- DON’T be blasé about the quality of the product you choose.
- DO prepare for the seasons adequately.
- DON’T forget to properly maintain and clean your tyres and rims.
- DO research the best-performing wheel protectors.
- DON’T limit yourself – there are a huge number of options available.
- DO speak to specialists to get the best recommendations.
Whether you’re updating your vehicle with alloys because of damage or if you’re looking to increase or retain its value, it is important to make sure that your wheels are protected. However, the protection you choose shouldn’t come at a detriment to your safety, nor should it cause any damage to your vehicle at the fitting stage or on the road. At Alloy Logic, we strongly advise against Alloygators and can advise on many more options that will ensure the safety of you and the general public on the road, as well as being diverse, reliable and long-lasting.
Speak to us today to see what options are available to guarantee the protection of your alloy wheels.
