The original steel wheels for my car live outside under a tarpaulin, they have been stacked vertically for the last 12 months. Inspecting them last weekend, I found the beginning of rust at the bolt holes and where the hub contacts the back of the wheel - basically the areas marred by metal-on-metal contact. I have aired them until dry, popped them back under the tarpaulin, but not stacked, just propped against the wall. We had biblical rain last night, so I'll have to check them again at the weekend.

 

Humidity lingering under the tarpaulin isn't ideal, but presumably leaving them uncovered to get drenched is just as bad, if not worse, for rust formation? I don't have a shed or garage, is there anything more/different I can do regarding storage?

 

I have no experience of dealing with rust - how do I treat them? Do I scrub off the rust with wire wool and then seal with something? Black aerosol hammerite maybe, or am I going to make a mess painting or spraying something on?!

I'm know expert, or have even done this myself yet, but id say Id say rub rust back with sandpaper so you are back to bare metal. then use a rust inhibitor (locktite rust remedy at wilkos for about £6), clean/degrease,  prime, then paint of your choice

I've not had to patch repair/blend an area by rattle can before, wondering how easy it is to get half decent results. Good tip about the rust inhibitor, hadn't thought of that.

 

I wonder if I'd have seen this rust had the wheel been on the car all this time. Has anyone else had this sort of problem with steelies either on the car or when stored outside?