Is it necessary to remove the aero wheel covers when washing the car?

[calbear88]

Hi, I wash my car about once a month. Just wondering what everyone's thoughts are about removing the aero wheel covers each time in order to better wash the rims. If I don't remove it, will dirt/brake dust that builds up on the rims be a problem? Would removing the covers monthly for a car wash lead to the clips wearing out or breaking with repeated removals?

Thanks for your opinions.

 

[Tam]

...thoughts...

1) Dirty rims are just cosmetic so I don't think it's a functional issue.

2) There's no data on the wear and tear of the clips but logically, everything wears down. It wears less if you use it less. My guess, and it's just a wild guess, is the wear and tear would take a long time before it becomes a problem well after you sell your car off in decades from now.

 

[MountainPass]

Eventually the aero covers will start breaking, but they are much more flexible and higher quality than most hub caps I have seen working at dealerships. - Jesse

 

[Wennfred]

I only use the Aero hubcaps on long trips, but it only takes less then a minute to snap them off to pressure wash the inside of the wheels. I would remove them to clean inside if I used them all the time.

Fred