Snow, ice build up on Aero Covers?

[Lance From Jax]

With winter fast approaching, what do you all recommend to help prevent snow and ice build up inside the wheels?
Should I leave the Aero Covers on or is it better to have them off?
Thanks!

 

[GtiMart]

Some recommend keeping the caps so that there's less chance of snow going into the wheels and freezing there. I personally take them off because I prefer the look without and the aero gain isn't worth it for me. Without the caps its's easy to clean the wheels if snow ever goes in.
I would not recommend removing and putting them back on often as this scratches the wheels (clips are metal). Pick one and stick with it, mostly...

 

[skygraff]

Yeah, I tried a season with them on thinking it would be better but, like you noted, the covers just trapped snow inside which caused a great deal of surface corrosion and pitting on the inner wheel and brake in the spring. Haven’t used the covers since (except for long, cross country drives) and there doesn’t seem to be any downside to that choice.

 

[Heckraiser]

Off and leave it that way is my vote. I took mine off when I bought the car and haven't put them on in 4.5 years.

 

[Lance From Jax]

Off and leave it that way is my vote. I took mine off when I bought the car and haven't put them on in 4.5 years.

I like the wheels, they are nice, but I am also a fan of the Aero covers. To me they match the vibe of the car. I will remove them for winter for sure though.

 

[MLXXXp]

(clips are metal)

Nope. The parts of the clips that contact the wheels are plastic. The metal pieces that act as springs don't touch the wheels.

However, frequent installation and removal of the aero covers does tend to slightly scuff or scratch the wheels where the clips make contact.

 

[AdaKyle]

Going on my 3rd winter with the aero covers; in West Michigan - decent amount of annual snow fall. Never thought about snow or ice build up. never had an issue.

 

[Lance From Jax]

Going on my 3rd winter with the aero covers; in West Michigan - decent amount of annual snow fall. Never thought about snow or ice build up. never had an issue.

This is good to know. I assumed it would be an issue and posted a question a week or so ago. I might try leaving them on at first, as I love the Aero covers.

 

[Sorny]

I put the aero covers on when temps drop close to freezing and leave them on until temps no longer drop below freezing regularly; so, mid October to sometime in March. Never had an issue in the 2 winters I've had the car, other than being glad for that extra couple percent of range when temps are in the -30 ballpark when it's windy and the "normal" 65-70% of battery used to get from home to work and back suddenly changes to 90% used...