What can I do to protect my 18" wheels for winters salt and sand punishment? It looks like the chrome spokes are like a plastic cap, does this come off easliy, to expose the aluminum wheel. At least I could keep it in storage along with the center cap. Or should I just spray the wheels with a heavy oil or a grease to protect them and power wash off in spring? Thx.

 

The plastic cover/cladding is not removable. I have had the same wheels on 2 trucks. I never did anything to "prep them". Just washed them. Have to say, they hold up well.

 

You could paint them using Plasti-dip which will protect them from all winters crap then once its all gone the Plasti-dip will peel right off.

 

Wash, claybay, and a quality marine cleaner wax like duragloss 501. That should keep them nice for at least 6 monthes. Hitting them with a pray wax after every wash helps prolong the protection too.

 

Store 'em.
I have a second set of rims for my winter tires. It makes seasonal tire changes easier/cheaper. If they rust or chip during the winter, who cares? That's what you bought them for.
I your case you might wanna go for cheaper, 3rd party mfg. rims or OEM steel rims.
Works for me, anyway.