How to Clean Wheels and Tires Like a Car Wash Expert

The wheels and tires in a car are constantly under duress from dirt, mud, salt, snow, and a host of other things. What’s more, they are also the most neglected parts of a car. Even car owners who regularly wash their cars tend to ignore them while washing. Let’s explore more to understand how to clean wheels and tires like a car wash expert. 

It is only ideal that you spend some time cleaning your car’s tires and wheels once in a while and shower them with the love they deserve. In this post, we’re listing down expert car wash tips you can employ while cleaning your car’s wheels and tires. Read on to know more.   

Why Should I Clean the Wheels of My Car?

Wheels are often that part of the car that may not get the deserved attention. You may always wonder why you should take the effort to clean it when the body of your car looks speckless. However, it is not wise to overlook the need to clean your car wheels. Let’s know why:  

To Eliminate Dirt Build-up    

Wheels are often the dirtiest parts of a car. Clean wheels not just make your car look good; they also enhance your car’s performance. The build-up of dirt and grime on the wheel over time can affect the acceleration of the wheels and, in turn, can affect the car’s speed.   

To Get Rid of Brake Dust    

Brake dust is created by the release of a combination of adhesive and carbon fibers from the brake pad and the constant grinding of metal shavings from the rotor. It is highly corrosive and can contribute to pitting and corrosion on your wheel surfaces. It is essential to get rid of brake dust regularly.     

Dirt in the Wheels Can be Sprayed onto the Car’s Body    

While driving, the dirt and grime can get sprayed onto the vehicle’s body and harm your car’s exterior.  

Expert Car Wash Techniques to Clean Your Wheels and Tires

You can clean your wheels and tires like an expert if you correctly follow the basic steps. Let’s break down each of them in detail.  

Step 1    

Begin your cleaning process using a high-pressure washer or spray nozzle on your hose to remove loose dirt, mud, and debris from the wheels and tires.     

Step 2     

Now that you have removed loose dirt, use a wash mitt to clean your tires before applying the tire cleaner. For tires, we’d recommend using a high-quality tire cleaner instead of a standard car wash cleaner. Standard car wash cleaners are not strong enough to remove the deeply ingrained dirt.  

Step 3    

Now apply the tire cleaner and let it sit on the tire for some time. After that, use a stiff brush to scrub the tires. Make sure that you don’t scratch the wheel surfaces when you do this. 

Step 4    

Next, move on to the wheels. Apply the wheel cleaner to your car’s wheel one at a time. You can use a small, soft brush to remove the dirt and grime. Make sure that you reach all the nooks and crannies to get rid of the dirt, brake dust, and other residues. A longer brush can help you get to those hard-to-reach places.      

Step 5    

Finally, rinse the wheels and tires using water and dry them with a microfiber towel.     

What to Do After Cleaning

The final step of your cleaning process is to finish it with thorough polishing and waxing. It protects your wheels from moisture and other contaminants.

Polish your wheels: Apply polish on your wheels before waxing. Apply the polish in small parts with a clean rag. Rub along the grain of the wheel and work your way over to the nuts of the lug.     

Apply a wax seal: Place the wax on a clean cloth and rub it on wheel’s surface. The wax does not just give your wheels a right-out-of-dealership look; it will also protect the wheels from brake dust and other harmful elements.

Final Thoughts   

Car owners often undermine the need to clean the wheels and tires of their four-wheeled friend. However, it is an essential aspect of car care that shouldn’t be neglected. Apart from keeping the stylish look, cleaning the wheels and tires improves the longevity and performance of your car. So, you should make it a habit to look after the tidiness of your wheels and tires every time you wash the exterior. By doing so, you can have a car that will stay with you in the best condition for years.