Maintaining the cleanliness of your wheels and tires is important not just for appearance, but also for preserving their condition and longevity. Brake dust, road grime, and dirt can build up over time and cause corrosion or damage to wheel finishes if left untreated. Clean tires also ensure better product bonding when applying dressings or protectants, enhancing both performance and protection.
*Note – Steps 1 through 4 should be done before washing the car, step 5 is to be done AFTER the whole car has been washed *
Step 1: Pre-Spray – Start by spraying the wheels and tires with a soap solution or rinseless wash mixture. This helps begin breaking down surface-level dirt, grime, and brake dust before any contact is made.
Step 2: Rinse – Rinse the wheels and tires thoroughly with water to flush away as much loose debris as possible. This minimizes the risk of scratching during the contact wash phase.
Step 3: Contact Wash – Spray a dedicated wheel and tire cleaner over the entire surface of the wheel and tire. For very dirty wheels, follow up with another layer of soap or rinseless solution to add lubrication. If the wheels are only lightly soiled, soap or rinseless solution alone may be sufficient. Use various wheel brushes to thoroughly clean the face, barrels, lug nut areas, and tires.
Step 4: Final Rinse – Rinse off all remaining cleaner and soap thoroughly, if using a rinse less wash method, this is not required.
Optional Step 5: Dry & Apply Wheel & Tire Protectant – Once thoroughly rinsed off dry using a microfiber towel and a drying aid to add slickness and gloss. For added protection and ease of maintenance, apply a wheel and tire protectant. This helps repel brake dust and road grime, making future cleanings faster and more effective.
This process not only keeps your wheels looking their best but also helps maintain their finish and extends their lifespan.