Keeping your wheels and tires clean isn’t just about looks—it’s essential for preserving their finish, preventing corrosion, and ensuring long-term performance. Brake dust, road grime, and dirt can accumulate quickly, leading to pitting, staining, and damage if not cleaned regularly. Properly cleaned tires also allow dressings and protectants to bond more effectively, delivering longer-lasting shine and protection.
📌 Important: Steps 1 through 4 should be completed before washing the car. Step 5 is performed after the entire car has been washed.
Step 1: Pre-Spray to Loosen Dirt
Start by spraying the wheels and tires with a car-safe soap solution or rinseless wash mixture. This begins breaking down brake dust and surface grime, minimizing the chance of scratching during contact washing.
Step 2: Rinse Off Loose Contaminants
Use a pressure washer or hose to rinse thoroughly, flushing away as much dirt, dust, and debris as possible. This prepares the surface for deeper cleaning while reducing abrasion.
Step 3: Contact Wash with Wheel Cleaner
Apply a dedicated wheel and tire cleaner to all areas of the wheel and tire. For heavily soiled wheels, layer additional soap or rinseless solution for added lubrication. Use wheel brushes to agitate the face, barrel, lug nut recesses, and sidewalls.
Step 4: Final Rinse
Thoroughly rinse all cleaning products from the wheels and tires. If you’re using a rinseless wash method, this step may not be necessary depending on the product instructions.
Step 5: Dry and Protect
After your car has been fully washed and dried, use a microfiber towel and drying aid to dry the wheels. Then apply a quality tire shine or wheel protectant to add gloss, repel brake dust, and reduce future buildup.
Why Wheel and Tire Maintenance Matters
Regularly cleaning your wheels and tires helps maintain their finish, prevents corrosion, and improves the effectiveness of tire dressings. It also enhances the overall appearance of your vehicle and makes future maintenance easier.