How to Clean Your Alloy Wheels
Have you ever noticed how your alloy wheels lose their shine over time? Your wheels’ surface accumulates more than everyday dirtᅳthings like grease and road grime build up quickly, but brake dust is a particular culprit. Brake dust is made of fine metal shavings from your brake rotors and sticky carbon from your brake pads, which bake onto the surface of your wheels with heat. Add mud, oil, and tar from daily driving, and your wheels can quickly look dirty and neglected. This build-up can damage your wheels’ finish if left uncleaned for too long.
Regularly cleaning your alloy wheels is not just for aesthetics; it helps protect them from daily wear and tear. Read on to learn how to properly clean your alloy wheels.
Start With the Right Cleaning Supplies
The first step to cleaning your alloy wheels is ensuring you have the right supplies. The wrong supplies can leave scratches, damage the finish of your wheels, or make the job harder than it should be.
Here’s a checklist of what you’ll need:
- Wheel cleaner
- Soft bristle brush or wheel brush
- Microfibre cloth or sponge
- Bucket of warm water
- Clean towel
- Polish or wax
Thoroughly Rinse Your Alloy Wheels
The first step in cleaning your alloy wheels is to thoroughly rinse them to remove loose dirt, dust, and debris. A hose or a pressure washer on a low setting that will lightly blast grime off without scrubbing is best. Make sure you spray into all corners where dirt collects.
Use a Suitable Cleaner for Alloy Wheels
It’s important to use a cleaner specifically formulated for cleaning alloy wheels, and non-acidic cleaners are the best choice. They’re strong enough to cut through dirt but won’t damage the finish of your wheels.
How to apply the cleaner:
- Spray the cleaner generously over the entire wheel surface, covering every part evenly.
- Leave the cleaner on for the length of time recommended on the label, usually 1-3 minutes.
- Ensure the cleaner doesn’t dry on the surface, as this could cause streaks or residue.
- If your wheels have a special coating, like paint or anodising, check that the cleaner is safe to use on these finishes to avoid dulling or damage.
Gently Scrub
Now it’s time to get scrubbing and ensure your wheels are spotless! Use a soft bristle brush or a microfibre cloth, and focus on one wheel at a time. Remember, don’t use too much force; you want to avoid scratching the surface of your wheels.
Helpful scrubbing tips:
- Focus on one wheel at a time to do a thorough job.
- Use a smaller brush to get into tight spots and corners.
- For stubborn dirt, apply more cleaner and give it an extra minute to work before scrubbing.
- Rinse your cleaning tools regularly to stop dirt from being spread back onto the wheel as you clean.
Dry and Polish for a Lasting Shine
Once you’ve finished gently scrubbing, give your wheels a final rinse to wash away leftover cleaning product and loosened dirt. Once rinsed, dry the wheels immediately with a soft, clean towel. This helps avoid leaving water marks and means the surface is ready for polishing or waxing.
Polishing and waxing your wheels can really make them stand out. Polishing helps enhance the finish, while waxing provides a protective layer that repels dirt and brake dust, keeping your wheels cleaner for longer.
Steps to polish and wax your wheels:
- Take a microfibre cloth and apply a small amount of polish to it.
- Work in circular motions, buffing the polish into the wheel’s surface for a smooth and glossy finish.
- If waxing, follow the instructions on the product and allow it to set before gently buffing off the excess with another clean cloth.
Restore and Maintain Your Wheels With Tyrepower’s Services
While regular cleaning is essential to keep your alloy wheels looking great, it won’t fix every issue. Scratches, chips, or faded finishes can make your alloy wheels look worn out, no matter how clean they are. That’s where expert services like ours come in.
At Tyrepower, we offer expert alloy wheel repair and maintenance to restore their shine and keep them looking like new. Our team uses professional-grade techniques to bring your alloy wheels back to life so they look and perform their best. Visit Tyrepower today to learn more about how we can help maintain and restore your alloy wheels. Let us take the hassle out of maintenance so you can focus on enjoying the ride!
