Wheels are one of the first things you see when you look at a car and are a real source of pride to their owners. But brake dust, oil, grease, road grime, salt in the winter and pollen in the summer, all take their toll on your wheels. So frequent cleaning is the only way to keep them clean and safe from all the elements that attack them. Wheels can be expensive so you want to treat them with the same care that you do your paint.
Whether your wheels are made of chrome, aluminum, clear coat, bare metal, etc., there are a variety of wheel cleaners on the market to clean them. But lots of guys are so concerned that an over the counter wheel cleaner might be too abrasive for their wheels that they use regular household soap and water. But just like you wouldn’t use dish soap to wash your car, you really shouldn’t use it for your wheels either. Use a wheel cleaner because they’re specifically designed to quickly break up the grime and clean the wheel. And, make sure you read the label to ensure the cleaner’s not going to damage your particular type of wheels. A wheel cleaner that isn’t pH balanced can cause hazing, pitting, or corrosion and ruin the look of your wheels. And never allow the cleaner to dry or remain on the wheel any longer than the manufacturer states. Or another option is just to play it safe and go with a product like Black Magic® Titanium™ Wheel Cleaner. It's been tested and is safe for all types of metals…and it's guaranteed.
When you're ready to start detailing your vehicle, we suggest starting with your wheels. This will prevent overspray and grime from getting onto panels that you've already cleaned. Make sure you take your time and do them one at a time. Once you've done all four, change the water before moving on to your paint. And remember, if your vehicle was just driven, you'll need to wait a bit before for you start to give your brakes a chance to cool down before spraying water on them. If you don't, the cold water could warp your brake rotors affecting your handling and causing damage.
Now that your wheels have cooled, spray the wheel with water. Then spray wheel cleaner evenly on the damp wheel and let it work in according to the manufacturer instructions. If the wheel is heavily soiled, you might need to use a brush to agitate and loosen some of the dirt. Just make sure that the brush is made to be scratch free for your rims. Then just hose it all off making sure to get all the cleaner off the wheel before moving on to the next one. And here's a tip for you - when you spray the cleaner on the tire, go ahead and spray some inside the wheel well. It's one of the best ways to get rid of that caked on dirt and gunk.
When it comes to your wheels, take your time, do it right and use the right products and tools. Remember, the best way to take care of wheels without damaging their protective finish is by frequently cleaning them. But be careful with the automatic car washes. Some washes use acidic cleaners to remove dirt and grime. Others use stiff brushes for cleaning wheels and tires. Either process could harm your wheel's finish. If you are going to use an automatic wash, ask the employees or manager of the car wash about their equipment before entering.