Cleaning the wheels of your car should be a regular part of your car maintenance ritual. Remember that wheels require additional protection and care since they are more directly exposed to pressure, heat and dirt than other parts of the vehicle, especially if you’re driving a heavy vehicle with powerful mickey thompson wheels. You can create a basic cleaning kit for your wheels that include the following:
- A pressure washer or water hose
- A soft-fibred or microfiber cleaning cloth or towel
- A soft-bristled cleaning brush
- Mild dishwashing detergent or shampoo
- Non-abrasive cleaning pads or wash mitts
- Wheel sealant or wax
Cleaning plain, polished wheels
One of the best ways to protect your wheels and give them a clean appearance is to have them polished regularly. Unlike chrome or painted wheels, plain polished wheels are more exposed to the elements and wear and tear; hence, they require extra care to extend their quality and useful life.
Applying a sealant or wax regularly on black steel wheels can help to minimize any small damage that occurs from time to time. Avoid using cleaning cloths or towels with rough or hard fibres as these could damage the surface and erode the material. Choose any cleaning agents carefully by reading the ingredients carefully and only choose cleaners that do not contain any harsh acids.
Caring for painted wheels
If you’re going for painted or machined wheels as a low-cost alternative, always remember to ask the retailer for wheels that have a protective coating over the regular paint. This is usually in clear paint which adds a smooth, shiny finish to the surface and makes it look attractive. To avoid eroding this protective coating, always clean the wheels with a non-abrasive cloth or towel to avoid scratches.
If there are stubborn stains on the wheel, then wash them off with a soft brush and soap water or any cleaning liquid that does not contain strong acids. Dry the wheels immediately to avoid any reaction between the water and soap chemicals. Waxing is also necessary to fill in any scratches on the protective coating.
Cleaning chrome wheels
Chrome wheels are extremely popular because of their affordability and the sheen that they add to the overall look of your vehicle. Therefore, it is very important that you take proper care of these wheels so that they maintain their shine and quality over time.
For regular cleaning, use a dry, soft cloth to wipe off dust and soft dirt. For hardened dirt, you can also use a soft-bristled brush dipped in mild soapy water. Once the dirt has been cleaned away, dry the surface immediately with a dry, clean towel to avoid any soap deposits. In snowy weather, driving on de-iced roads can scratch the surface which should be treated with non-abrasive polished.
Additional wheel cleaning tips
Follow these tips to get the best results from your wheel cleaning regimen:
- Always begin cleaning the wheels when they are at room temperature.
- Start washing the wheel from the outside moving deeper into the narrow inner crevices.
- Apply a sealant after every wash.
- Replace the protective coating every 2-3 months.
