| Lots of people have asked me, "How do I clean my wheels?" This is a great question. It always seems easier getting the rest of the vehicle clean, but those wheels, with some hard to get to nooks and crannies, seem a lot harder. | Avoid Hard Scrubbing – is my first bit of advice. Every week during your regular car wash, pay a little special attention to your wheels. The longer you wait, the more elbow grease you’ll need to get your wheels clean.
|  A soft brush and some car soap will loosen the dirt that builds up during a week on the road. |
You can keep your wheels beautiful and easier to clean by using a wheel wax. Wheels tend to be brighter and much easier to clean when they’re waxed. As a general rule, you should never attempt to clean a wheel that’s hot. Allow the wheel to cool down or help it along with a cold-water stream. Wheel Types and Care
There are several types of wheels on the market. Each has its advantages and each requires a specific type of care. Chrome – these aluminum or steel wheels are coated with a thin but very strong chrome finish. When they are clean and well cared for, chrome wheels shine like crazy and provide lots of curb appeal. Salt build up can eat chrome so a weekly winter wash will protect them. Water and cleaners that are allowed to dry will cause water spots, so it’s important to dry chrome wheels after washing. |
| |  No wheel responds to a good polish and some elbow grease like chrome. |
Polished Aluminum Alloy – these wheels are aluminum and magnesium (lighter weight) and are normally polished to a high shine. While these wheels will likely never get the same brilliant shine as chrome, when well cared for they can come very close.
|  Like chrome these wheels are susceptible to road contaminants, especially salt. |
Using a soft brush, special cleaning solvents that work like acid can remove built up dirt. The wheels need to be done one at a time and rinsed thoroughly thereafter. A buffing wheel attached to a drill can take the tough work out of using wheel polish. An all-natural bees wax can provide protection especially during the harsh winter months. Painted Steel – these wheels are very common and are painted like vehicle panels. A clear coat serves to protect the wheel and provide a decent shine. Car wash soap and a soft brush will remove most dirt and brake dust and these wheels respond well to a good wheel wax. Stop by anytime for a Free PitStop where we will check and top off your fluids and perform an assessment of your wheels. |
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