Tips for Cleaning Your Wheels
Spring is in the air, and with it the urge to get some spring cleaning done. Whether you start in the house, the garage, or the yard, eventually it’s going to come time to get the car in ship-shape. While you probably know the basics of car washing, today we’re going to focus in on an important area we think is sometimes lacking from the average car washer’s repertoire: getting those wheels cleaned! Today we’ll give you tips for cleaning your wheels so that your car can be squeaky clean all over!
Now, if you’re looking for advice on how to clean your wheels, chances are that means it’s been a while and you’ve got some build-up going on. In particular, a ruddy-looking substance called brake dust can really cake on there. You’ll want to go out and purchase a wheel cleaner that you can spray and let work its magic in breaking down some of that grime before you get to scrubbing. Most newer wheels will be aluminum with a clearcoat finish so make sure the solution you get is labeled “clearcoat safe.”
When it’s time to scrub, make sure you have a variety of brushes in different sizes so you can get to those tiny hard-to-reach areas as well as the larger surfaces. Some of the chemicals in the wheel cleaner could be harsh on your skin, so make sure to wear gloves when getting up close with the cleaning materials. You’ll also want to give your tires a wash at this point – some cleaners are good for both wheels and tires, but the more heavy-duty wheel cleaners will require you to use a second soap for the tires.
Now, it’s time to rinse. If you’ve got a pressure washer, great. Otherwise just use a hose attachment and spray them down thoroughly. Residual cleaning product left to dry and sit over time could prove corrosive, so take the rinsing part seriously.
Finally, you’ll use a clean microfiber towel or cloth to carefully dry the wheel. If you like, you can also apply a sealant here for a little extra and longer lasting shine and protection. Questions? Stop in or give us a call!
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