Your vehicle wheels and tires struggle daily against a silent enemy. Oil, tar, brake dust and road grime slowly strip away their natural beauty.
Neglect leads to corrosion and degrades your vehicle’s resale value.
“Regular wheel and tire cleaning helps prevent permanent damage,” says Jim Dvorak of Mother’s car care products. “Remove wheel grime regularly before corrosion makes the cleaning process more difficult and requires professional help.”
Dvorak heeds his own advice through regular wheel and tire cleaning. After cleaning, he adds a layer of protection by applying spray wax or ceramic-based wax.
The tires on Dvorak’s vehicles also get some one-on-one attention. Dirt, grime, brake dust and road salt accumulate on sidewalls and gradually break down the rubber. Also, sunlight exposure causes the rubber to dry out and crack.
“A tire dressing can help improve the appearance of a tire sidewall, but it can also protect your expensive tires from drying out and cracking from sun, heat and UV,” Dvorak said.
Dvorak urges drivers to use the right cleaning products and tools. Avoid harsh cleaners that strip away protective coatings and leave permanent stains on alloy wheels. Use a soft brush as abrasive bristles scrape off tire dressings and leave scuffs on painted or chrome surfaces.
Do you own wheels with intricate designs? Dvorak recommends cleaning tools that can navigate tight spaces without scratching or damaging the finish.
“Microfiber wands clean gently without scratching,” Dvorak said. “They are available in various sizes to reach between spokes, center cap and lug holes for a thorough cleaning.
“They also reach the caliper and the barrel, so you can clean the back of the wheel.”
For Dvorak, a good rule of thumb is cleaning and dressing wheels and tires every two to four weeks depending on conditions. Clean more frequently if you live in regions with frequent winter and summer storms.
“Monthly makes sense for most drivers so you also can check tire air pressure and tread wear," Dvorak says.
Dvorak had the following tips for keeping your vehicle’s rims and tires looking their best:
- Remove road grime from wheels and tires at least once a month, more frequently if you live in regions with frequent storms.
- Always follow instructions on cleaning products for best results. Some products require surfaces to be dry before cleaning and others require you to clean and rinse one wheel or tire at a time. Dvorak adds a note of caution: There are many different types of wheel designs and wheel alloys. Check auto or wheel manufacturer's recommendations before cleaning wheels.
- Steer clear of tire shine products that contain petroleum distillates, which can dry out tire rubber.
- Add a layer of protection to wheels. Dvorak recommends a spray or ceramic wax for easy application.
- Apply a tire dressing to preserve the tire's deep black finish and help protect rubber from the sun’s UV rays, which leads to drying and cracking.
- Check tire pressure and tread wear every time you clean wheels. Tires lose about 1-2 PSI per month.