Learn how to keep your wheels and tires clean and well-maintained for optimal safety, performance and of course, style.
Your vehicle’s wheels and tires take a lot of abuse during your daily commutes. Even those short trips to the grocery store might take you through a variety of damaging road conditions or bad weather, not to mention dirt, dust, grime and whatever that questionable garbage was that you accidentally ran over in the parking lot.
Much like a good pair of shoes, you want to take care of your wheels and tires so they can take care of you. Running a half marathon in frayed sneakers with zero support will leave you in a world of hurt when (if) you cross that finish line. Same goes for zipping down wet pavement on bald tires or pitted wheels.
Instituting a regular cleaning regime for your vehicle’s wheels and tires might sound like overkill, but it’s actually really simple -- and the benefits make it well worth the effort. All you need are a few basic tools and cleaning products, along with a fail-proof process and a little time carved out on the calendar.
While we can’t clear your schedule, we can take care of the rest. So, keep reading to learn how you can keep your wheels looking sharp and your tires performing at their best
More Than Just Good Looks
Regular wheel and tire cleaning doesn’t just give your vehicle a well-maintained look; it actually helps keep it well-maintained.
In addition to preventing corrosion and pitting on wheels, a good cleaning regime ensures your tires have better traction on the road. This is obviously a boon for safety, but it helps your performance too, by improving handling and rolling resistance.
Perhaps most importantly, when you’re up-close-and-personal with your vehicle’s wheels and tires, you get a front row seat to any potential issues that may be brewing – and a chance to address them before they become serious problems.
Addressing Wheel & Tire Issues
Before you grab your buckets and rags, check out this list of issues to watch out for when inspecting those wheels and tires.
Caused by flying bits of road debris, harsh brake dust, or the caustic road salt used during the winter, these small, shallow holes look like dimples on a wheel’s surface. Significantly less cute than actual dimples, they’ll eventually expand, rust, and rot if ignored. When addressed early, pitting can be removed.
Look for any visible bends, dents, or cracks in the wheels, as well as signs of rust or corrosion. Any of these issues can affect the wheel’s integrity and balance (not to mention its appearance).
Loose/Missing Lug Nuts. This probably goes without saying, but make sure all lug nuts are present and properly tightened. Otherwise, you could be facing a wobbly wheel – or worse, one that comes off while driving.
Tread Wear. As for tires, take a good look at the tread depth and take note of any uneven or irregular wear patterns, as this could indicate improper inflation or even suspension issues.
Examine tire sidewalls for any cracks, bulges, or blisters in the rubber. These indicate the rubber is starting to break down, and it’s time for new shoes.
It’s not uncommon for nails, screws, or other small sharp objects to become lodged in a tire. These can cause a slow leak and may eventually lead to a flat.
Products & Tools
As any gearhead will tell you, having the right tool for the job is key to success. That rule of thumb applies to cleaning and detailing gigs as well.
For example, certain wheels (like roughcast aluminum or chrome) can stand up to more abrasive cleaners, while other types (like anodized or painted) require a gentler touch. So, it’s very important to know what type of materials you’re working with, so you can be sure to match the right cleanser or polish.
Similarly, brushes and towels come in nearly every shape, size, color, and strength. Find something you’re comfortable with, but play it safe by starting your cleaning efforts with the gentlest option. You can always build up to something stronger if necessary.
Another thing to consider when selecting cleaners and tools is your environment. Where do you live? Where do you do most of your driving? These conditions often define the type of challenges you’re dealing with and therefore, which solutions to buy. Vehicle owners who live in the Northeast, for example, battle nasty long winters with freezing temps, wet snow, and harsh road salt. By comparison, drivers in the Southwest may have less corrosion problems, but the scorching heat and excessive dust and sand can cause its own problems.
Lastly, be sure to invest in a good brand. There are many cheap options on the parts shelf, as well as “amazing DIY hacks you gotta try!” Just remember, you apply those at your own risk. A poor-quality cleaner can cause oxidation, brown tires, or paint-eating splashes on the body of the vehicle. A tried-and-true brand usually has better outcomes, and likely comes with some sort of money-back guarantee in case of an issue.
Parts Via Recommends:
Microfiber towels. Softer and more effective at picking up dirt than regular old towels, microfiber cloths are less likely to leave lint or scratches behind. We like these extra thick microfiber wash mitts from Meguiar’s, since they provide good coverage over a large area but are still easy to use, since you wear it over your hand. This also allows for a firmer grip, so you gain better control and maneuverability.
Soft or stiff bristled, short or long handled, manual or power-drill operated – consumers really have major power-of-choice here. We recommend keeping a few different soft and stiff bristle brushes on hand, so you can properly clean intricate wheel designs and get into delicate corners and crevices, but also really agitate cleaners on your tires. Having at least one long-handled brush is good too, so you can get back into those grungy fender wells with ease.
Wheel Cleaner. Specially formulated to work on specific contaminants like brake dust, road grime, and stubborn dirt, these dedicated cleaners cut through build-up without damaging the finish of your wheels. We like Meguiar’s Hot Rims line for its highly-effective and clingy foam; Mothers Wheel and Tire Cleaner for its unique spray on/hose off design; WeatherTech TechCare for its eco-friendly formula; and Turtle Wax All Wheel and Tire Cleaner for its budget-friendly shine. Any one will give you a great result.
Tire Cleaner. Your tires will get a good base cleaning while you scrub down those wheels, but you may also want to consider a dedicated tire cleaner that will lift dirt and grime from the rubber surface. Hot Wheels Pro Tire Cleaner is easy to apply and helps make black walls black and white letters white.
Wheel Sealant, Wax, or Polish. While they all work a little differently, these products aim to provide a protective layer over your wheels, repelling water and contaminants while restoring shine. Mothers legendary Metal Polish has long been an industry favorite, but Turtle Wax offers an innovative spray-on ceramics solution and good old Armor All serves up an affordable and competent aerosol sealant as well.
Tire Shine. Applied after washing and drying the tires, a tire shine or tire dressing will provide a glossy finish, as well as some additional UV protection. We like to keep it in the family with Mothers Back-to-Black Tire Dressing for long-lasting results that look good as new. If you prefer foaming action over a spray, 303 Tire Coating and Protectant is a great option. For a uniform and streak-free application, use a foam pad.
How to Clean Wheels & Tires
Once your tools and products are assembled, grab some buckets (maybe a hose or pressure washer if those wheels and tires are extra gnarly), it’s time to get scrubbing.
Step 1: Prepare the area
Park the vehicle in a shaded or covered location, as direct sunlight or hot pavement might cause the cleaning products to dry too quickly. Similarly, make sure your wheels and tires are cool to the touch before you start.
Something else to consider is where your soap run-off will be going. If it might head straight into the neighbor’s yard or that one spot where the dog loves to snoop around, consider laying down a containment mat, some plastic sheeting, or DIYing something to redirect the run-off.
Note: If you are performing a total car wash, start with your wheels and tires to avoid overspray. Additionally, work one set at a time to prevent products from drying too quickly.
Step 2: Pre-Rinse
Give the wheel and tire a good rinse, either by hand or with a hose/low-pressure washer. The goal here is to remove any loose dirt, dust, and debris and help dislodge some of the more caked-on residue. If you’re doing the job by hand, make sure the rinse bucket is not also your cleaning bucket.
Step 3: Apply wheel cleaner
Apply your chosen wheel cleaner, using a generous amount per the manufacturer’s recommendations. Be sure to cover the entire area, including any spokes and hard-to-reach spots.
Pro Tip: Add a little cleaning solution (about 0.5-1.0 ounce) to your cleaning bucket. It will help keep brushes better lubricated and nice and foamy for scrubbing.
Step 4: Get scrubbing
Grab your brushes and start applying some elbow grease. Agitate the cleaner on the wheels, getting into the barrel, on the face, and around the lug nuts and valve stem.
Step 5: Clean tires
Apply your dedicated tire cleaner (or the all-purpose cleaner you’ve used on the wheels) to the tires, and using a stiffer-bristle brush start scrubbing the sidewalls and treads. Note that some tire cleaners and degreasers should actually be applied before cleaning the wheels, so they have ample time to break down dirt and old tire dressing. Check your product or consult the manufacturer to see if this is the case for you.
Step 6: Rinse thoroughly
Give the wheel and tire a good rinse to wash away loosened dirt, grime, and any chemical residue from the cleaner. Again, if you’re working by hand, make sure the water in your rinse bucket is fresh and clean – not the dirty stuff from earlier.
Step 7: Dry
Take a clean microfiber wash mitt or towel and thoroughly dry the wheel and tire. If you’re really passionate about cleaning and detailing, consider investing in an air blower to cut down on time (and laundry).
Step 8: Apply optional dressings
If you wish to add protection to your wheel or tire, now is the time for application. Start with your wheels, following manufacturer instructions to get an even application into the spokes and across the face. Move onto tires next, ensuring the coat covers the tread edge, sidewall, and wheel edge. Whatever products you choose, be sure to use the correct corresponding applicator and/or buffer, such as a foam pad or microfiber towel.
Step 9: Final Inspection
Give the wheel and tire combo a good once-over, running your finger along them to ensure there’s no residual grime, cleaner, or dressing. Touch up any missed spots as needed.