Turn Drab into Sparkling For Eye-Catching Summer Wheels

Like so many things we tend to neglect during the winter, such as our workout routine, certain parts of your car's exterior also receive less attention, such as your car’s wheels.

Given proper care, you can turn wheels and tires from drabby to gleaming.

Often the most neglected part of your car, the wheels and its wheel wells, tend to not get as much attention as the rest of your car when it comes to cleaning. But just as the rest of your car’s exterior, wheels accumulate dirt, mud and debris quite easily whether you’re a road warrior or a 9-5 weekly commuter.

“Oftentimes people overlook cleaning their wheels or use the wrong product. Using the appropriate wheel cleaner that is designed to remove brake dust and road grime will help keep your wheels looking like new,” says Mike Pennington from Meguiar’s.

Brake dust and dirt can accumulate on your car's wheels surprisingly quickly. Within a short span of time, such as a few days or even just a single drive, brake dust particles and dirt start to build up and adhere to wheel surfaces.

Because this can happen quickly, regular wheel cleaning is important.

“Cleaning your wheels regularly with the right products and accessories to remove brake dust, road grime will always make the process easier, faster and will keep your wheels looking newer longer,” says Pennington.

So what exactly builds up on your vehicle’s wheels that makes them so grimy and dirty? It’s a combination of the following:

• Brake Dust: Brake dust is a common culprit for dirty wheels. It consists of tiny metallic particles that are generated as the brake pads wear down. When you apply the brakes, the dust gets deposited on the wheels, creating a grimy and dull appearance over time.

As brake pads wear down, microscopic particles flake off and cling to whatever they touch. That dust is especially corrosive to a wheel's finish and can cause permanent pitting and staining.

• Road Grime and Dirt: Driving on roads, especially in urban or dusty areas, exposes your wheels to various contaminants like dirt, mud, tar, and road grime. These substances can accumulate on the wheels, making them look dirty and dull.
• Environmental Factors: Exposure to harsh weather conditions such as rain, snow, salt, and chemicals on the roads can contribute to wheel dirtiness. Rainwater can mix with road pollutants and splatter onto the wheels, leaving behind a dirty residue.
• Improper Cleaning Techniques: Using improper cleaning techniques or products can also contribute to dull and dirty wheels. For example, using abrasive brushes or harsh chemicals that are not suitable for wheel cleaning can damage the wheel finish or leave residues, making them look dull.
• Corrosion or Oxidation: Over time, wheels made of materials like steel or alloy can develop corrosion or oxidation. This leads to a dull and pitted appearance on the wheel surface, making them look dirty and worn out.
• Lack of Wheel Protection: Applying a protective coating, such as wheel wax or sealant, can help minimize dirt buildup and protect the wheel finish. If wheels are left unprotected, they are more prone to accumulating dirt, brake dust, and other contaminants, leading to a dull appearance.

While you might be looking for ways to get that summer glow back, let your car’s wheels achieve that same summer glow as well with these car care tips for your wheels.  Pennington suggests these six tips for cleaning car wheels that have been neglected:

1. Always work on a wheel that is cool to the touch for the best / safest results.
2. Choose the right wheel cleaner for your specific type of wheel for the best cleaning experience.

“Look for a product that is formulated for your specific wheel surface; such as chrome, factory-coated, aluminum or black. If you're unsure, use an all-wheel cleaner that is safe for any wheel surface,” Pennington says.

1. A good set of wheel brushes can also be a great investment to help make wheel cleaning easier.  A narrow barrel brush, a wheel face brush and even a lug nut brush come in handy.
2. A pressure washer can also be advantageous for cleaning wheels.
3. Cleaning your wheels regularly with the right products and accessories to remove brake dust, road grime etc., will always make the process easier, faster and will keep your wheels looking newer longer.
4. Use a tire dressing to make those clean wheels stand out even more. Tire dressing gives a glossy or matte border to shiny wheels.
5. Apply a coating of protection.

“Once your wheels are clean you can always apply a protective layer of carnauba wax, polymer or ceramic based product,” Pennington says. “This will help the brake dust and road debris release easier when cleaning your wheels. In addition, frequent cleaning will also make it easier to remove the particles that have accumulated on the wheels before they have a chance to bond or etch.”

1. Get into the habit of washing your wheels and tires whenever you wash your car. This helps prevent staining and damage from corrosive brake dust.
2. Brushes, clothes and buckets used for cleaning wheels should not be used for cleaning other areas of your vehicle. Corrosive contaminants can damage surfaces.