Get Clean Wheels All Winter Long

Who would wash their wheels in the winter only to see them get dirty within a few days?

Adam Bateman of Wizard Products would. The Minnesota-based car care expert has some insights about why it’s important to keep those wheels clean all winter long.

“Keeping your wheels clean is about making sure rust and corrosion don’t set in. The bonus is when nice weather sets in you don’t have to work as hard to get the shine back,” he said.

Just like a paint job, a layer of wheel protectant or traditional wax provides a shield of sorts for wheels. Such protection takes on added significance in the winter. Salts, acids and chemicals used to clear snow and ice of roadways are extremely caustic to a wheel’s finishes, Bateman said.

Bateman suggests cleaning the wheels twice a month – or as often as you wash the exterior -- especially if you live in an area that is snowy and icy. He offers the following tips and reasons for keeping wheels clean in the winter:

-Chemicals used to remove ice and snow from roadways are extremely caustic and will damage a wheel’s finish.

-A layer of polish or traditional auto wax provides protection against filthy winter roads.

-Clean your wheels every other week, especially if you live in snow. At a minimum clean wheels every time you wash the vehicle exterior.

-Chose a cleaner that is acid-free. A general rule: If it is safe to use on vehicle paint, it is safe to use on wheels.