How to clean tires and wheels

Want to keep your tires and wheels looking good for the life of your car? According to Steve Balfe, technology manager at Black Magic, you should follow some basic guides to prevent damage and provide long-lasting protection.

"You've got to be careful with what types of tools and products you use," Balfe said. "Otherwise, you could ruin a nice looking wheel in a hurry."

Avoid typical household products—dish pads, steel wool, dish sponges, liquid detergents, laundry detergent. They can permanently scratch surfaces. Also, don't just wipe dirty wheels with a cloth or paper towel.

"That's like rubbing your wheel with a piece of sandpaper," Balfe said.

He suggested the following steps for keeping your tires and wheels looking like new:

1. Wear eye protection. This is especially important when splashing about with cleaners and hoses.

    

2. Hose off surfaces. Remove loose mud, dirt and dust. Make sure your tires and wheels are cool to the touch before proceeding to the following steps.

    

3. Brush or wipe tires. Avoid household detergents that can leach oils, antiozonants and wax from the rubber. You may use soapy water (an auto wash solution) and a brush to remove grime from sidewalls. Or you may want to purchase a cleaning product specifically designed for tires. When using tire cleaners, avoid overspray to wheel.

   Safety tip: Check air pressure any time you are cleaning the tires. This helps extend the tire life, improve steering and increase reliability.

    

4. Clean wheels / polish wheels. Use wheel-specific cleaners that remove tough contaminants such as brake dust but do not harm wheels. Apply with a wash mitt or soft brush—not tools that have metal bristles.

   Clean one wheel at a time. Don't allow cleaners to dry or remain on the wheels longer than stated in the instructions.

   Do you need to polish? Consider a wheel polishing product if you see scratches and heavy deposits.

   Remember, not all wheel cleaners and polishers are created equal. Some products are made for all wheels. Other products are designed for specific types of wheels or specific problems such as brake dust or heavy grime accumulation. You can dull and stain your wheel by using the wrong cleaner. If you don't know your wheel type, check with the owner's manual or contact the manufacturer.

    

5. Protect wheels. You may use the same wax on your wheels that you apply to the car's painted surfaces. It brings out the metallic shine and makes cleaning easier the next time around.

    

6. Dress tires. This step helps your tires look good and stay healthy between washes. Some tire cleaners contain protection against sun's ultra violet rays and bring out the tire's natural black sheen. They may also include agents to prevent tire cracking.

   A note of caution: Tire dressings may dribble off and permanently stain cement or foul the water table. Rather than spraying directly on tires, apply the solution to a cloth and wipe the sidewall thoroughly.

    

"A good formulated dressing helps provide a layer of protection on the surface, keep the rubber pliable and prevent sidewall cracking," Balfe said.