How to Clean Car Wheels, Step by Step

When most people think about detailing the exterior of their car, they focus on getting the paint looking like-new and the windows smudge-free. But there’s one part of your car that often gets overlooked: the wheels. If you’ve ever wondered why your freshly washed ride still looks a little “meh,” chances are your wheels are the culprit. But don’t worry – cleaning your wheels isn’t rocket science. In fact, it’s one of the most satisfying parts of detailing your car. Toyota of Orlando is “Making It Simple™”! Check out our step-by-step guide on how to clean car wheels and the products you should shop.

Why Should You Know How to Clean Car Wheels? 

Your car wheels are like your ride’s shoes – they’re hit the hardest with road dirt, brake dust, and general grime. It’s important to routinely clean them, and here’s why:

Your wheels are like the shoes of your car—they take the brunt of the road’s dirt, grime, and brake dust. Here’s why you shouldn’t skip them:

• Brake Dust: Brake dust can build up as you use your car. Every time you brake, tiny metal particles from your brake pads stick to your wheels. If you don’t clean your car wheels, the brake dust can corrode the finish and eventually damage your wheel (not a cheap repair).
• Safety: Excessive grime and dirt can hide cracks and other damage on your wheels. This can cause problems down the road – you need to be able to see any damage to address it.
• Resale value: Regularly cleaning your car wheels prevents corrosion, staining, and other damage. This helps keep your car’s value high for when you’re ready to sell.
• Curb appeal: Dirty wheels make your car look dated, old, and low-quality. Learn how to clean car wheels to keep your car looking fresh and new.

What Supplies Do You Need for Cleaning Car Wheels?

Before you get started, you should shop for supplies at our Orlando Toyota parts store. Here’s what you’ll need for proper cleaning:

• Wheel Cleaner: Choose a product designed for your type of wheels (alloy, chrome, painted, etc.). If you’re not sure which is right, ask the parts counter at Toyota of Orlando to help.
• Wheel Brush: You’ll need a soft-bristled brush to get into tight spots without scratching your wheels.
• Microfiber Towels: You’ll need these for drying and buffing, just like your car paint.
• Bucket of Water: These are for rinsing your brush and wheels.
• Hose or Pressure Washer: You’ll need this to rinse off dirt and cleaner.

And it never hurts to have tire cleaner and tire shine for that finishing touch.

Step-by-Step: How to Clean Car Wheels

1. Start with the wheels.

When detailing the exterior of your Orlando Toyota, start with the wheels before washing the rest of the car. Your wheels are likely the dirtiest part, and you don’t want to splash grime on your clean paint. Here’s a word to the wise, too – don’t use harsh household cleaners or degreasers. This can actually do more harm than good and damage your wheels.

2. Rinse them thoroughly. 

Use a hose or pressure washer to blast away loose dirt and brake dust. This step will help prevent scratching when you start scrubbing your wheels.

3. Use the wheel cleaner.

Spray wheel cleaner generously all over the wheel. This means the face, the spokes, and the lug nuts. Follow the instructions on the bottle, which generally advise you to leave the spray to sit for a few minutes. Don’t let it dry, though!

4. Scrub with a wheel brush.

Dip your wheel brush into a bucket of clean water and then scrub, focusing on:

• The face of the wheel
• Between the spokes
• Around the lug nuts
• The inner barrel (as far as you can reach)

If your wheels are excessively dirty, repeat this step.

5. Rinse again.

Rinse your wheels thoroughly – remove all the cleaner and loosened dirt and grime. Make sure your wheels are sparkling – dirt residue left on the wheel can attract more dirt.

6. Dry with a microfiber towel.

Prevent water spots by drying your car wheels. Use a clean, dry microfiber towel and then throw it in the washer – don’t use the same towel on your car paint.

7.  Shine the tires.

Want your tires to pop and look like new? Spray on a tire shine product to make them look straight out of the showroom.

 

How to Keep Your Car Wheels in Top Shape

Now you know how to clean your car wheels – let’s talk about how to keep them in the best shape possible. Here are our Orlando Toyota tips:

• Clean your wheels everytime you detail your car’s exterior.
• Always let your wheels cool down after driving before cleaning them. Cleaning hot wheels can cause the cleaner to dry more quickly and cause damage.
• Use separate towels and sponges for wheels and paint to avoid scratches.
• Protect your wheels in between detailing with a wheel sealant or wax. This will help repel brake dust and make cleaning easier in the future.

Get More Tips on How to Clean Car Wheels from Toyota of Orlando

There you have it – you know how to learn car wheels, how to protect them in between detailing, and the products you should use. Ready to shop for detailing supplies or need more tips? Visit Toyota of Orlando today! We’re just off I-4 near the Mall at Millenia at 3575 Vineland Road.

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