Wheels have come along way from the stone wheel of primitive man. Who knew the wheels development would lead to custom wheels that can be steel, spoke, shiny chrome, antiqued chrome, painted, or even powder coated. These custom wheels can cost up to $1500.00 each. When investing that much money into a product, it makes sense to clean and protect it.
They can make or break the overall appearance of a vehicle. Clean, shiny wheels dazzle the eye, giving the car a custom look. Wheels and tires become dirty much quicker than the rest of the car, so cleaning on a regular basis is a must. Most of the dust covering them comes from the brake pads, while the rest is dirt, tar, oil, and gunk from the roadway.
Cleaning custom wheels varies depending on what type of metal they are. Steel wheels need less cleaning than chrome wheels, but they all need a quality detergent, or cleaner. Use plenty of water for rinsing to prevent film or oxidation build up on the finish. Complete the process with a protective polish. Do not use harsh abrasives as they can damage the finish on the wheels.
Make sure the wheels and tires are cool before you start to clean them. It is a good idea to clean them in the shade. Some cleaners will have an adverse effect on the wheels if in the sun, or too hot.
The wheels should be cleaned one step at a time. First, clean the rim wheel using a brush if necessary to get between the spokes or hard to reach spaces. Next, clean the tires, coat with a polish and protective coating. This gives them a brand new finish, also protecting from cracking and drying out the rubber. Once the tires are complete, begin polishing the wheel with a product that is suitable for the finish. Check the manufacturer for a recommendation of the appropriate polish to complement steel, chrome, or paint.