Wheels and tires are at a high risk of damage because of the physical wear and tear they experience. Dirt build-up, weathering, damage to the barrels, oxidation, brake debris, encrusted salt, and even embedded flecks of road paint are all common issues detailers encounter. Follow these simple steps to keep your wheels and tires clean and protected for the road ahead.
Due to their position, tires and wheel wells get dirty quickly and often, So we’ll go through some advanced cleaning techniques for these areas before talking about protecting them. Wheels are usually particularly susceptible to rust, though this depends on their material type. They are also often overlooked for care because of the difficulty to clean – but they shouldn’t be!
Wheels can be eaten through completely by rust. To prevent this, treating oxidation in the wheel well will be our first step. If you have oxidation in your wheel well, apply a low-grade rust-eating acid like Fireball’s Iron Burn. Acids like this eat oxidation off of metal surfaces, removing rust and preventing further oxidation spread, while leaving the metal underneath unharmed. Iron Burn will also eat away industrial fallout, dirt, minor debris, and grime. Apply to all affected areas. Make sure to thoroughly rinse away the acid before proceeding to the next step.
Now that we’ve eaten through the tougher contaminants, let’s make sure the wheels are completely clean. We recommend keeping a bucket and foam cannon on hand, so you can blanket your wheel’s spokes and barrel in a layer of foaming shampoo. Since wheels tend to pile up with contaminants, we suggest using a mildly acidic shampoo, like Fireball’s PH3. Hand clean the spokes and barrel with a wash mitt or a brush. Being mildly abrasive during your cleaning will work together with the acidic shampoo to make sure every little bit of grime is removed.
After this process, dry the wheels with compressed air and a nice plush towel. If you plan on washing the whole vehicle, you should give the tires an extra rinse and assess your next step in the washing process. We have a full guide to washing your vehicle here.
When selecting a tire cleaner, pay attention to the PH level in the solutions. A solution that’s too acidic may damage the rubber you’re trying to clean. If this is a concern for you, check out our Wheel & Tire cleaner. The PH level in this cleaner is designed to be compatible with all makes and models.
Remember, when you apply your chosen cleaner, spray a generous amount directly onto the tire wall and wheel. After waiting an appropriate amount of time, wash the cleaner away with water. If you have a particularly difficult job ahead, or a job with specific requirements, it may be worth adding a few products like Wheel++, Iron Burn or Tar Remover to your detailing arsenal. For most jobs, a simple degreaser will do the trick.
Finally, a spray-on layer of silica protection can give your tires a nice, subtle layer of protection. This coating will also repel water, dirt and mud, helping keep your tire dry and making future cleanings much easier. Simply spray the protective coat on, allow one to three minutes of activation time, and then wipe off with a towel. We’d recommend Fireball’s Easy Coat lineup for a low-cost entry point into tire protection.
At this point, give the tire a final rinse and dry. Now your tire is protected, you’re all set!
