How To Care For Your Alloy Wheels

After rescuing some wheels recently, I was shocked to hear how they came about to be in such disrepair. Some of the horror stories told included people cleaning their beautiful wheels with stainless steel cleaner, oven cleaner and having only washed their car twice in the year that they have owned it. Shocked by this, I thought it was time I did the research for you and propose some of the best ways to care for your wheels. Please see our simple tips for maintaining your beautiful alloy wheels. You’re welcome.

Simple Tips for Cleaning Alloy Wheels:

1. First of all, the most important thing is to wash your wheels regularly. Once a week or fortnight is recommended depending on how often you use your vehicle. Regular cleaning will prevent the build up of unsightly road grime and brake dust and will reduce the chance of these elements becoming ‘baked’ onto the rim which can start the nasty process of ‘galvanic corrosion’, which will set in and ruin the finished look of the wheels.
2. Only wash your wheels when they are cool. Trying to clean your wheels when they are hot is much harder to do and you may run the risk of warping your disk brake rotors if they are cooled rapidly with water. It is best to wash the wheels prior to driving your car.
3. Do not use abrasive or scouring sponges. A soft sponge, sheep skin wash mitt, micro fibre towels, and specialised detailing brushes are recommended.
4. Use only soap and water to clean your wheels. Yes you heard correctly; No more expensive cleaners required! You only need water and soap to achieve the best clean. A mild detergent or non-acidic car wash can also be used to wash your wheels.
5. Refrain from using chemical cleaners. You must be very careful when using chemical wheel cleaners. Many chemical wheel cleaners contain corrosive or acidic substances which help remove break dust build up and other road grime but these can attack and damage the clear coat finish and paint on the wheel causing clouding, discolouration or even removal of the protective clear coat. There are some good cleaners out there but please read the label thoroughly.

Using these five simple tips together, you should be able to maintain the fantastic look of your rims.

If you want to do a professional clean or detail on your wheels there are numerous videos out there showing how it’s done.