Cleaning your wheels and tires regularly is not just an appearance issue - it's preventative maintenance!
If you allow brake dust to sit on your wheels for a prolonged period of time, it can eat into the coating (if there is one) and pit the metal. Brake dust is made of an adhesive and carbon fibers that come off the brake pad and tiny metal shavings from the rotor. The intense heat and friction generated by the wheels makes this mixture highly corrosive. Because you probably drive every day, more brake dust is constantly being made. Frequent cleaning is the only way to keep your wheels safe. A good start is the Wolfgang Tire & Wheel Kit! Check out our Tire & Wheel Care Page for more excellent tire and wheel products.
Start at the bottom
When you wash your vehicle, clean the wheels and tires first. This will prevent overspray or grime from splashing onto already-clean panels. If you like to clean your wheels and tires with soap and water, use a separate wash and rinse bucket and soft bristle brush.
Choose a cleaner that is appropriate for the type of wheels you have. Roughcast aluminum and chrome can withstand stronger cleaners than coated, painted, or anodized wheels. But using an overly aggressive cleaner can spot wheels. To be on the safe side, use a water-based cleaner on all types of wheels. Wolfgang Tire & Wheel Cleaner is a gel formula that clings to both the tire and the wheel surface to penetrate below the surface. It loosens brake dust that has crept into tiny holes in the metal and into the pores of the rubber. A little agitation with a brush will allow Wolfgang to work even better. You'd be surprised how many tire and wheel brushes are out there. You want a brush with feathered bristles for the wheels. This will prevent scratching. The Daytona Speed Master Wheel Brush is a great option. Tires require a stiffer brush to really scrub the rubber. Don't be afraid to put a little elbow grease into it, particularly if your tires have layers of old dressings on them. These layers will turn brown and make your tires look worn out if you don't scrub them off.
Always clean your tires and wheels one set at a time to prevent the cleaner from drying. Wash and then rinse with a strong jet of water before moving to the next tire.
Don't forget to dry your wheels! Use a Cobra Microfiber All Purpose Towel or a terry cloth towel, but not one that you plan to use on any other part of your vehicle. Once a towel is used on the tires or wheels, it should always be used for tires and wheels. Drying prevents water spots and helps you remove every last bit of the brake dust.
Dress for Success
Choose your tire dressing carefully. Old formulas contain silicone, which produces a glossy shine but it turns brown over time. These dressings deplete the rubber's own protectants faster, causing it to age prematurely. Newer formulas, like Wolfgang Black Diamond Tire Gel, are water-based and therefore less slick and sticky. They create the look of new tires with a semi-gloss sheen that doesn't turn brown.
You can often layer water-based dressings to get a glossier shine. Follow the directions on the label carefully. Always apply thin coats and allow drying time before you drive your vehicle. Even the best dressing will sling off if it's on too thick or it doesn't have time to dry.
Dressings provide UV protection and prevent drying, cracking and fading. With a little TLC, your vehicle's wheels and tires will look as sharp as the rest of your vehicle!
Finish off the tires with a satiny coat of Wolfgang Black Diamond Tire Gel.
Highly recommend the one place for THE best car care products! I have used a lot of different products over the years and Wolfgang products are the best. There is truth in advertising with this company. The video (and written) how-to instructions are awesome! No doubts about the right way to do it. I'm hooked on these products and this company!
