Irrespective of where you are generally driving your car, in the city or through the muddy and difficult roads, the first thing that is subjected to be dirty is your wheels and tires. It is why cleaning wheels is a must for any and every car wash project.
Owners who fail to steer their attention to the upkeep of wheels end up spending a lot of money in the long run, which would have been avoided with good cleaning practices.
Now, when it comes to car cleaning, the wheels might get a quick rinse at the same time as paintwork, but then they are ignored once more until the next car wash.
We can present supporting stats here. Did you know almost 66% of car owners who live in the U.S. will get their vehicle washed anywhere from one to two times every month?
While you do not have to consider a car wash twice a month, make sure to focus on your wheels and tires too every time you visit a car wash.
Essentials Of A Car Wash: What Is Brake Dust?
Brake dust may be by far the worst enemy of the wheels. Simply put, it is a combination of small particles of iron that are combined with other particles from brake pads and rotors. The brake dust is produced when the brakes are applied, spreading itself onto metallic components like wheels. Ask any reputed car cleaning service, and they will all speak of the importance of brake dust cleaning.
Car wash 101: Steps To Clean Your Car Wheels
If the brake dust particles stay on the car for a long time, they will negatively impact the coating of the metal polish. This is one of many reasons why you should strongly consider cleaning your car wheels.
Car cleaning at home is a good idea, too. Here are some of the steps you need to know to do it at home:
Step 1:
The initial step is to get yourself acquainted with ideal products to be able to clean efficiently and effectively. Some of the tools are specifically there for wheel and tire cleaning, but if you can’t find them locally, a microfiber towel and a long-handled brush will enable a good clean without breaking the bank.
Here are some of the products for car wash from home:
1. A pressure washer or garden hose
2. A bucket
3. A biodegradable degreaser or all-purpose cleaner
4. A specific tire and rubber cleaner (optional – if you don’t have access to this product, the all-purpose cleaner or degreaser will work)
5. A small amount of car wash product (whatever you use on the paint is fine)
6. Tyre Shine and foam applicator (optional)
7. A selection of wheel brushes or a microfibre towel to agitate the cleaners
8. Protective gloves and safety glasses
9. Wheel cleaner
Step 2:
Now, you have all the equipment ready to go for car service cleaning. It is your time to get started with cleaning. Make sure the wheels you are considering cleaning are cool to the touch, as warm wheels will enhance the possibility of the wheel cleaner and degreaser drying, which can damage the surface of your wheels.
Go ahead and grab the wheel brush, gloves, and safety glasses before using any chemicals.
Firstly, before you apply any products, rinse the wheels and arches down with the pressure washer or a garden hose to eliminate any loose dirt and debris. It will assist in minimizing any scratching when it is time to agitate with the brushes and microfibre towels.
If you are satisfied with the rinse, it is time to crack out the degreaser or all-purpose cleaner and spray it liberally into the wheel arch. Consider making sure to cover as much as you can, including the mud flaps.
Allow the degreaser to dwell for a few moments to enable it to start breaking down the dirt and grime. It is the perfect time to clean the tires! Spray the tire and rubber cleaner or degreaser onto the tire and scrub with a brush. You will notice the foam created will turn brown as the cleaner eliminates old tyre shine and accumulated dirt.
As soon as you are happy that you have cleaned as much as you can, go ahead and grab a hose to run off the arches and tires to eliminate any extra products. You can even use the wheel cleaning brush.
Step 3:
Wheel cleaning is just as important as interior car cleaning. On step 3, it is all about the wheels. Get your car wheel cleaning brush, spray the cleaner liberally onto the face and the barrels of the wheels, and allow it to be there for 30 seconds or so till you notice any kind of color change.
A lot of wheel cleaners will turn a shade of purple based on how much dirt is there on the wheels. As soon as that happens, grab a wheel-washing car brush, gently clean the faces of the wheels, and then move on the barrels.
It might be challenging to get all of the barrel if you have large brake calipers, so moving the vehicle slightly allows you more access to the car wash wheel brush.
Step 4:
Since the wheels and arches are tidy, now it is time to dress the tires. Every reputed mobile car mechanic Perth agrees that it is best to avoid cheap products as they may contain silicone, which is known to dry out the cracked rubber over time, and sling all over the paintwork.
Cleaning your wheels and tires is one of the most efficient ways to keep your car looking absolutely spectacular.
Wrapping Up
So, there you have it: everything you need to know on how to clean your car wheels. If any of these seem like something that can be overwhelming, you can always seek assurance from a mobile auto mechanic. Since doing home car-wash by yourself might not have the perfection of a professional, it is imperative to seek expert assistance at the top mechanic shop.
Consider doing deep and careful research to find the best car workshop Perth option for you, and rest assured your car will always come out of the maintenance as brand new.
Also Read: Mobile Fleet Maintenance Perth: Everything You Should Know
