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Cleaning your wheels regularly prevents corrosion and brake dust buildup that can damage and discolor your wheels. Follow the steps below to keep your wheels looking their best.

Important Note: Never clean hot wheels! Wait until your wheels cool down to prevent damage from rapid temperature change and to keep the cleaning agents from burning and staining your wheels.

It’s recommended to wash your tires before your wheels. This keeps any dirt or water spots from ruining your hard work.

Prepare two wash buckets. Use one bucket to clean the wheel and the other to rinse it. Using the same bucket essentially undoes all your hard work. Wheel finishes are like paint job finishes, they can be safely cleaned by a mild detergent or cleaner specifically designed for automotive use. As with tire cleaners, stay away from products with formaldehyde and petroleum based products as they can strip the clear coat from the wheel.

Clean each wheel separately from start to finish. Spray the tires with water before applying the wheel cleaner. Let the cleaning solution sit – but not dry - on the wheel to fully saturate into the dirt and brake dust.

Only wash the wheel while its wet so you don’t scratch the finish. Use a soft brush (a different brush than the one used to clean the tires), soft towel or sponge to gently clean the wheel. Don’t forget to get between the spokes and around the lug nuts. You can use a tooth brush or lug nut brush to clean inside the lug nut holes.

After you finish cleaning the wheel (and again, before it’s dry), rinse the wheel with clean water. Use a dry cloth, we recommend microfiber, to dry the wheel and prevent any hard water spots from forming.

3-4 times a year (time it with the change of seasons) add some protection and shine to you wheels by waxing them. Most wheel waxes come as creams or sprays that should be gently applied to the wheel surface with a clean towel, hand mitt, or foam pad. Follow the directions to keep from over applying the wax.

Chrome Wheels -

• Chrome wheels should be washed more frequently. Chrome plating is more vulnerable to damage and corrosion from brake dust.
• Clean one wheel to completion at a time
• Thoroughly spray the wheel and wheel well with water.
• Pick a chrome specific wheel cleaner. They contain extra protectants against rust and oxidation.
• Always use a soft brush or soft cloth to clean  the wheel. Rinse the brush well.
• Rinse the wheel completely, then dry using a clean microfiber towel.

Aluminum Wheels

• Aluminum is a softer compound and more prone to scratches. Take care when cleaning polished aluminum wheels.
• Wash one wheel to completion at a time.
• Spray the wheel and wheel well thoroughly.
• Use a wheel cleaner specifcally made for aluminum that is non-acidic.
• Use a soft bristle brush or microfiber cloth to wash the wheels. Synthetic bristles brushes like this are recommended.
• Rinse the wheel completely, then dry with a clean microfiber cloth.

If there are stuck on contaniments, use a wheel clay bar.

• Generously coat the wheel with a slippery clay bar lubricant.
• Take a quarter sized piece of clay and warm it into a putty between your fingers.
• Rub the clay over any spots remaining on the wheel surface. Make sure to fold the clay over to a clean spot as it becomes dirty.
• Use the clay lubricant to remove any clay residue. Then using a new clean cloth, wipe the wheel clean.

*If you live somewhere with winter weather consider changing out your wheels. The chemicals in de-icing solution and road salt can rapidly destroy chrome plating.