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How to Super Clean your Wheels

ChrisFix・38 minutes read

Chris Fix demonstrates how to thoroughly clean wheels and tires on a vehicle, emphasizing the importance of regular maintenance to prevent damage and prolong their lifespan. The process includes key steps like rinsing, cleaning, drying, and applying protection, using various tools and products for a complete and effective cleaning routine.

Insights

  • Neglecting wheel cleaning can lead to permanent damage, necessitating wheel replacement.
  • Cleaning wheels and tires involves a detailed process with key steps like rinsing, cleaning, drying, stain removal, and protection application, utilizing various tools and techniques to ensure thorough maintenance and longevity of the vehicle's appearance.

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Recent questions

  • How can I properly clean wheels and tires?

    To clean wheels and tires effectively, start by rinsing them with high-pressure water to remove loose dirt and brake dust. Use wheel cleaner, brushes, and soapy water to clean the wheels thoroughly, ensuring lug nut wells and lug nuts are cleaned as well. Clean the tires with soapy water and a stiff bristle brush, understanding the protective brown tint needs replacing with tire dressing. Use a clay bar for embedded stains, compound for heavily stained areas, and touch-up paint for permanent damage. Protect the wheels with ceramic coating and apply tire dressing evenly for a glossy finish.

  • What tools are needed for wheel and tire cleaning?

    The tools required for cleaning wheels and tires include a hose or pressure washer, wheel cleaner, soapy water, bug and tar remover, various brushes, microfiber towels, clay bar, compound, ceramic detailing spray, tire gel, and safety glasses. These tools are essential for thoroughly cleaning, protecting, and maintaining the appearance of both wheels and tires on a vehicle.

  • Why is it important to clean lug nut wells?

    Cleaning lug nut wells is crucial to prevent staining and maintain the overall appearance of the wheels. Neglecting to clean lug nut wells can lead to dirt and brake dust buildup, which can be challenging to remove and may cause permanent damage. By thoroughly cleaning lug nut wells, you can ensure that the wheels look clean and well-maintained, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the vehicle.

  • How should tire dressing be applied?

    Tire dressing should be applied using a foam applicator pad or a microfiber towel folded to the width of the sidewall. Ensure even coverage across the entire sidewall, including the gap between the rim and tire, to avoid missing spots. After applying the tire dressing, let it soak in for a few minutes before lightly buffing off any excess for the desired finish. Using a tire gel provides more accuracy and control over the shine level, allowing you to achieve the desired level of gloss on the tires.

  • Why is it necessary to protect wheels with ceramic coating?

    Protecting wheels with ceramic coating provides an extra layer of gloss and protection, ensuring that the wheels are shielded from brake dust and other contaminants. Ceramic coating makes cleaning the wheels easier in the future and helps maintain their appearance for a longer period. By applying ceramic coating to both the front and back of the wheels, you can ensure that they are thoroughly cleaned and protected, enhancing their durability and aesthetic appeal.

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Summary

00:00

"Thorough Wheel and Tire Cleaning Process"

  • Chris Fix demonstrates how to thoroughly clean wheels and tires on a vehicle, removing brake dust and embedded stains.
  • Neglecting wheel cleaning can lead to permanent damage, necessitating wheel replacement.
  • The process is showcased on a typical daily driver sedan, but it applies to all vehicle types.
  • Five key steps are outlined: rinsing, cleaning, drying, stain removal, and protection application.
  • Tools required include a hose or pressure washer, wheel cleaner, soapy water, bug tar remover, brushes, microfiber towels, clay bar, compound, ceramic detailing spray, tire gel, and safety glasses.
  • Rinsing the wheels and tires with high-pressure water removes loose dirt and brake dust.
  • Using wheel sockets protects the wheels while removing lug nuts.
  • Cleaning involves spraying wheel cleaner, brushing the wheel, and rinsing to prevent staining.
  • Lug nut wells and lug nuts should also be cleaned thoroughly.
  • Tires should be cleaned with soapy water, understanding that the brown tint is a protective layer that needs replacing with a tire dressing for UV and ozone protection.

10:57

"Efficiently clean and protect rubber tires"

  • Use a nylon brush with stiff bristles to clean the tire surface thoroughly, starting with a soft bristle brush to spread soapy water across the sidewall.
  • Soapy water, slightly basic, aids in cleaning rubber tires; let it soak for a minute before using a stiffer nylon brush to remove dirt and anti-ozonate, turning suds brown.
  • Cleaning the tire well allows dressing to bond better, last longer, and prevent slinging off when wheels spin.
  • Clean the back of the wheel, focusing on the barrel, spokes, and lug nut wells, using wheel cleaner, a brush, and rinsing off to remove dirt and brake dust stains.
  • Remove tar buildup by spraying with bug and tar remover, using a stiff bristle brush, and rinsing off; heat gun can soften tar for easier removal.
  • Dry the wheel thoroughly with a microfiber towel to prevent water marks, ensuring all dirt and brake dust are removed.
  • Use a clay bar with lubricant to remove stains embedded in the wheel, starting with the least aggressive clay bar and kneading it to maintain effectiveness.
  • Compound can be used with an electric rotary tool to clean heavily stained areas like lug nut wells efficiently, followed by a microfiber towel to clean the area.
  • Touch up any permanent damage with a wheel touch-up paint pen, matching the color to blend in the repaired area, and buff the wheel with compound for added gloss.
  • Protect the wheel with a ceramic coating for an extra layer of gloss and protection, ensuring both the front and back of the wheel are thoroughly cleaned and protected.

22:04

Proper Tire and Wheel Care Techniques

  • Tire dressings are slippery and should not be applied to brake components or the sidewall of tires used for racing cars or motorcycles.
  • When applying tire dressing, using a tire gel provides more accuracy and control over the shine level.
  • To apply tire dressing, use a foam applicator pad or a microfiber towel folded to the width of the sidewall, ensuring even coverage.
  • Ensure the tire dressing is applied across the entire sidewall, including the gap between the rim and tire, to avoid missing spots.
  • After applying the tire dressing, let it soak in for a few minutes before lightly buffing off any excess for the desired finish.
  • For wheels, use a ceramic detailer on a microfiber towel to protect the surface from brake dust and ensure easy cleaning in the future.
  • To clean wheel well liners, rinse off dirt, scrub with soapy water, and apply a ceramic trim restorer for protection and a clean appearance.
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