ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT… WHEEL CLEANING AND PROTECTION

Nothing sets a car off as well as a set of spot less alloy wheels, but how do you get them clean and keep them that way? by Bob Harper

WHY DO WHEELS GET SO FILTHY?

Because they pick up grime, tar and other contaminants from the road, plus tiny particulates of iron from the brake discs and shavings from the brake pads. The heat from the brakes then bakes all of this onto the surface of the wheel.

WHAT SORT OF CLEANER SHOULD I USE?

There are several different types on the market – acid wheel cleaners, phbalanced cleaners, iron contaminant removers – and each type can be effective if you follow the product instructions.

ARE ACID- BASED CLEANERS SAFE TO USE?

Yes, with some provisos. Acid wheel cleaners can be very effective but need to be used with caution. Some wheel finishes – particularly ones with anodised or chromed coatings or those that are diamond cut – should not be treated with acid cleaners. It’s also advisable to stick to the higher end of the market if using an acid cleaner and even then don’t leave it on the wheel for too long.

WHAT ARE IRON CONTAMINANT REMOVERS?

For extremely dirty wheels an iron contaminant remover is useful for cleaning away brake dust and iron filings (from the brake discs) that have become welded to the wheel. Unlike acid cleaners, contaminant removers are left on the wheel a little longer to work their magic, during which time they often change colour to show they’re working. Always follow the manufacturer’s directions for use, though.

WHAT’S THE BEST WHEEL CLEANING PROCESS?

For the best results removing the wheels will pay dividends. It might seem like a lot of faff, but this will allow you to get into all the nooks and crannies and will also make cleaning the rear of the wheel much easier. Whether you remove the wheels or not, they must be cool before you work on them, otherwise the cleaning agents will evaporate, leaving deposits on the alloys.

Start by removing general muck and dirt with a hose or pressure washer and then apply your cleaning agent of choice. The type of cleaner will dictate how long you leave it in contact with the wheel,

WHAT’S NEXT?

Rinse off with clean water, preferably from a pressure washer, and if there are any tar spots these can now be shifted with some tar remover.

NOW THEY’RE CLEAN, HOW DO I KEEP MY WHEELS LOOKING GOOD?

‘An iron contaminant remover can clean away brake dust and iron filings that have become welded to the wheel’

but some detailing brushes will help to agitate the cleaning solution. For really tough deposits, repeated applications may be necessary. Applying wheel protectant will help stop brake dust and dirt from clinging to them and should make the next clean a far less time-consuming process. Be sure to use a protectant designed for wheels, as a normal wax or polish isn’t suitable for the temperatures to which wheels are exposed from the car’s brakes.