Clean Tires and Rims
Anybody that owns a car has the issue of tires. Whether it is simply keeping them inflated, or the more complicated issue of keeping them looking clean. Tires were meant to get dirty. But if you follow a few simple steps, you can cheat the rules and keep your tires looking clean.
Contents
Steps
Tires
- Spray a synthetic wheel cleaner onto dry tires and allow five minutes to set in and lift off grime.
- Rinse off cleaner with a hose, being sure to remove all traces of the cleaner.
- Examine the tires. If they are still not up to expectations, allow surface to dry and then repeat steps 1 and 2.
- Apply tire wetting formula to the walls of the tire. If it is spray on, simply let the foam work its way into the tires and dry. If using a gel, however, apply to an applicator sponge specialized for the purpose and apply as needed.
Non Chrome Rims
- Start with a basic cleaner . Windex will work fine.
- Spray liberally onto the surface off the rim and rub on with a paper towel, or preferable a micro-fiber cloth.
- Spray off with a hose.
- Repeat step 1.
Chrome Rims
- Know that polishes may be used after the initial cleaner to create a mirror like finish. These usually cost from 1-5 dollars.
- Make sure that the rims are not in direct sunlight. Apply the polish to a micro-fiber cloth or specialized applicator sponge, and use on the surface of the rim.
- Allow the polish to dry to a haze, and then rub to a clean finish with a micro-fiber cloth.
Tips
- Make absolutely sure that you do not apply polish to rims in direct sunlight. It will bake the polish on and you will have poor results.
- After putting chrome polish, or Windex, on a wheel, consider using liquid car polish. This will put a protective layer over the chrome polish that will keep it looking clean for a lot longer.
- Tires should be dry when applying wheel cleaner
- If you want a high gloss shine on your tires (Gel only), dab the tire wet gel onto the tire, using liberal amounts to cover the entire wall. But if you are looking for a lower shine that will last longer, apply in a traditional rubbing motion.
- When cleaning black rims you should be extra careful, as the finish is delicate.
Things You'll Need
- Recommended Brands shown in parentheses:
- Wheel Cleaner (Black Magic Titanium Wheel Cleaner)
- Glass Cleaner (Windex)
- Tire Wet (Black Magic Titanium Tire Wet Gel)
- Car Wax (Turtle Wax ICE Synthetic Liquid Polish)
