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Key Takeaways:
- Effective Maintenance for Aluminum Wheels: Choose the right cleaning products, use gentle techniques, and apply protective coatings to maintain the longevity and shine of your aluminum wheels.
- Avoiding Common Pitfalls: Avoid harsh chemicals, abrasive tools, and inconsistent cleaning routines. Skipping protective treatments can damage your wheels and diminish their appearance.
- The Do’s and Don’ts of Wheel Care: Follow our comprehensive guide to keep your aluminum wheels looking their best while ensuring durability and optimal performance.
It’s in your hands.
Maintaining the gleam of aluminum wheels requires expertise, care, and the right approach. If you have water spots and stains that you want to remove, this guide is for you. Get ready to learn how to clean and maintain your aluminum wheels like a pro to achieve an unparalleled shine and keep your ride looking fresh.
Prepare Your Gear
Selecting the right products will help you clean, protect, and enhance the natural beauty of your aluminum wheels. The best part is that only a few products are needed to achieve maximum results.
- Wheel Guard Max Coat: This slick coat makes it harder for dirt, brake dust, and road grime to stick to your wheels and rims. It also helps repel water while enhancing gloss.
- Diablo Wheel Gel: This gentle gel effectively removes corrosive brake dust particles and is compatible with all wheel finishes. It cleans matte wheels and other finishes without harsh chemicals, ensuring no damage.
- Swift Wipe Waterless Car Wash is like a car wash in a bottle. It removes light dust you collect as you drive and water spots from rain. It’s great for quick detailing on the go. This product works well on anything painted, shiny, or clear.
- Microfiber Cloths: These are a must-have for any car detailing work, used for cleaning and drying due to their supreme absorbency and ability to effectively capture dust, dirt, and grime with zero damage.
- UFO Applicator: This laser-cut foam allows for even spreading, allowing you to reach into small spaces for a perfect finish while minimizing product waste and mess. It’s also fully machine washable for continuous, repeated use and easy cleaning.
Step-By-Step Guide To Cleaning And Protecting Aluminum Wheels
Roll up your sleeves and prepare to get your aluminum wheels back to looking their best. Let's dive in:
Step 1: Clean and Detail Your Wheels
Before cleaning, thoroughly rinse your wheels from top to bottom with a garden hose or pressure washer to wash away that top layer of grime. Get the job done right with our Diablo Wheel Gel, which is pH-balanced, safe for all wheel finishes, and retains your car’s showroom shine without causing corrosion and damage to your wheels over time. Before you get started, you can check out our how-to guide on properly cleaning your car wheels.
Step 2: Wipe Down Your Wheels With Swift Wipe
Simply spray Swift Wipe Waterless Wash directly on the surface of your wheel. Then, use a clean microfiber cloth to wipe the face of the wheel before going into the barrel. First things first: wipe down the wheels to remove any brake dust. This dust is super corrosive and abrasive, meaning it can scratch your finish and even embed your wheel's surface, giving it an ugly pitting effect.
Before you apply any protective coating to your wheels, such as wax, sealant, or other products, you need to remove as many impurities and grime as possible so you don’t lock them in. Clean them up to get them looking their best.
You should start with the face of the wheel because grime is more challenging to stick to vertical surfaces like this. Afterward, your towel will get thoroughly dirty, so you should work around the barrel to remove as much filth as possible since it contains more contaminants than the face.
Step 3: Apply a Fine Layer of Max Coat
Cleaning is only half the story. Applying a wheel guard or sealant is key to protect your aluminum wheels and keep them looking their best for the long haul. Dip your clean UFO applicator pad into the Wheel Guard Max Coat pot. Then, blot it out on the surface of your wheel like you’d do with any other wax or sealant. This is to save you time during the buffing-out process and save your product in the long run so you can use this wax for as long as possible. It will apply very thinly. Make sure to get inside the barrel and into all the crevices, not just on the face of the wheel.
This wax on its own—with very little maintenance/upkeep—can probably last you about three months, depending on your driving conditions and weather. You can easily re-apply it as necessary by repeating these steps. This coat adds a brilliant shine while repelling water and contaminants, reducing brake dust adhesion and making future cleaning sessions a breeze. Water spots also tend to stain wheels, especially painted rims, so this wax will help reduce that and enhance shine. However, use this on OEM, painted, chrome, aluminum, or any other glossy finish. Do not use it on matte surfaces, as it will give them a glossy sheen, which defeats the purpose of having a matte finish.
Step 4: Give the Wax Time to Haze and Buff Off
Allow the wheel guard to haze, which means cloudy or dull. This is a normal part of the waxing process. It indicates that the wax has dried and is ready to be buffed off with a clean microfiber cloth. Afterward, you should be left with that coveted super-high shine.
Additionally, remember to give your ride a thorough once-over when you’re done to clean up any spots you missed or apply any touch-ups. If you've used the Wheel Guard Max Coat properly, you should have an excellent film that will help give your wheel the best bond and the longest-lasting shine. This will also save your product in the long run. You don’t want a green haze over your entire finish.
The Do's and Don'ts of Aluminum Wheel Maintenance
When caring for aluminum wheels, knowing the proper steps can make all the difference between a dazzling shine and a detailing disaster. With these do’s and don’ts, you’ll be equipped to keep your wheels looking spectacular.
Do:
- Do Use the Right Cleaner: Opt for a cleaner for aluminum wheels. These products are gentle on aluminum but tough on grime. For instance, you could use our Fine Metal Polish to create a brilliant shine with minimal effort.
- Do Rinse Wheels With Water First: A good rinse removes loose dirt and debris, reducing the risk of scratching your wheels during cleaning.
- Do Use a Soft Microfiber Cloth: This cloth is gentle on the surface of your aluminum wheels, preventing scratches while effectively removing dirt.
- Do Dry Your Wheels After Washing: To avoid water spots and corrosion, dry your wheels entirely with a clean, soft microfiber cloth.
- Do Apply a Protective Sealant or Wax: After cleaning, apply a high-quality wheel wax like Wheel Guard Max Coat to protect your aluminum wheels from the elements and make future cleaning easier.
Don't:
- Don't Use Harsh Chemicals or Acids: These can damage the finish of your aluminum wheels and cause corrosion.
- Don't Use Abrasive Brushes or Scouring Pads: Harsh scrubbing tools can scratch the surface of your wheels, dulling their shine.
- Don't Neglect Wheel Cleaning: Regular maintenance is key to preventing buildup that can be harder to remove later and could cause damage.
- Don't Forget the Tire: While focusing on aluminum, remember that a clean tire complements your shiny wheels and completes the look.
- Don't Use the Same Cloth for Wheels and Body: Always use separate cloths for different car parts to avoid transferring dirt or grease.
Final Thoughts
There you have it. Remember, the right tools play a crucial role in the cleaning process. Opt for the top-tier wheel cleaning solutions, microfiber towels, and protectants provided by Chemical Guys to ensure you provide the most thorough and safe cleaning experience for your wheels. These tools will enable you to achieve professional-level results right in your driveway.
Read also:
Frequently Asked Questions About How To Clean Aluminum Wheels
Is it necessary to polish aluminum wheels after cleaning?
Yes, polishing your aluminum wheels after thoroughly cleaning them is essential for maintaining their shine and preventing oxidation. Polishing not only brings out the natural luster of aluminum but also adds a protective layer that can keep the wheels looking great for longer.
What type of brush is best for cleaning aluminum wheels?
Use a soft-bristled exterior brush specifically designed for automotive detailing for optimal results. These brushes are gentle on aluminum surfaces and effective at removing brake dust and grime without scratching the wheel’s finish. Avoid using stiff brushes or wire brushes, which can damage the surface.
Can I use a clay bar on aluminum wheels?
Absolutely! A clay bar is an excellent tool for removing embedded contaminants from aluminum wheels that washing alone can't remove. It leaves the surface smooth and ready for polishing, helping to achieve a flawless shine. To prevent scratching, use a specifically designed lubricant with the clay bar.
How do I prevent scratches while cleaning aluminum wheels?
Choose the right cleaning tools and techniques to prevent scratches. Always rinse the wheels thoroughly before applying any cleaning solution to remove loose dirt and debris that can cause scratches. Use soft, clean microfiber towels, and be gentle when wiping and drying.
Is it okay to clean aluminum wheels when they are hot?
No, it's best to avoid cleaning aluminum wheels when hot. Heat can cause cleaning products to dry too quickly, leaving streaks and residue. Additionally, rapid temperature changes from cold water to hot can damage the finish on wheels. Always wait for the wheels to cool down before cleaning.
What is the best way to dry aluminum wheels after washing?
The best way to dry aluminum wheels is to use a clean, soft microfiber towel. Gently blot or dab the surface to absorb water, then lightly buff to a shine. This method helps avoid water spots and streaks, ensuring your wheels look their best. For hard-to-reach areas, consider using a ProBlow for a thorough drying session.
