You just spent $1000 or more on some beautiful wheels for your car. It doesn’t look better, but it is more than a car. The only problem with those incredible rims is that cars and their parts get dirty. How do you keep your wheels looking great?
First, there are two good reasons to keep your tires clean. Although dirt buildup won’t cause any major accidents or make your car unsafe, it can look downright disgusting. If you do have to remove the wheel, such as if there is a flat at the side of your road, it will be much easier.
As with many things, it all depends. The spoke pattern and the finish are the most important aspects of cleaning wheels. Aftermarket wheels are available in three finishes: Chrome, paint, or powder coat. Each wheel is unique and will require different cleaning methods.
Chrome Is one of the most difficult to maintain. Chrome rims such as the ones shown are easy to clean. Use a mild cleaner, like Simple Green, and a microfiber cloth to clean them. Then apply chrome polish to make them shine like Justice.
Although paint and powder coat are very similar in terms of how to care for them, the former is more delicate and more costly to repair. Paint is a thin coating of colored glass that is applied to the wheels. Powder coat is a thin layer. Both can scratch easily so be sure to wash them as you would chrome. You can simply rinse off the dirt, use a mild cleaner, scrub gently with a microfiber cloth and then dry it with a clean microfiber, chamois, or microfiber.
It is relatively easy to maintain your new wheels if you have the right tools. We prefer gentle, natural cleaners such as Simple Green and microfiber towels. These cleaners provide the best results, while avoiding more scratches. If you have gentler soap or softer towels, please feel free to use them.
This post was written by a wheel and tire expert at Tennessee Tire. Tennessee Tire is Clarksville Tennessee and Fort Campbell Kentucky’s leading tire and custom wheel shop. We proudly offer Southern Hospitality combined with the lowest prices in town! Come see us, call us, or message us for a quote on a Custom Wheels in Nashville TN today. You won’t be sorry you did.