Cleaning your alloy wheels is an easy way to give them a refreshed look and make them appear as good as new again. It is a relatively simple process which usually achieves satisfying results, but how often should you do this?
Why do I need to clean my alloys?
You need to clean your alloys to keep your car looking fresh. Dirty/scuffed wheels will ruin your look, even if the rest of your car is shiny and clean. Another reason alloy wheel cleaning is so important is that it will increase the lifespan of your wheels.
Dirty wheels corrode faster, meaning you’ll need to get them repaired sooner, and this could even be unsafe. Regular cleaning will also prevent dirt or dust build up, whereas cleaning less often may make it much more difficult due to the build up of impacted dirt.
Try to incorporate proper wheel cleaning into your car washing routine. This way, it won’t feel like extra work, and your vehicle will look better than ever!
Should I buy an alloy wheel cleaning brush?Â
You should buy an alloy cleaning brush if you want to ensure the best results for your alloy wheels. An alloy wheel cleaning brush is a chemical-resistant brush perfect for getting to every nook and corner of your alloys where debris and brake dust may have collected and built up.
Some brushes are more brittle and soft whilst others are firm and rough. Whichever one you go for is entirely up to you, but you should just consider exactly the type of wheels you have and ensure you choose a brush which won’t risk any damage. If you’re worried about a rough brush scratching or scraping your wheels, we recommend going for one with softer bristles.
It is important that you make sure you’re buying a specific alloy wheel cleaning brush, as similar looking brushes that aren’t specifically for this purpose may not be chemical resistant. After all, there’s no use using a brush that falls apart in your hands after being exposed to cleaning chemicals.
Finally, make sure you consider the design of your alloys when buying a brush. For wheels with a complex or intricate design, a smaller, fine bristled brush might be required for a full job.
The best way to clean your alloys
The best way to clean your alloys depends on how much time you have, and how thorough of a job you need to do. For example, if you just want to give them a quick once over, it doesn’t hurt to just give them a quick hose down, ideally at medium-to-high pressure to ensure maximum cleaning without risking damage.
However, to give the wheels a proper, thorough clean, you’ll want to use a chemical based spray or wax, and possibly use an alloy wheel cleaning brush too. Most wheel cleaners come in liquid spray form (read our review on the best alloy wheel cleaners!), so you just need to spray it on, leave it to work its magic for a minute or so, then either rinse it off with water or get scrubbing with your brush.
If you opt to use a brush, start by working the wheel cleaner into the wheels, focusing especially on areas which might contain trapped dirt, such as crevices or or detailing gaps. Make sure all dirt is loosened, then rinse the wheel thoroughly to remove all dirt, ensuring all the wheel cleaner comes off too.
Failure to rinse all of the alloy wheel cleaner off afterwards may result in damage to your wheels. Always make sure to follow the specific instructions of your chosen wheel cleaner too, as well as following any advice from your vehicle/wheel manufacturer.
How often should you clean your alloys?
We recommend that you clean your alloys every 2 weeks or so. Doing so will ensure that there is no build up of dirt and grime, and will extend the lifetime of the wheels significantly. Brake dust and road debris can actually interfere with the structural integrity of the wheels, increasing the risk of incidents and injury. Whilst a relatively small risk, it’s best to just amend it given how easy wheel cleaning is!
You should also consider where you usually drive your car, as this will impact how often you need to clean. Stop-start city traffic will accumulate brake dust very quickly, as well as driving on dusty country roads.
Hopefully you are now up-to-date with how often you should clean your wheels, as well as the best ways to do so. If your wheel has become damaged over time due to unclean alloy wheels.