Alloy wheels are often the crowning glory of the look you have chosen for your car. They complement the design of the body of the vehicle very well and can help a vehicle stand out.
But they are also very difficult to keep clean, and dirty alloy wheels are a problem for a number of reasons, not just aesthetically. Poorly maintained alloy wheels can actually be a safety hazard.
Is it dangerous to have dirty alloy wheels?
It can be dangerous to have dirty alloy wheels, because a build up of brake dust, road debris, and general dirt can actually lower the integrity of your wheels. Dirty wheels also increase the likelihood of damage such as cracking, as corrosive substances left on there can form microscopic chips and cracks, which will usually develop into bigger issues over time.
Another issue often caused by unclean alloys is the decrease in tyre pressure. This is because chips and cracks can cause friction against the wheel, leading to slow leaks. This not only means you have to pay for tyre repair, but also causes a safety concern. Flat tyres can ruin the handling of your vehicle and, in extreme cases, they can even blow out. Blowouts are rare, but often the cause of serious or fatal incidents.
What should I use to clean alloy wheels?
To clean alloy wheels you should use a purpose-made alloy wheel cleaner, which usually comes in spray form. You can also use an alloy wheel cleaning brush, but check that the brush you use is definitely for wheel cleaning, as it will need to be chemical resistant to work alongside the wheel cleaner.
A cleaner we would recommend is Turtle Wax Colour Shift Wheel Cleaner. This eco-friendly cleaner is great if you’re on a budget, but delivers reliable results every time. Another reason we recommend this product is because it is pH neutral, meaning you won’t have to worry about causing further damage to your alloys if they already have a few scuffs or scratches.
In terms of choosing a brush, there are so many options and, truthfully, most alloy wheel cleaning brushes will do a good job. We would just recommend avoiding harsher, thick-bristle brushes if you wish to avoid any risk of scratching or scraping your wheels.
Often, you won’t even need a brush to do a pretty good job, but we suggest investing in one to ensure the best results.
How to clean alloy wheels
Cleaning alloy wheels is a fairly simple process, but there are a few steps you should follow to make sure you get it right:
- Check your alloy wheels for damage. Small scratches and chips shouldn’t be an issue, but for more serious damage, you should speak to a mechanic before going ahead with any cleaning, to avoid causing further damage.
- Quickly hose down your alloys to remove any excess dirt or larger chunks of debris that will come off more easily.
- After inspecting your wheels, choose your cleaner and ensure that it is suitable for the wheels you have. For example, certain wheel cleaners should not be used on plastic wheel components. Read the bottle/manual carefully before you proceed.
- Apply your wheel cleaner and leave to soak for the recommended amount of time. It is recommended to wear rubber or latex gloves from this step onwards to protect your hands from harsh substances. Usually, this is around 1-2 minutes but take care to follow the specific advice of your cleaning product (especially for more acidic cleaners).
- Use your wheel cleaning brush to work the cleaner into each nook and corner of the wheels. You can also use the brush to attack any tough patches of brake dust or dirt.
- Rinse and dry your clean wheels with a hose and a microfiber cloth. Your wheels should now look as good as new!
- Apply wax (optional). This can help protect the wheels from further dirt, but be sure to use a wax which matches the finish of your wheels.
Why clean alloy wheels?
You should clean alloy wheels to keep your vehicle looking fresh, but also to avoid sustaining any expensive or dangerous damage to your car.
Unclean alloys increase the chance of damage such as cracking or chipping. Hopefully you’ve been keeping your wheels clean to avoid damage. But if not, you may need to book an alloy wheel repair with one of our experts.