How to clean aluminum rims? Discover the most popular and effective ways!

What is the most popular way to wash discs? Liquid, bucket, water and brush. While that doesn't mean this method is wrong, there are some that will make you spend less effort and save more time. If you read on, you will learn how to clean alloy wheels and what to avoid. Why is it so important to keep them clean regularly?

Why is it important to clean aluminum rims?

Regular cleaning of aluminum rims will keep them in good technical condition. Especially in cars equipped with a disc brake system (i.e., in the vast majority of models produced today), a lot of dust comes out of the pads when braking. If they are deposited on the calipers, there may be problems with the brakes.

Not only brake dust settles on the discs. Dirt can also create a lot of confusion. If it constantly sticks to the inside of the wheel, you may feel the tire wobble. As a result, driving will not be as comfortable.

Disc cleaners, or a little about chemistry

How to clean alloy wheels? Here are the most popular methods:

• shampoo with wax for washing the car body;
• disc washing program at a car wash;
• household detergents.

How to wash discs - home remedies

The last mentioned group of drivers uses household detergents, such as dishwashing liquid. Is there something wrong with these methods? If you don't know how to clean alloy wheels, you can try the basic methods first. In principle, each of the above methods is worth recommending, since these products contain solvents and foaming agents that help in removing difficult contaminants. However, they may not be enough for a quick wash of rims or very worn rims.

Wheel cleaner - why is it good?

Products designed to clean aluminum rims are the most effective. Why? They are adapted to the structure of the border and most often have a neutral pH. Therefore, you cannot destroy your hoops with them.

There are substances that do very well with brake dust and grease. Such oily dirt, which adheres very strongly to the surface of the rims, can require a lot of effort. You already know how to clean aluminum rims if the dirt is very stubborn. Preparation for washing aluminum rims will allow you to do without additional cleaning.

Rim brush - is it always needed?

Brushes are especially useful for heavily soiled discs. They may also be needed if your discs have a very dense pattern. Even a small brush will come in handy. How do you clean aluminum rims without scratching them?

How to clean aluminum rims i.e. best brushes

Avoid hard brushes that can scratch the wheels. Although they will get rid of dirt very well, they can scratch the surface. It is better to use cylindrical brushes that are not too hard or dense. Thanks to this, they will enter even the narrowest gaps.

As for handmade fittings, remember one more thing - do not use such a brush to wash lacquered items. Brick dust remaining on the surface can scratch other elements.

How to clean aluminum wheels - a guide

How to clean aluminum wheels - you already know. Now it's time for a few rules to help you during your scheduled wheel wash. The first is a cold wash. Wait for the engine to cool down before washing the wheels. Why? First, very hot brake discs can warp when exposed to cold water. Secondly, the varnish on the rims also deteriorates under the influence of a sharp drop in temperature.

The second rule is to soften the dirt on the rim. Before you pick up a liquid for washing rims, pour water over them, and it is advisable to use a pressure washer.

Cleaning aluminum rims - continued

Next, apply the drug to the surface. How to clean aluminum rims? Ideally, the detergent you use should be in the form of a spray. You can be sure that it will reach all nooks and crannies.

After you apply it, wait a while for it to take effect. Some products contain dyes that change color by reacting with impurities.

After a few minutes, rinse the rim with plenty of water. Once you've done this, let the rims dry and repeat if necessary.

How to clean aluminum wheels - cosmetics

A very good way to keep your wheels in excellent visual condition is to wax them. Thanks to him, the dust will not settle on the surface of the rim as intensively as water and various dirt. Of course, measures of this kind are not eternal and over time, washing aluminum rims will again become inevitable. However, you already know how to clean aluminum rims, so this shouldn't be a problem for you.

best rim cleaning wax

And what would be the best wax? Nothing prevents you from using traditional body repair products for this purpose. Remember, however, that these are not coloring preparations! Of course, you will also find special waxes in stores, but they will be more expensive.

How to wax aluminum wheels?

First of all, they must be washed and dried. Only then will the use of wax make sense. You can use a sponge as an applicator or use your fingers to apply the wax to all the nooks and crannies. When it is hard, use a soft cloth to get rid of excess and polish the rim. And that's it - that's how you washed and polished your aluminum wheels yourself!

You already know well how to clean your car's aluminum rims. An aluminum rim cleaner should help, as should wax, but remember that for lighter soiling, you can safely use household cleaners. At the very end, you just have to enjoy the aesthetic and very fresh look of your wheels. Remember that regular cleaning and maintenance will keep your discs clean and save you a lot of trouble.