Clean Tires First, Then Clean Wheels

Wheels

Different kinds of wheels require different treatments — if you’re unsure what kind of wheels you have, check with a wheel shop. Aluminum or chrome-plated wheels call for a special wheel polish. Painted or clear-coated steel wheels are compatible with a standard auto polish product.

Wheel cleaners include surfactants, metal chelators, and degreasers that surround and dissolve road grime and brake dust.

Many wheel cleaners use highly acidic, harsh ingredients that may cause damage to your finishes. Use alkaline/basic formulas, and never use them on aluminum or damaged wheels. Follow directions on the product label, paying special attention to safety instructions (e.g., wearing goggles and gloves) and the maximum time the product can remain on the wheels without damaging them.

Clean your wheels last, after washing the rest of the vehicle.

Remove hubcaps and wash separately with soap and water. Cleaning one wheel at a time, spray on the wheel cleaner and use the tool that works best for your car. Soft wheel brushes or 100% cotton cloths work well to wipe the tire clean. For crevices, use a soft-bristled brush. Rinse the wheel thoroughly, then dry with a soft, clean towel to prevent water spots.

To keep your wheels clean longer, you can wax your wheels, which will slow the buildup of brake dust and make cleaning easier. Alternatively, Armor All^® Wheel Protectant repels brake dust and dirt, making it easier to clean your wheels the next time you wash your car.

You may want to consider removing the wheels once a year to clean both the back and the front.

TRY THIS

Armor All^® Extreme Wheel & Tire Cleaner

Triple-Action Formula dissolves grease, road grime and brake dust.

Intense foaming action clings to wheels and lifts away the most stubborn soils.

Wetting agents help formula spread into nooks and crannies to attack tough dirt.

Safe for wheels when used as directed.

TIRES

Use a tire dressing to give your tires a high-gloss finish and to protect them from damaging environmental conditions that age them. Two types of tire dressings include tire foams and tire shines. Tire foams clean and shine, while tire shines bring a higher level of shine to clean tires.

Tire dressings also have different “looks” that are a matter of personal taste — the high-shine, wet look or the rich, black matte finish. Do not use tire dressings with bleach because they may make your tires gray and can stain your wheels. Do not apply dressing to treads, as it can be dangerous when driving.

For tougher stains, such as tar, and for whitewalls, try using a wet scouring pad to clean.

Regardless of the product type you choose, keep a cloth handy to wipe overspray from rims. Buffing with a cloth also allows you to customize the shine on your tires.

Give your tires a durable shine with Armor All^® Outlast^® Tire Glaze  

Shines over 100 car washes*.  No sling, guaranteed

Gloss shine won't come off when washed, no sling, guaranteed. 

CHROME

Rust is chrome’s biggest enemy and should be removed immediately. If rust is left too long, it can cause pits. Badly pitted chrome needs to be replated. Use a polish specially made for chrome (verify by checking the label) on chrome surfaces such as wheels, stainless steel exhausts, air intakes, valve covers, bumpers, and chrome accessories. If you are unsure if a surface is chrome, check with your dealer. Most polishes come in a paste or liquid form, but there is no inherent benefit to either. Use the form you prefer. Be sure to clean the surface prior to polishing to minimize the chance of scratching. Remove rust with a wet scouring pad, or No. 0000 steel wool, and chrome polish.

Use a soft, clean cloth to apply the polish, and a separate soft, dry, clean cloth to buff. Apply light pressure and work slowly — let the product do the work.

A polish or wax can help retard corrosion by sealing the chrome and metal to repel rain, ice, snow and road salt. Remove rust with a wet scouring pad or steel wool.