Keeping your wheels and tyres clean does more than improve the appearance of your car. Regular cleaning helps remove brake dust, road grime and other contaminants that can build up on alloy wheels and tyre sidewalls over time.
Wheels are particularly exposed to dirt from the road and deposits from the braking system, so they can quickly become one of the dirtiest parts of a car. Using the right products and cleaning methods can help protect the wheel finish while keeping your tyres looking their best.
In this guide, we’ll explain how to clean your wheels and tyres properly, which products to use and some common mistakes to avoid.
For more practical advice on looking after your vehicle, visit our maintenance guidance hub.
1. Use a dedicated tyre cleaner
When cleaning your tyres, use a product specifically designed for automotive tyres and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. A suitable tyre cleaner can help loosen road grime, old dressing and dirt that has built up on the sidewalls.
Apply the cleaner to the tyre sidewall, allow it to work for the recommended amount of time and then agitate the surface with a suitable tyre brush if necessary. Avoid scrubbing aggressively enough to damage the rubber.
Rinse thoroughly with clean water, making sure the cleaning product is removed from both the tyre and surrounding wheel surfaces.
If you’re using a pressure washer, keep the nozzle a sensible distance from the tyre and wheel rather than concentrating a powerful jet on one area.
Once the tyre is clean, inspect it for cuts, cracks, bulges or unusual wear. Cleaning your tyres is a useful opportunity to spot deterioration that might otherwise go unnoticed.
If you want to go beyond appearance and keep the rest of your car in good condition too, our guide to essential car maintenance checks covers the regular checks worth carrying out.
2. Apply tyre dressing correctly
Once the tyres are completely clean, allow them to dry before applying any tyre dressing.
Tyre dressing is mainly a finishing product. It can restore a darker, cleaner appearance to the sidewalls, but it should be applied carefully and only to the areas intended by the product manufacturer.
When applying tyre dressing:
- Use a clean sponge or applicator pad.
- Apply a thin, even layer to the tyre sidewall only.
- Keep the product away from the tyre tread and braking components.
- Wipe away any excess product.
- Allow the dressing to dry or cure according to the manufacturer’s instructions before driving.
Avoid applying excessive amounts simply to create more shine. Apart from being unnecessary, excess dressing can be thrown onto the bodywork once the wheels begin rotating.
If you’re preparing your car for colder and wetter conditions, our guide to avoiding a winter breakdown covers some of the additional checks worth making before winter.
3. Clean your wheels and tyres before washing the car
It’s usually best to clean your wheels and tyres before washing the rest of the car. They can hold large amounts of brake dust, road grime and dirt that you don’t want transferring onto freshly cleaned paintwork.
Use separate buckets, brushes and cloths for the wheels rather than using the same equipment on the bodywork. This reduces the chance of transferring abrasive contamination onto the paint.
Before applying any wheel cleaner, make sure the product is suitable for your particular wheel finish. Painted, polished, diamond-cut and other specialist alloy finishes can require different care, so always follow the product manufacturer’s instructions.
Work on cool wheels and avoid allowing cleaning products to dry on the surface. Clean one wheel at a time if necessary and rinse it thoroughly before moving on to the next.
Pay attention to areas where dirt tends to accumulate, including around the wheel spokes and inside the wheel where it can be safely reached. Once you’ve finished, rinse away any remaining cleaner before washing the rest of the car.
Final thoughts
Cleaning your wheels and tyres regularly helps keep them looking their best and gives you an opportunity to spot signs of damage or wear while you’re working.
The important things are to use products suitable for your wheels and tyres, keep wheel-cleaning equipment separate from anything used on the paintwork, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for any cleaners or dressings you apply.
Appearance is only part of looking after your tyres. Their condition, tread and general maintenance matter far more than how shiny the sidewalls are, so include them in the regular checks you carry out on your car.
Keeping a car well maintained can also help preserve its condition and value over time. If you’re thinking about changing your vehicle, you can value your car with Jamjar and see what it could be worth.