After many journeys made, the rims of your car lose their shine, under the effect of various tar or earth dust, but also that of the brake pads, among other greasy and dirty residues.
The car wheels are one of the areas most soiled of the vehicle, filled with mud and water splashes or any product on the floor. Their cleaning is not difficult, even if they are very dirty.
In this article, we will explain how to clean your rims with home products in different ways. Read on and discover the best tricks to make your car look like new!
How To Clean The Rims Of Your Car: Traditional System
The best way to make your rims shine is to follow the steps recommended by all specialists and car wash centres. It is a slightly longer process than others, but with which you will achieve very good results, especially if the tires are very dirty. However, regardless of whether you use other faster methods, it is good that, at least once or twice a year, you follow these steps:
Prewash: with a hose or similar, pour plenty of water over the car’s rims to remove as much dirt as possible. The water must have pressure so that it removes all the stains. Thus, it will be easier to remove all traces of dirt later. Then you have to dry the tires.
Cleaning: apply a product that is specific to clean car tires. Normally, although it depends on what you use, it is convenient to let the product act for two or three minutes. Please do not exceed the time indicated in the instructions because they are usually abrasive products that can damage aluminium. A good tip to prevent this from happening is to clean tire by tire instead of applying the product on all four at the same time.
Rinse: After the waiting time, you must rinse the tires to remove the product. To do this, you can apply a soap and water solution with the help of a sponge.
Brushing: clean the rest of the surface with a specific wheel brush. This will make it easier to clean the spokes. A good trick is to start on the inside and then continue brushing the front.
Polishing: the process ends by applying polish to aluminium rims to shine more and be cleaner for longer.
How To Clean Car Rims At Home With Soap And Water
If the car tires are not very dirty, it may be enough to clean them with soap and water. To do this, you will need:
- A bucket of water
- Soap
- Specific brush for cleaning rims (others can damage them)
- Tire polish
- Synthetic wax
- Microfiber cloth
Read More: How To Read A Car Rim Markings
How To Clean Your Rims With Home Products
In addition to specific products for cleaning the rim, it is also possible to use other cleaning tricks in which home remedies are used:
White vinegar: Car rims can be cleaned with white vinegar because it helps to remove grease. Also, if you use suede, they are very shiny.
Coca-Cola: this soda, surprising as it may seem, is very useful for cleaning rims, especially when they have rust because it disappears as if by magic with its application. For best results, rub aluminium foil dipped in Coke on the rust stain.
Lemon juice: this juice, if mixed with a little water, helps polish the rims. It is a good substitute for car polish.
With these tips on cleaning the car’s aluminium rims, you can look good clean. We always recommend that you consult with experts and, if your vehicle is going to be washed, go to specialized centres.
Read More: How Do I Know What Rims Fit My Car
7 Factors To Consider When Cleaning The Rims Of A Car
1. The rim material, a key factor
Not all rims are made with the same material. And not all materials react the same with the cleaning product used.
In most cases, the rims are chrome or painted and can damage these finishes if the correct product is not used to clean them or make them shine.
The best way to avoid any problems and thus obtain a perfect result is to choose the specific rim cleaner for an optimal result on alloy rims made of aluminium, steel, iron, or other material. This product will be less abrasive and will keep the rims in perfect condition.
2. The choice of material to clean, essential for cleaning the rims
It is important to clean the rims with a material that does not scratch them. Therefore, avoid any material that could be abrasive or could damage the rim. Chamois, sponges, or tea towels are the best options.
3. Use low-pressure water
The use of low-pressure water is a factor that you should consider in choosing the best way to clean a car’s rims. This method will help you remove particles of sand or other substances easily and without scratching the rims during a first surface cleaning.
4. Remove stains from the rim material.
For that, nothing better than to use a damp sponge and without any added product.
This method will help you get rid of the most resistant stains without damaging the rim, thanks to the sponge’s softness. This preliminary step to the specific cleaning will help you achieve a better result.
Once done, you can clean the rim with the same sponge, this time using the chemical rim cleaner of your choice.
5. Remove any remaining cleaning product.
The best way to do this is to use chamois leather. Thanks to this, you will be able to eliminate the remains of the cleaning product. With slightly soapy water, you can remove the last traces of dirt and obtain the perfect result- clean, neat, and shiny rims.
6. Use rim wax for long-lasting cleaning and protection
If you are thinking about cleaning the rims and making your rims shine again, do not forget this step. Besides, rim wax is not only a product intended to achieve a nice finish. It is also a metal and paint protection product.
These waxes are made to remove dirt particles, so they keep the rims cleaner longer, making subsequent washings easier.
7. Avoid using home remedies that can damage the rim.
One of the most recommended home remedies for cleaning a car’s rims is to use an oven cleaner or kitchen degreaser. However, this remedy can harm the chrome and rim polish. The saving in a product is minimal, and if you damage the rim, the rim’s cost will be significantly more than the price difference between a home remedy and a specific product for cleaning the rims.
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