How to Clean Your Car’s Wheels and Tires — The Complete Guide
Want spotless wheels and perfectly dressed tires? This step-by-step guide will show you how to safely clean your wheels and tires like a pro!
Wheels and tires take the brunt of the road — brake dust, grime, road film, and more. But with the right process, you can get them looking brand new again. Here’s how to clean your car’s wheels and tires the right way.
Why Wheel and Tire Cleaning Matters
Neglecting your wheels and tires can cause permanent damage. Brake dust is corrosive. Road grime can embed into rubber. And dirty tires ruin the look of a freshly detailed car.
Regular cleaning not only keeps your car looking great but also extends the life of your wheels and tires.
What You’ll Need
- Pure Magic Cleaner — shop here or on Amazon
- All Dressed Up — shop here or on Amazon
- Wheel brush (soft for faces, stiffer for barrels)
- Tire brush
- Bucket of water or foam sprayer
- Microfiber towels (for drying)
Step-by-Step: How to Clean Wheels and Tires
Step 1: Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse the wheels and tires with strong water pressure. This knocks off loose grime and cools the surface (important when using cleaners).
Step 2: Clean the Tires First
Always clean the tires first so dirt doesn't splash back onto clean wheels later.
Spray Pure Magic Cleaner generously onto the tire sidewall. Allow it to dwell for 30-60 seconds. Use a tire brush to scrub the sidewall thoroughly. Rinse.
Step 3: Clean the Wheels
Spray Pure Magic Cleaner onto the entire wheel — face, lug area, and barrel (behind the spokes). Let it dwell briefly, then agitate with a soft wheel brush.
For tight areas, use a small detail brush. Rinse thoroughly when finished.
Step 4: Final Rinse and Dry
Give the wheels and tires a final rinse to remove all remaining cleaner. Dry with a dedicated microfiber towel to prevent water spots on your wheels.
Step 5: Dress the Tires
Apply All Dressed Up using an applicator or towel. For a matte OEM finish, apply a thin coat and wipe off excess. For a deeper, darker finish, apply a second coat after the first dries.
Pro Tips
- Work on one wheel at a time to avoid cleaner drying on the surface.
- Never clean hot wheels or tires — this can cause etching or staining.
- Rotate your brushes — one for tires, one for wheels — to avoid cross-contamination.
Recommended Products
- Pure Magic Cleaner — shop here or on Amazon
- All Dressed Up — shop here or on Amazon
- High-quality microfiber towels — shop here
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Follow this process and your wheels and tires will always look as good as the rest of your car!
