Why Wheel & Tire Cleaning Should Be Your First Step

Jimbo Balaam on

Washing your wheels and tires first isn’t just a pro trick—it’s the safest way to detail your car. This post explains why and how to do it effectively.

Why Wheel & Tire Cleaning Should Be Your First Step

 

Cleaning your wheels and tires first prevents brake dust and grime from splashing onto clean paint later. It’s a pro move that protects your finish and saves time.

Why Wheel & Tire Cleaning Should Be Your First Step

If you’ve ever cleaned your paint first, then tackled your wheels—only to splash dirt back onto your clean panels—you already know why this matters.

Wheels & Tires Are the Dirtiest Part of the Car

Brake dust, road tar, tire dressing sling, and grime all collect in your wheel wells, tires, and wheels. If you save them for last, you risk flinging that mess onto already-cleaned panels.

By cleaning them first, you avoid cross-contamination, protect your paint, and keep your wash process efficient.

Start with a High-Powered Cleaner

Use a product like Pure Magic Cleaner, an acid-based wheel and tire cleaner that cuts through brake dust and grime fast.

  • Spray generously on dry wheels and tires
  • Let dwell 30–60 seconds (don’t let it dry)
  • Agitate with a wheel brush or tire brush
  • Rinse thoroughly

Tip: Use a separate bucket and brush set just for wheels to prevent contamination.

Why Tires Matter Too

Dirty tires cause two major problems:

  • Poor dressing bonding (it will sling or fade quickly)
  • Discoloration and dried rubber from neglect

Scrubbing your tires clean ensures better bonding for dressings like All Dressed Up, which can be used undiluted for a rich, clean look.

Do This Before Touching the Paint

Here’s the smart order of operations:

  1. Clean wheels and tires first
  2. Pre-rinse and foam the entire car
  3. Hand wash with a dedicated wash mitt
  4. Dry and apply protection

That way, you’re not sending brake dust or dirty water running over your freshly cleaned paint.

Take Care of the Dirtiest Job First

Start every detail the pro way—with wheels and tires. Use Pure Magic Cleaner to eliminate brake dust and grime fast, and finish with All Dressed Up for a long-lasting, matte finish on tires.

Pro Tips

  • Use a tire brush with stiff bristles to remove old dressings
  • Rinse from top to bottom to push grime off the vehicle
  • Dry your wheels with a separate towel to avoid scratching paint later

Next Up: Full Process Walkthrough

Now that you’ve mastered every individual step, it’s time to bring it all together. In the next post, we’ll show you the complete detailing process from start to finish.