Cleaning wheels and tires

Cleaning wheels and tires

The process of washing wheels is usually a multi-stage process, as the amount of contaminants that settle on this element is the largest. Only dedicated wheel cleaning fluids can handle such a large amount of strong contaminants. It is also important that the fluid used for cleaning aluminum wheels does not damage the surface of the wheel, so it is worth paying special attention to which surface a given product can be used on. Special attention should be paid to aluminum wheels made of anodized aluminum or unpainted aluminum. With the most difficult dirt, we can fight products in the form of wheel gel, which stays on the surface much longer than traditional liquid products. Metallic contaminants will be removed by bleeding effect products like "bleeding wheel".  

Fluids and gels for cleaning wheels and tires – effective agents and professional methods

Wheels and tires are the elements of the car most exposed to road contaminants, brake dust, and salt. Ordinary water is not enough to restore their cleanliness and shine. Therefore, wheel and tire cleaning agents should always be matched to the type of surface and the intensity of contamination. Their formulas are specially developed to effectively remove dirt while protecting materials. The right cleaning fluid for aluminum wheels not only removes dirt but also protects the surface from damage and corrosion.

Why is it worth using dedicated wheel cleaning agents?

The process of washing wheels is multi-stage and requires the use of appropriate preparations. This is where the most difficult contaminants – greases, dust, and metallic particles – settle. For this reason, cleaning agents for aluminum wheels must be safe for the metal structure and effective in action.

• Dedicated wheel cleaning fluid – universal preparations for regular maintenance
• Strong wheel cleaning agent – effective in combating difficult dirt and deposits from brake pads
• Cleaning agent for aluminum wheels – adapted to sensitive surfaces, with no risk of damage
• Wheel cleaning chemistry in gel form – stays on the surface longer, dissolving even deep dirt
• Product with bleeding wheel effect – acts on metal particles, effectively removing rusty deposits

What cleaning agents for tires should be used?

Tires require separate care, as they accumulate dirt, dust, and residues from road chemicals. Regular washing of tires using a pressure washer and using appropriate preparations improves the appearance of the rubber and extends its durability.

• Tire cleaning agent – removes dirt, grease, and residues from dressings
• Tire cleaning preparation – prepares the rubber surface for the application of protective products
• Professional tire and rubber cleaning fluids – used in detailing for deep cleaning and refreshing appearance

Most common types of contaminants on wheels and tires

Wheels and tires come into contact with dirt every day, so choosing the right agent is crucial. It is worth paying attention to the type of contamination and the structure of the material.

• Brake dust and metallic deposits
• Mud, sand, and road salt
• Greases, oils, and greasy contaminants
• Stubborn dirt in the tread grooves and on the rubber surface

How to choose a good cleaning agent for aluminum wheels?

Aluminum wheels require special care. A professional cleaning fluid for aluminum wheels should be matched to the type of finish – different preparations are used for painted wheels, different for unpainted or anodized ones. When choosing, it is worth considering:

• Strength of action – gentle fluids for regular cleaning, strong gels for difficult dirt
• Type of wheel – painted, polished, chrome, anodized
• Form of the preparation – liquid, gel, concentrate
• Safety of use – no risk of discoloration and dulling

Comparison of selected products available at MOTOGO

The table below facilitates the selection of a preparation for a specific application and degree of contamination. In the MOTOGO store, you will find a wide selection of specialized agents for washing wheels and tires that will meet the expectations of even the most demanding users.

How to clean wheels and tires step by step?

Wheels and tires should be cleaned in the same session. The choice of cleaning agent for wheels and rubber preparation depends on the type of contamination and the finish of the surface. Below is a simple plan that works in everyday care and with stronger dirt.

1. Pre-rinse
   First, loose dirt is removed with a stream of water. A pressure washer makes it easier to reach hard-to-access places. It is worth directing the lance from the inside out to push out sand and brake dust.
2. Choosing the product 
   For regular wheel washing, a product designed for wheels with neutral pH (e.g., Sonax, Excede Ultimate) works well. For metallic contaminants, a deironizer with a bleeding effect can be used (e.g., ADBL Vampire Liquid, CarPro IronX). Polished, anodized, or unpainted wheels require caution – a neutral pH agent is better than formulas containing acids.
3. Application on wheels
   The fluid is sprayed generously over the entire surface of the wheel: front, spokes, barrel, and around the brake pads. Dedicated fluids with a gel consistency have a long contact time with the surface and handle the most difficult dirt excellently.
4. Working with brushes
   A brush for cleaning surfaces made of plastics and paint helps in crevices. A longer brush will reach into the barrel of the wheel, while a shorter one will handle the front and around the valve. A separate brush for hubcaps and steel wheels prevents scratches.
5. Cleaning tires
   A tire cleaning agent (e.g., ADBL Tire & Rubber Cleaner, Gyeon Tire Cleaner, Shiny Garage Pure Black) is applied to the tires. The tread and edge are scrubbed to remove old dressings and grease from rubber elements. This is key to even acceptance of protective coatings and longer durability of wheels and tires as a set.
6. Time for deironizer (optional)
   If brown spots of airborne rust or strong deposits of metallic contaminants are visible, a deironizer (e.g., ADBL Vampire Liquid, FX Protect Iron Remover) is applied. The color reaction facilitates effective removal of pits from their surface. It should not be allowed to dry.
7. Thorough rinsing
   Water or a pressure washer is used again. Residues of preparations and mineral deposits are rinsed off. This reduces streaks and speeds up drying.
8. Drying and inspection
   Dry with a microfiber cloth or blow dry. Check available places around the screws and in the barrel. If there are points of dirt left, return briefly to the step with the brush.
9. Protection (optional)
   A sealant or wheel wax can be applied to clean wheels; it improves ease of use during subsequent washes and maintains a fresh appearance. A satin or matte dressing is applied to the tires after the rubber has fully dried.
10. Regular washing
    Regular washing and regular use of professional agents from our offer (e.g., Tuga, Shiny Garage, ADBL, Good Stuff) keeps the wheels in impeccable condition and extends their lifespan. It also reduces the chance of fighting corrosion in the future.

Additional tips:

• Do not work on heated wheels.
• Do not allow the chemistry to dry on the surface.
• For aluminum wheels with sensitive finishes, choose agents with neutral pH.
• Cleaning stages with very strong dirt: cleaning agent, brushing, deironizer, rinsing.

Frequently asked questions about cleaning wheels

What is the best wheel cleaning agent?

For everyday use, neutral fluids (e.g., Sonax Xtreme) work well, and for difficult dirt, gels (e.g., Tuga Alu Teufel) and deironizers with a "bleeding wheel" effect (e.g., Tenzi Krwawa Felga, CarPro IronX).

What to clean heavily soiled wheels with?

For heavy deposits from brake pads, it is worth using a strong gel (ADBL Wheel Warrior Gel) or an acidic cleaning agent for aluminum wheels (Pure Chemie All Wheel Cleaner). For metallic contaminants, a deironizer (ADBL Vampire, FX Protect Iron Remover) will be effective.

Is WD-40 suitable for cleaning wheels?

WD-40 is not a product intended for cleaning wheels. It may leave a greasy film and attract dirt. For wheels, it is better to use professional fluids or gels from the MOTOGO offer.

What to do to make the wheels shine?

After thoroughly cleaning the wheels, it is worth applying a quick detailer for wheels (e.g., Good Stuff Rims Detailer) or a dedicated protective wax. They provide gloss and an additional barrier against dirt.

What is the best way to clean aluminum wheels?

The best choice is safe cleaning fluids for aluminum wheels, e.g., Tuga Alu Teufel or Sonax Xtreme. For heavy dirt, deironizers and gels will work. It is crucial to match the agent to the type of finish of the wheel.

Buy cosmetics for cleaning wheels and tires in the MOTOGO store

Cleaning wheels and tires requires the use of professional preparations that are effective and safe for the surface. The appropriately selected cleaning agent for aluminum wheels and tire cleaning preparation will restore the aesthetic appearance of the wheels, protect them from further contamination, extend the durability of the materials, and keep them in excellent condition. Regular maintenance improves their appearance, giving wheels and tires a fresh and new effect for a long time.