The Ultimate Guide to Wheel and Tire Cleaning

Posted by James Rogers on 20th Jun 2023

Maintaining the appearance of your vehicle goes beyond just keeping the paint shiny. I've come to realize that wheels and tires play a crucial role in enhancing the overall aesthetic of my car. That's why I'm excited to share my favorite method of cleaning wheels and tires with you, using top-quality products from renowned brands like TUGA, CARPRO, Microfiber Madness, and more. 

If you are looking for some visuals, we released a video on our complete wheel and tire guide on our YouTube Channel! 

If you are still with me, Let's dive in!

Choosing a Safe Wheel Cleaner

Tuga Wheel Cleaner

When it comes to cleaning your wheels, the first thing you need to consider is whether the products you're using are safe for your finish. Many acidic wheel cleaners on the market may seem strong, but they can actually be too aggressive and potentially stain or discolor your wheels. That's why we highly recommend using TUGA’s effective acid-free wheel cleaner.

It has been tested on various wheel finishes and proven to be safe and reliable. With its simple spray on, rinse off application, you can sometimes completely clean you wheel without agitation. For those that may need a refresh, agitation works great with this product and can help you reach an unbelievable clean!

We have a full video on this product for those exclusively interested in their new favorite wheel cleaner.  Watch here 

Choosing the best brushes and tools

Now, let's talk about the tools that will make your wheel and tire cleaning process effortless and efficient. The right tools are crucial for getting the job done well. Keep in mind that personal preference, cost, and frequency of use will vary, so you may not need everything on this list. Here are some of our favorite recommended tools that can make a significant difference:

Microfiber Madness incredibrush Flat

Wheel Barrels And Face

For the wheel barrels, I highly recommend the Microfiber Madness Incredibrush Flat. This brush is a dream come true for every enthusiast. It features a rustproof stainless steel stem coated with nylon to protect your finish.

The foam core has excellent water absorption, ensuring you have plenty of water dispersion while cleaning your wheels. The industrial-strength molded plastic handle provides a firm grip that won't slip even when wet. And let's not forget the  Incredi-Cover! It's extremely durable and long-lasting. Plus, it's easily removable with a strong stretch fabric neck that pops open, making it easy to clean or replace. It's truly a convenient and effective tool.

If you're looking for a more economical option, the EZ Detail Brush Big is a great choice. This brush is bendable, allowing you to clean at various angles while still ensuring an effective clean. It's a fantastic starter brush for anyone getting into wheel cleaning.

Now, let's move on to cleaning the wheel faces. The Microfiber Madness Incrediflair is an incredible mitt that you can place on either hand. It provides 100% performance with its "flared" thumb, regardless of your hand preference. The IncrediFlair is designed with extreme flexibility, allowing it to complement its design and purpose. It doesn't have an inner sponge layer, which provides the flexibility needed to clean various materials effectively. The custom microfiber blend absorbs water and shampoo, ensuring easy release and minimizing the chances of swirls.

Another option worth considering is the CARPRO Detailing Brush Set. It includes a sturdy boars hair detailing brush suitable for various applications, such as lug nuts, interiors, or general cleaning. Additionally, it comes with a super soft synthetic brush that can take care of even the softest finishes, making it perfect for your wheels' emblems or piano interior material.

Tires and Wheel Wells

For cleaning the tire faces, a low-profile tire brush will be your best friend. It's designed specifically to safely clean your tires, with densely packed nylon bristles that are crimped for added strength. It's perfect for cleaning white sidewall tires or low-profile tires. It’s a fantastic value coming in under $5 and we haven’t had one break on us yet!

Now, let's not forget about the wheel wells. The Wheel Woolies Fender Boars Hair Brush is a great tool to ensure a thorough clean. It features high-quality 100% boars hair in a feathered pattern, providing perfect agitation power while maintaining trust and safety on any surface. The epoxy set construction ensures you won't lose the fibers, even after repeated use.

Using the right brushes is crucial, as they do the majority of the work when cleaning wheels and tires. Investing in high-quality brushes will make your cleaning experience much more enjoyable.

Protecting your Wheels and Tires

Once your wheels and tires are sparkling clean, it's time to apply some protection to make future cleaning a breeze. CARPRO offers excellent products like the CARPRO CQUARTZ Dlux Wheel and Trim Ceramic Coating or CARPRO Hydro2 Lite. These products provide a hydrophobic barrier that repels dirt, brake dust, and other contaminants. They also enhance the gloss and make regular 

maintenance a breeze, ensuring you can enjoy clean wheels and tires for an extended period.

Additionally, CARPRO DarkSide is a new release specifically for your tires, offering hydrophobic properties, a darkening effect, and a light gleam that keeps your tires looking clean. We have been getting about 3 months of longevity on our testing from CARPRO Darkside. It has exceeded our expectations and is a top recommendation for anyone looking to increase the look and protection of their tires.

Conclusion

To sum it all up, achieving spotless and dazzling wheels and tires doesn't have to be overwhelming. By using safe wheel cleaners from TUGA, employing the best tools from Microfiber Madness and CARPRO, and applying protective coatings like Hydro2 Lite, you can easily keep your wheels and tires in pristine condition. Just remember to follow the product instructions carefully and maintain a regular cleaning routine to extend the life and visual appeal of your wheels. Embrace these exceptional brands and transform your car's wheels into shining examples of automotive excellence!