The short answer: clean the wheels first while they're cool, using an iron-removing wheel cleaner that dissolves brake dust. Agitate with a soft brush, rinse, then clean the tyre sidewalls and finish them with a tyre shine applied by sponge. Doing the wheels first stops brake dust splashing onto clean paint.
What you'll need
- Wheel Wash, an iron remover wheel cleaner for iron fallout and brake dust
- A soft bristle brush for wheel faces and a hard bristle brush for tyres and arches
- Tyre Shine and a foam applicator sponge
Step by step
- Make sure wheels and brakes are cool. Never apply wheel cleaner to hot wheels.
- Spray Wheel Wash over the wheel and give it time to work on the iron and brake dust. Don't let it dry.
- Agitate the faces, barrels and around the nuts with a soft brush.
- Scrub the tyre sidewalls with the hard brush and rinse everything thoroughly.
- Dry the tyres, then apply a thin, even coat of Tyre Shine with the sponge. Apply it to sidewalls only, never the tread.
- Wipe off any excess and let it dry before driving to minimise sling.
Tips
- Test on aftermarket, damaged or bare polished aluminium finishes first, and avoid prolonged contact with bare polished aluminium.
- A second thin coat of Tyre Shine gives a deeper gloss.
Washing the rest of the car? See how to wash your car at home.
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