Road Wheel Care/Maintenance Tips

The road wheels on your vehicle take a lot of abuse. Through the extreme temperatures of winter and summer, as well as the many types of road debris, the wheels on your vehicle keep it rolling along and looking good, provided you have cared for them properly.

Always try to remove road salt and accumulated brake dust as soon as possible. These contaminants have the ability to etch the surface when left over an extended period. Sealing and protecting the finish with a sealant or wax adds a layer of protection to help prevent etching.

Here are some other maintenance tips to help enhance the appearance of your wheels, as well as ease the burden of frequent routine maintenance:

After driving, always allow the wheels to cool down before washing. Cold water when applied to a hot wheel can cause the finish to crack which will quickly ruin its ability to protect the wheel surface.
Avoid the use of acidic wheel cleaners. Dirty wheels that are fairly well maintained can be washed with a tablespoon of dish water soap in a bucket of water. If needed, up to a cup of baking soda can be added to clean up overly dirty wheels. Keep in mind that baking soda is a mild abrasive, so be sure to use a minimal amount.
Brake dust or other contaminants that cannot be removed with soap alone often can be loosened with a solution of apple cider vinegar and water (less than 50/50). Apply the solution to the wheel in a shaded area, and let it sit on the surface of each wheel for a minute or so. Be sure to remove it promptly (apple cider vinegar is acidic and may mar the surface if left on too long ).
After thoroughly cleaning, seal and protect the surface with a high quality sealant. Wax, although not as durable, can also be used. This procedure will improve the overall appearance and make routine maintenance much easier.