How To Clean Your Car’s Alloy Wheels

Many drivers equip their vehicles with alloy wheels for appearance purposes however, keeping alloy wheels clean can sometimes be a challenge. Alloy wheels are usually light in color. Dirt and grime will accumulate over time and it will be noticeable if you do not clean your vehicle regularly. Continue reading to learn how to clean your car’s alloy wheels.

Why Do My Cars Wheels Get So Dirty?

One big contributor to the dirt and grime you see on your wheels is brake dust which is created by your vehicle’s brake pads. Brake dust forms every time you press on the pedal. The friction causes tiny pieces of metal from your brake pad to become loose and stick to the rims of your wheels. Brake dust buildup will occur if you do not clean your BMW’s wheel regularly. In some cases, not regularly cleaning your vehicle’s wheels can also lead to wheel corrosion.

How Should I Clean My Cars Alloy Wheels?

We highly recommend having your car cleaned by a professional. Our Service Department is stocked with high-quality and genuine products and tools that are designed for your BMW. Contact us to schedule an appointment or schedule a service online. Our team here at Competition BMW of Smithtown is here to give you the best advice when it comes to cleaning your BMW’s wheels. To start, we highly recommend cleaning your car’s wheels before cleaning your entire car.

1. Rinse Your Car With Water

Rinsing your car’s wheels with water will help clear off much of the grime and dirt. If possible, use a hose with a high-pressure stream of water. The force of a high-pressure stream will help remove more dirt and grime.

2. Scrub Rims

Use a soft sponge or wash mitt and car shampoo to scrub the stubborn areas of dirt and grime. Scrubbing the wheels will help remove the dirt that did not come off in the step above.

3. Apply A Dedicated Wheel Cleaner

Spray the wheel cleaner over each of your car’s wheels. These cleaners are strongly effective when it comes to removing particles such as baked-in brake dust or road salt. Let the cleaner soak for about five to ten minutes before moving on to the next step.

4. Loosen Wheel Buildup With A Soft-Bristled Brush

Use a soft-bristled brush that is designed to clean without scratching to thoroughly scrub the wheels. Spend time using the brush to reach the areas between the spokes of your car’s wheels. Be sure to also scrub the lug nuts because they are prone to accumulating dust, dirt, and grime.

5. Clean The Wheel Wells

Scrub the wheel wells using a hose, car shampoo, and a brush. Wheel wells are less prone to damage than the wheels so you can use a stiffer brush than the one you used to clean the wheels if you would like.

6. Final Rinse

Give the wheels and the wheel wells a final rinse with water. Be sure to rinse off all the cleaning products.

7. Dry Wheels

We highly recommend using a microfiber towel to dry the wheels. If you let your car air dry, it is very likely your car will dry with water spots.

8. Clean Your Wheels Regularly

To avoid having to remove caked-on brake dust, we recommend cleaning your car’s wheels every couple of months. Following a regular cleaning schedule will result in less dirt and grime on the wheels which will allow for an easier cleaning process.

Stop by Competition BMW of Smithtown and explore our large inventory of new and pre-owned vehicles! Test drive the 2021 BMW X3 or the 2021 BMW 3 Series! Be sure to also check out our new BMW lease specials, service specials, and parts & accessories specials! Head to our blog for more helpful maintenance tips like Tire Tips. Contact us with any questions or concerns you may have. We look forward to seeing you at our BMW dealership located right near Tesla in Smithtown and Smith Haven Mall in Lake Grove! Visit us today at 599 Middle Country Road, Saint James, NY.