No matter where you drive, at some point your tires are going to get dirty. They may end up splattered with mud, covered with oily liquids, and during certain times of the year, dusted with pollen. But even if your tires don’t look dirty, you should be cleaning them regularly.
This guide will teach you how to clean tires to keep them in top shape.
How To Clean Your Tires – In 4 Easy Steps
Follow the below step-by-step process to ensure thorough cleaning of your tires:
#1. Round Up All Your Tools And Materials.
To start your tire-washing process, you’ll need a bucket, microfiber towels, a hose and spray nozzle, and a soft-bristled brush. For a deeper clean, use a light-duty pressure washer, a waxing mitt, and a wheel brush.
Use non-abrasive cleaning agents like dish soap, warm water, and wheel wax. If you’re curious about how to clean car tires naturally, try using a 70/30 mix of white vinegar and baking soda.
#2. Give Everything A Good Rinse.
After you’ve collected your tools and materials, rinse off all the loose dirt using your spray nozzle or the lowest-setting pressure washer (if you have one). Try to work the water from multiple angles — above, below, and both sides — to knock out the most grime from the interior of the rim.
#3. Wash and Scrub The Tire Thoroughly.
After you’ve rinsed the tire, scrub the surface thoroughly. Begin with the tires, and move on to the wheels to avoid having tire grime drip onto a clean wheel face. With your bristled brush, scrub the tire with warm water and dish soap (about a tablespoon of soap per gallon of water).
For stuck-on grime, let the soap mixture sit on the tire for a few minutes to help soften things up. Then, repeat scrubbing and rinsing as much as you need.
Once your tires are glistening, you can start washing the surface of the wheel. Wet the wheel face, and use your brush with warm, soapy water to scrub everything down. If you want to apply a natural cleaning solution on your chrome wheels, pour equal parts of white vinegar and water into a spray bottle and spritz onto the wheels to melt away stains.
Use a smaller brush to tackle tougher spots on the wheels, then fully dry both the tire and the wheel with a clean, microfiber towel.
#4. Apply Wax For Added Shine.
While a wax application isn’t totally necessary, it’s the perfect final step to get your tires looking their best.
For maximum results, apply a cream or paste wax with a waxing mitt, and make sure to follow the instructions provided on the container. After applying the wax, give it a final polish with a microfiber cloth, and marvel at that amazing shine!
Additional Tips:
Here are some additional tips that will help you determine the best way to clean car tires:
- Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive tools when cleaning your tires, as these can cause damage to the rubber.
- If your tires have white lettering or sidewalls, use a tire cleaner specifically designed for this purpose to avoid discoloration or damage.
- Clean your tires regularly to prevent dirt and grime from building up and causing damage.
- Avoid using tire shine products that contain silicone, as these can cause the rubber to become slippery and reduce traction.
- Be sure to clean your tires before applying any tire dressing, as this will help to ensure that the dressing adheres properly to the surface of the rubber.
Keeping your car’s tires clean and dressed not only enhances its appearance but also prolongs its life and improves its performance on the road. By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your tires remain in top condition for years to come.
However, it’s important to note that not all tires are the same. Different types of tires have different cleaning and dressing requirements. Here are some additional points on cleaning and dressing specific types of tires:
Alloy Wheels
Alloy wheels are prone to scratches and scuffs, so it’s important to choose a tire cleaner that’s specifically designed for them. Avoid using acidic or caustic cleaners, as these can damage the surface of the alloy wheels. Also, make sure to use a soft-bristled brush to clean the wheels, as hard brushes can cause scratches.
Whitewall Tires
Whitewall tires require special care when cleaning and dressing. Use a whitewall tire cleaner to remove any dirt or stains from the white wall area. If the stains are stubborn, use a magic eraser to remove them. Also, avoid using any tire dressing on the white wall area, as this can cause discoloration.
Off-Road Tires
Off-road tires require extra care, as they’re exposed to more dirt and debris than regular tires. Use a high-pressure washer to remove any stubborn dirt or mud from the surface of the tire. Also, use a tire cleaner that’s specifically designed for off-road tires, as these contain stronger cleaning agents that can remove dirt and grime more effectively.
Now, How To Clean Tire Rims And Wheels
Dirty rims and wheels can take the joy out of any ride. So take a quick pit stop to clean your brake dust and make those tire rims and wheels shine like new.
- Play It Cool. Before we start cleaning, make sure your vehicle is completely off and the rims are cool to the touch.
- Hose ’em Down. Hose down any large pieces of grit or dirt on the wheels and rims. This will save you some time scrubbing later. Hand holding hose spraying wheel and rim and hand scrubbing rim with a soapy sponge
- High-Performance Cleaning. To create your cleaning solution, fill up a gallon bucket of hot water and add 1 teaspoon of a concentrated dish liquid like Dawn.
- Start Your Scrubbing. Use a rag or sponge to clean the outside edge of the rim. Scrub until all the grease has been removed from the metal surface. Next, clean the interior of the rim. Try using an old toothbrush to reach those tough-to-reach spots.
- Rinse Down.Rinse out the wheel wells starting from the top to the bottom. This ensures that all the soap is removed. Excess residue may lead to etching on certain materials. Rinsing tire clean with a hose and drying rim with towel
- Dry Time. Immediately dry with a soft, clean towel. Now hit the road with your clean rims and wheels.