How do I care for and clean my wheels?
Regular cleaning with the right products is the best way to protect your wheel finish and keep your truck looking great. Always use a pH neutral cleaner, avoid harsh chemicals, and dry your wheels thoroughly after washing.
How Do I Care for and Clean My Wheels?
Keeping your wheels clean not only makes your truck look great, it also helps protect the finish and extend the life of your wheels. Here are some tips to keep your wheels looking their best.
General cleaning tips
Regular cleaning is the best way to keep your wheels in great shape. Brake dust, road grime, and other contaminants can build up over time and cause damage to the finish if left untreated. Here are a few general tips to follow:
- Clean your wheels regularly to prevent buildup of brake dust and road grime
- Always clean your wheels when they are cool to the touch. Cleaning hot wheels can cause cleaning products to evaporate too quickly and leave spots or streaks
- Use a soft brush or microfiber cloth to avoid scratching the finish
- Rinse your wheels thoroughly before scrubbing to remove loose dirt and debris
- Always dry your wheels after washing to prevent water spots
What products should I use?
Using the right products is important to avoid damaging your wheel finish. Here are some guidelines:
- Use a pH neutral wheel cleaner that is safe for all wheel finishes
- Avoid harsh chemicals, acidic cleaners, or abrasive products that can damage or strip the finish
- For chrome wheels, use a chrome specific cleaner and polish to maintain the shine
- For painted or powder coated wheels, a mild soap and water solution works great for regular cleaning
What about protecting the finish?
After cleaning, applying a wheel sealant or wax can help protect the finish and make future cleaning easier. This creates a barrier against brake dust, road grime, and other contaminants that can build up on your wheels over time.
Tips for specific finishes
Different wheel finishes require slightly different care:
- Gloss black or painted finishes: Use a gentle cleaner and avoid abrasive brushes or pads that can scratch the surface
- Chrome finishes: Chrome requires regular cleaning and polishing to maintain its shine and prevent pitting or corrosion
- Machined or brushed finishes: Avoid acidic cleaners as they can discolor or damage the machined surface
- Satin or matte finishes: Avoid wax or gloss enhancing products as they can alter the appearance of the finish
What should I avoid?
To keep your wheels looking great and protect the finish, avoid the following:
- Automatic car washes with harsh brushes or chemicals
- Acidic or abrasive wheel cleaners
- Steel wool or abrasive scrubbing pads
- Leaving brake dust or road grime on your wheels for extended periods of time
- Cleaning wheels when they are hot
Have a warranty issue?
If you have a warranty issue, submit a wheel warranty on our Warranty Center.
Still have questions about caring for your wheels?
Contact us and our team will be happy to help point you in the right direction for keeping your specific wheel finish looking its best!