Detailing Guides
Videos, articles, infographics and more on washing, polishing and ceramic coating.
Matte Finish Care
Articles and vides on how to maintain a matte finish car in its original appearance.
When Should I Clean My Wheels?
Clean your wheels when they are dirty, or make wheel cleaning part of your regular car wash. Use this guide to match the cleaning method to the amount of brake dust and road grime on the wheel.
Quick Answer
Clean Your Wheels When They Are Dirty—or Whenever You Wash Your Car.
Checking the wheels during every wash keeps brake dust and road grime from building up. If they still look clean, leave them alone. If they are dirty, choose the cleaning method that matches the amount of contamination present.
Choose the Right Level of Cleaning
How Dirty Are Your Wheels?
Inspect the wheel face, spokes and barrel, then choose the closest condition below.
No Cleaning Needed
Not Very Dirty
If the wheels still look clean at a glance and have little or no visible brake dust, there is no need to clean them yet. Leave them alone and inspect them again during the next wash.
Maintenance Cleaning
Lightly Dirty
For light brake dust, minor road film or fresh contamination, use Wheel Detailer for maintenance cleaning. Spray it onto the wheel, then wipe clean or rinse off.
Full Rinse Wash
Heavy Brake Dust and Road Grime
When brake dust and road grime have built up across the wheel face and barrel, perform a full rinse wash with a dedicated wheel cleaner. Agitate as needed and rinse thoroughly.
Free Printable Wheel-Cleaning Guide
Clean Your Wheels in the Right Order.
Use the Wash & Wheels PDF Checklist to work wheel cleaning into your maintenance wash without missing a step. It will help you:
Prepare the wheels and work safely on a cool surface
Clean the wheel face, barrel and lug-nut areas in sequence
Continue into the maintenance wash without cross-contaminating the paint
Free PDF · Mobile optimized · Delivered by email