Cleaning wheels and tires
Wheels come in many styles, including clear-coated aluminum, polished aluminum, chromed steel, painted steel and spoked. No matter what variety you have, brake dust and road grime make them difficult to clean. You may want to try a concentrated wheel cleaner, available at auto centers, but the old standby tools are a hose, a sprayer attachment, a bucket of soapy water, a wheel brush and an old mitt.
If your wheels have plastic covers or hubcaps, remove them before you begin cleaning. Rinse the wheel and clean it thoroughly with soapy water. Use a brush to remove stubborn dirt and an old toothbrush to reach into tight spots and intricate designs. Use the sprayer attachment to rinse off the soap and dirt.
If your vehicle has aluminum or chrome-plated wheels, apply wheel polish after cleaning the wheels, then buff to bring out the shine.
Apply a light coat of car wax to painted or clear-coated steel wheels, and buff it with a towel.
Wire wheels are striking in appearance but difficult to care for. Use a toothbrush to apply polish in tight areas; a rag pulled behind each spoke is handy for cleaning and polishing.
Now that your wheels are sparkling clean, clean the tires with soapy water and a mitt. A small, stiff brush is good for removing dirt from raised lettering on the sidewalls. Rinse with water. Once the tires are dry, you may want to apply a tire dressing to give a detailed look and help preserve the rubber. Spray the dressing directly on the tire and wipe off the excess.
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