Wheels are usually the dirtiest part of a car, and the hardest to keep clean. The grey-black film that builds up on alloys is brake dust, and leaving it too long can do more than spoil the look of your car.
What brake dust is made of
Every time you brake, tiny particles of pad material and metal from the disc are released. They’re hot when they land on the wheel, which helps them bond to the surface. Over time, the metallic particles can oxidise and stain or pit the wheel finish.
Why ordinary washing isn’t enough
Car shampoo on a mitt will remove loose dust, but bonded particles need a dedicated iron remover. These products react with iron particles and often turn purple as they work, showing you exactly where the contamination was.
How to clean wheels safely
- Work on cool wheels. Hot wheels cause products to dry and can stain the finish.
- Use a wheel-safe cleaner that suits your wheel finish (painted, polished, chrome or matte).
- Use soft brushes for faces, spokes and barrels, and keep them separate from your paint tools.
- Rinse thoroughly, including inside the barrels and around the calipers.
- Dry and protect. A wheel sealant makes future cleaning much easier.
Don’t forget the tyres
Clean tyres with a stiff brush and a dedicated tyre cleaner to remove old dressing and browning. A water-based satin dressing looks more natural than a greasy high-gloss product and won’t sling onto your paint.
When to get help
If your wheels have heavy build-up or you’re unsure which products are safe for the finish, our Wheel & Tyre Revival cleans every part of the wheel and finishes with a protective sealant.
