Why Wheels Are the Worst to Clean
Your wheels are constantly bombarded with hot brake dust, road grime, tar, and salt. These contaminants bake onto the surface, turning shiny alloys dull and brown. Many drivers scrub endlessly on every wash, unaware that the right routine can make wheels one of the easiest parts of the car to maintain.
Stage 1: Chemical Pre-Wash for Heavy Brake Dust
The first step is to let chemistry do the work. A reactive wheel cleaner like Bilt Hamber Auto-Wheel breaks down brake dust on contact, dissolving it into a purple liquid. This softens the grime massively, meaning far less scrubbing is needed.
Spraying tyres with an all-purpose cleaner or degreaser helps strip old dressings, readying them for fresh protection.
Stage 2: Contact Wash for a Perfect Finish
Once pre-washed, wheels should be gently cleaned with a mitt or brushes to reach every spoke and barrel. Because the harsh dirt has already been dissolved, the contact stage becomes safer and quicker.
Tyres benefit from a thorough scrub to bring back a clean, deep black surface before dressing.
Stage 3: Protect Your Hard Work
This is where the real time-saving begins. Applying a wheel sealant or ceramic spray creates a hydrophobic, heat-resistant barrier that brake dust struggles to cling to. During future washes, you’ll notice dirt falling away far more easily—often requiring just snow foam and a rinse.
With protection in place, wheels look cleaner for longer and resist the harshness of winter roads and summer heat.