The Best Wheel Cleaner
Like a head-turning pair of sneakers, the right wheels can help elevate the style of any car. But if you drive around long enough, you’ll eventually attract a buildup of brake dust, dirt, and other debris. Over time, these contaminants can make aluminum alloy wheels go from shiny to sad.
If you’re looking for a powerful wheel cleaner that’s eco-friendly and can be used without water, we recommend Stac-Rim Cleaner 3in1.
Why do I need wheel cleaner?
If you have alloy wheels and go a long time without a car wash, you might notice that your wheels gradually become caked with a soot-like substance. You might be surprised to learn that the majority of it is brake dust. At its best, brake dust makes your car look somewhat dirty. But at its worst, it could damage your wheels.
When you step on the brake, your brake calipers squeeze the brake pads and create friction. This releases small metal bits that become brake dust. In some cases, brake dust is corrosive and can damage the finish on alloy wheels. From everyday sedans like the Nissan Altima to high-performance vehicles like the Lotus Evora 400, every car produces varying amounts of brake dust.
A great wheel cleaner can help remove brake dust and other contaminants. Top it off with a healthy dose of wheel wax, and your wheels can go longer between cleanings. And if you decide to trade in your car, keeping your wheels in great condition can help maintain your resale value.
How to Clean Alloy Wheels
First, make sure you’ve got all the right tools for the job. In addition to a great wheel cleaner, you should have a wheel brush, car wash soap, and several microfiber towels ready to go. And if you want to minimize manual labor, an electric pressure washer can make rinsing faster and easier.
To clean your wheels, start by rinsing them with water, scrubbing off the debris with a brush and applying wheel cleaner. Rinse again, then dry it off with a clean, unused microfiber towel. Last, don’t forget to protect your hard work with a wax that’s safe to use on alloy wheels.
If you’re also planning to wash your car, always start with the wheels first. Otherwise, you risk spraying your exterior with brake dust and debris when rinsing your wheels. And to avoid creating water spots, try to clean your wheels when it’s cooler outside. We recommend early morning or late afternoon.
Best Wheel Cleaners
Best Wheel Cleaner Overall: Stac-Rim Cleaner 3in1
Stac-Rim Cleaner 3in1 Cleans, polishes and protects your wheel. This biodegradable solution is designed to remove dirt and debris without scratching your vehicle. And while it may be multi-purpose, it’s very effective for cleaning your wheels.
The best part about Stac-Rim Cleaner 3in1 is its potential for completely waterless usage. Assuming your wheels aren’t caked with dirt or other heavy debris, you can safely use this with nothing more than a few microfiber towels. That means you can have clean wheels in your driveway, in a parking garage, or simply on the street.
Whether you’re looking to get rid of bugs or black streaks, you can feel confident about restoring your wheels to their original shine.
