Aluminum Wheel Cleaner
Aluminum wheels provide a very attractive look to virtually any vehicle. If you own aluminum wheels, it is important to keep them clean in order to keep your car looking good. The dirt that can accumulate on your wheels over time will not only damage the look of your vehicle, but it can damage the wheels as well. Cleaning your aluminum wheels is very important in protecting them and saving you from the cost of replacing them due to damage from corrosion. Cleaning aluminum wheels takes very little time with the wide variety of aluminum wheel cleaners that are currently available and doing so regularly will ensure that your wheels always function properly and look great.
Again, there are many types and brands of aluminum wheel cleaner currently on the market. You should choose the one that best suits the type of aluminum wheels that you have on your vehicle. If you choose the wrong cleaner you could potentially cause damage to the finish of the wheels. Cleaners that are designed for use on anodized aluminum for example, could damage clear coated wheels or wheels that are painted. In addition to choosing the best wheel cleaner for your aluminum wheels, you should also know the proper way to clean your wheels. Not using the proper cleaning techniques can cause scratches and other damage to the wheels.
When cleaning aluminum wheels it is important to always wear rubber gloves. This is because many aluminum wheel cleaners contain acids that activate when in use. You may also want to wear protective eye gear to ensure that you do not cause injury or damage to your eyes while cleaning. Once you have chosen the proper cleaner for your specific wheels, spray the cleaner evenly over the wheel and allow it to sit for ten to fifteen minutes. After this time, you should be able to easily wipe the cleaner away taking the dirt and grime with it. Frequently cleaning your wheels will allow you to remove dirt and other elements from the road as well as brake dust that may build up on the wheels.
Of course, if you do not clean your aluminum wheels for a while, it may take some effort on your part to completely remove the dirt and grime. Be certain that you do not apply too much pressure to the wheels as you can scratch the finish and potentially damage the wheel itself. You can purchase brushes that are specifically designed for use on aluminum wheels to help remove stubborn or hardened dirt. Using a water hose is an effective way to remove wheel cleaner as well as loosened dirt and debris.
It is important that you check the various types of aluminum wheel cleaners currently available to ensure that you choose the correct one for your specific wheels. You can check at a variety of websites to get an idea of which cleaner is best for your wheels or visit your nearest automotive supply and parts store and ask which brand and which specific type you need. Again, you should never use household detergents and/or soaps or other cleaners that are not specifically designed for cleaning aluminum wheels as these can cause damage to the wheels and cause you to spend more money replacing the wheels.
To enhance both the look and the performance of your vehicle, regularly cleaning your aluminum wheels is important. Many mechanics consider this the first step in ensuring that your car is properly maintained and remains in good operating condition. You can also add a fresh coat of wheel polish after cleaning to protect against debris buildup and make your next cleaning effort much easier and faster.