How To Safely Clean Your Wheels And Tyres?
Detailing your own vehicle isn’t just about keeping the glass & paint clean and glossy. Wheels and tyres are often overlooked as they are seen as too hard to clean. Neglected wheels are incredibly difficult to clean as they have baked-on brake dust, road grime and more. If this is your wheels you will probably need a professional detailer to address the neglected wheels as they may be too far gone for a home detailer. At Infinity Detailing Studio we often restore neglected wheels & ceramic coat them with CarPro Dlux to avoid baked-on brake dust and grime again. By ceramic coating them, it will make the surface slicker, cleaner for longer & easier to clean. Consider ceramic coating your wheels for the best protection and to make them easier to clean.
This blog post will teach you how to safely clean your wheels and tyres, avoid damage, and maintain the pristine appearance of your vehicle from the ground up. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or looking for the best professional car detailing in Sydney, this guide will provide you with essential tips and techniques that work.
Why Wheel & Tyre Cleaning Matters
Your wheels and tyres are constantly exposed to harsh road conditions, grime, salt, brake dust, and tar. Over time, this buildup doesn't just ruin their appearance — it can also damage the finish and compromise safety. Brake dust that is not cleaned will etch into the finish of the wheels and can permanently damage them. Tyres that are also heavily neglected can affect their longevity and performance. Thus by establishing a regular maintenance schedule for your wheels; ideally while washing your car, it will not only improve the look of your car but also extend the life of your wheels and tyres.
What You Will Need
It is important to note this next section is for wheels that are not too far gone and in relatively decent condition. If your wheels are too far gone they may need attention from a professional detailer in Sydney like Infinity Detailing Studio or even be refinished by a wheel repairer.
Strong APC - CarPro Multi-X
Ph-balanced wheel cleaner (avoid acid cleaners unless you are trained to use them) - P&S Brake Buster
Tyre Cleaner like Shine Supply Wise Guy
Iron Remover Wheel Cleaner - Gyeon Iron Wheel Cleaner
Wheel brushes (soft-bristled, barrel brush, and lug nut brush)
Hand mitt for wheels
Separate bucket of soap specifically for wheels
Tyre dressing - CarPro DarkSide
How To Clean Your Wheels & Tyres
1. Rinse Thoroughly
Start by rinsing the wheels and tyres using a pressure washer or hose. Aim to loosen any dirt, mud & road debris.
2. Apply a Quality Wheel Cleaner
Focus on one wheel at a time, spraying your wheel cleaner to the face of the wheels. Make sure to cover the entire wheel, do not let the product dry. Spray APC on the wheel wells. Leave the products to react for a minute or two without letting it dry.
3. Scrub With the Right Tools
Use a soft wheel brush to agitate the wheel cleaner on the wheel faces. Avoid using stiff brushes or sponges that could scratch the finish.Work from top to bottom and rinse frequently to avoid dragging grime across the surface.
4. Clean the Tyres Separately
Spray onto the tyre sidewall, then scrub using a stiff tyre brush. You’ll often see brown residue come off — this is oxidation and old dressing being removed. Repeat the process until the foam runs white, which means the tyre is truly clean.
5. Rinse Thoroughly Again
Give the tyres, wheel wells & wheel a thorough rinse to wash away all cleaner and grime. Make sure there’s no residue left behind before drying, especially in hard-to-reach areas.
6. Dry With Microfibre Towels
Use a clean, soft microfibre towel to dry each wheel and tyre. Compressed air can also help blow out trapped water from lug nuts and wheel barrels. Drying helps prevent water spots, especially on polished or gloss-finish wheels.
7. Apply Tyre Dressing or Conditioner
Once your tyres are dry, apply a water-based tyre dressing using an applicator pad. Avoid solvent-based products that can sling and damage paint over time. A good tyre dressing enhances appearance, adds UV protection, and keeps your tyres looking rich and black without being greasy. At Infinity Detailing Studio, we use professional-grade tyre conditioners that offer a natural, satin finish without attracting dust.
8. Optional: Apply Wheel Sealant or Ceramic Coating
For longer-lasting protection, you can apply a wheel sealant or a ceramic coating designed specifically for wheels. These products create a hydrophobic barrier that repels brake dust and makes future cleanings much easier.
If you're unsure about applying a coating yourself, consider booking a wheel ceramic coating service with a professional detailing studio in Sydney like ours.
How Often Should You Clean Your Wheels?
They should be cleaned every time you wash you car, so ideally every 1-2 weeks. Regular maintenance is the key to preserving their finish and avoiding long-term damage.
Why Choose a Professional Wheel Cleaning Service?
While DIY cleaning is possible, nothing beats the results of professional tools, products, and techniques. At Infinity Detailing Studio in Sydney, we specialise in premium wheel and tyre cleaning as part of our full exterior detail packages.
Our trained team uses safe, pH-neutral products and professional-grade tools to bring out the best in your wheels, whether you’re driving a luxury sedan, a 4x4, or a performance vehicle.
We also offer wheel ceramic coating, tyre conditioning, and full car detailing to give your vehicle that showroom finish.
Book a Wheel Cleaning Service Today
If you want your vehicle to look its best and maintain its value, don’t overlook your wheels and tyres. Regular care and professional detailing go a long way toward protecting your investment.
Visit Infinity Detailing Studio to learn more about our services or book an appointment online. We proudly serve the Greater Sydney area and offer tailored detailing solutions for every car owner.
