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How to Clean Aluminum Wheels and Rims

When properly cleaned and polished, aluminum wheels can shine with chrome-like beauty. Proper maintenance of your aluminum wheels is important, to avoid pitting and corrosion caused by accumulation of dirt and contaminants like brake dust. Brake dust is comprised of carbon fibers that rub off the brake pad, as well as tiny metal shavings from the rotor which can do damage to the surface of your wheels. You can prevent this and keep your aluminum wheels looking great with frequent cleaning, using Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner.

 

Bare aluminum has a tendency to oxidize. Most aluminum wheels have a protective coating on top to prevent aluminum oxide. Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner won't harm this coating, so you can use it for both coated and bare aluminum wheels.

 

Directions:

 

Only clean wheels when they're cool to avoid warping rotors, brake discs and more.

 

1. Thoroughly hose down aluminum wheels to remove loose dirt and brake dust from all areas and crevices.
2. Spray one wheel at a time with Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner, and use a soft-bristle brush, sponge or wheel brush to scrub all areas without scratching. Make sure the brush is narrow enough to fit into the corners and crevices of your wheels (an old toothbrush is good). Reach through spokes to clean the barrel thoroughly as well.
3. Clean the lug nuts. Use your brush to clean around the lug nuts thoroughly, as brake dust tends to accumulate here.
4. Hose down thoroughly.
5. Use a clean microfiber cloth to wipe away any residue and dry your aluminum wheels, giving them a chrome-like sparkling clean, streak free surface without any water spots.

 

Available at these and other local stores.