Your car's wheels are like the shoes of a well-dressed person - they can make or break the overall appearance. Keeping them clean and well-maintained not only enhances your vehicle's aesthetics, but also contributes to its longevity and performance. In this blog, we'll explore the importance of having clean wheels, the process involved in keeping them clean, the use of specialized products like iron removers and degreasers, special tools like wheel brushes, and the benefits of ceramic coating your wheels.
The Importance of Clean Wheels
1. Aesthetic Appeal:
Clean, shiny wheels instantly boost your car's visual appeal. Whether you drive a brand-new sports car, a family sedan, or an SUV, clean wheels catch the eye and leave a great lasting impression.
2. Protection:
Wheels are exposed to all kinds of dirt, debris, and contaminants on the road. Neglecting them can lead to corrosion, pitting, and permanent damage to your wheels. Proper cleaning and maintenance act as a barrier against these threats, and keep your vehicle looking great for years to come.
3. Safety:
Dirty wheels can accumulate brake dust and other particles, reducing your braking performance, and potentially weakening the structure of the wheel. Clean wheels, on the other hand, ensure optimum brake function, wheel integrity, and road safety.
The Cleaning Process
At Annapolis Performance Coatings, our process for cleaning your wheels isn't just about giving them a quick hose-down. It's an important process that involves several steps:
1. Assessment:
We look over each of the wheels to assess their condition – dirt/grime buildup, pitting, and inspect for cracks.
2. Preparation:
Next, we gather our tools and materials – such as wheel cleaner, iron remover/degreaser, soap, a variety of brushes, microfiber towels, and whatever sealant or ceramic coating that we’ll be using.
3. Rinse:
We begin by rinsing your wheels thoroughly to remove loose dirt and debris. This step prevents scratching during the cleaning process.
4. Apply Iron Remover/Degreaser
These products are designed to dissolve stubborn contaminants like brake dust and road grime. The iron remover or degreaser is generously applied, ensuring it covers the entire wheel surface. We allow it to sit for a few minutes, as it needs some time to break down the dirt and other particles, then rinse and continue with our process.
5. Cleaning:
We apply soap with a foam cannon and use an assortment of brushes to agitate the cleaner and loosen any remaining dirt. Soft brushes are ideal for delicate wheel finishes, while hard bristle brushes work well on tough build-up. We pay special attention to crevices, spokes, and behind the wheel.
6. Rinse (Again):
We rinse off the cleaner and any debris thoroughly, ensuring that there's no residue left on the wheel's surface.
7. Dry and Protect:
We dry your wheels with microfiber towels to prevent water spots, and apply either a sealant or ceramic coating, depending on the level of protection needed.
Ceramic Coating Wheels
Ceramic coatings are a game-changer when it comes to wheel protection. These advanced coatings create a durable and transparent shield over the wheel's surface, offering unparalleled defense against the harsh elements of the road. Ceramic coatings provide a hydrophobic barrier, repelling water, dirt, and contaminants, which minimizes the buildup of brake dust and grime. This not only keeps your wheels cleaner for longer but also makes cleaning much quicker and efficient. Furthermore, these coatings are highly resistant to UV rays and chemical damage, preventing fading, corrosion, and deterioration of the wheel's finish. Ceramic coatings help your wheels not only maintain their shine, but also provides long-term protection and durability, ensuring they look their best and remain structurally sound for years to come.
Cleaning your wheels is not just about appearance; it's about preserving your investment and ensuring safety on the road. By following a proper cleaning process and utilizing products like iron removers, brushes, and ceramic coatings, Annapolis Performance Coatings can keep your wheels looking fantastic and protected against the elements. If damage occurs that is impacting the structure of the wheel, we help you weigh the options of repair and replacement carefully, and can connect you with one of our preferred partner companies that will help get you back on the road quickly and safely. For more information, or a quote to clean and protect your wheels, get in touch with us today!