A car’s safety features and attractive looks are often determined by how well maintained and damage free the car parts are. The alloy wheels are metallic wheels that give them a beautiful shine and glamour to the car’s overall looks. What happens if alloy metal wheels are not cleaned or maintained correctly? Alloy wheels are metal, making it necessary to maintain proper cleaning and maintenance every 2-3 months. A weekly or at least once in a few weeks car wash is required if the car is used regularly to maintain the glamour of exterior looks and keep up the quality of your vehicle. If the alloy metal wheels are not cleaned and properly taken care of, it leads to rusting, corrosion and ultimately risks the safety factors of the car. So the negligence in taking care of such vital car parts can allow severe damages and can lead to accident-prone consequences.

How to clean alloy metal wheels?

Alloy metal wheels need to be cleaned monthly or at least once every 2 months. So before you prepare for cleaning your car wheels, it is necessary to ensure a few layers of protection first. A pair of rubber or latex gloves are the first and most important material to own before cleaning alloy metal wheels or any car cleaning work. This is because most alloy cleaners and car cleaning products have a specific ratio of chemicals that damage the skin in case of direct contact. Masks are also advised to ensure proper hygienic and safety measures. Here are the best ways to clean your car’s alloy wheels. 

Alloy wheel cleaners- Many Alloy metal wheel cleaners in the market with multi usages like ensuring protection against oxidation and corrosion. But in this case, it is best to ensure that the product for alloy wheel cleaning does not have any harsh chemicals and are good quality cleaners that will do the deep cleaning job without damaging or discolouring the metal. Many low-quality cleaners have bleach or complex scrubbing agents, which injures and damages the wheels badly. The best alloy wheel cleaners are the good branded ones with balanced pH levels, corrosion-free properties, and acid-free. Alloy wheel polishes are then used after cleaning to retain the shine and finish the entire process.

High-pressure washers- Pressure washers or hoses set to a high-pressure level are an excellent option to clean off surface dirt and dust buildups. This can be done while washing down a car and is hassle-free. But, again, it is advised strictly that to get that shine on alloy wheels without it rusting, it is best advised to use an alloy protection sprayer or use alloy wheel polish as a finish.

DIY remedies for damaged parts on alloy wheels- Many DIY home remedies for broken and rusted alloy wheels. Here are some of the most popular and tested DIY methods of cleaning and restoring alloy wheels. 

1. A mixture of lemon juice and warm water is poured into a spray bottle and then sprayed on the alloy wheels. After about 10 minutes, the alloy wheel can be washed and cleaned usually. The mild and diluted acidic nature of the citrus helps with cleaning off the debris and dirt. 

2. Removing stains and discoloured portions from alloy wheels has a DIY twist to it. First, dampening a cotton rag in white vinegar or cider vinegar and then use that damp cloth to cover that portion of the wheel where there is any unremovable stain. Then, after 15 minutes of the fabric resting on the area, it can be removed and cleaned off as regularly mentioned.

Always finish off the process of cleaning alloy wheels with the finishing products- Use wheel wax or alloy wheel polish and alloy protective sprays or products to ensure that the wheels are covered in a layer of protective barrier against oxidation, rust, discolouration and damage. Using these finishes as a regular and essential part of cleaning the wheels ensures proper maintenance of the alloy and thus retains the shine and quality of the wheel. Using finishes give your tires and wheels a lustrous, well maintained and high-quality glam.