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Winter climate can turn your vehicle wheels and tires into a grimy mess. Salt, slush and road grime damage destroys wheel finishes and also shortens the lifespan of your tires.
"By starting the season with a strong foundation, you make winter upkeep a lot easier,” said Luke Wilson, owner of Wilson Auto Detailing. "If your wheels are already coated or sealed, winter prep is a breeze.”
Just driving through an automated car wash is not enough to remove embedded contaminants and grimy build-up in the contours of today’s modern wheels.
“Give them a solid clean before the first frost hits,” Wilson said.
Wilson began his journey in auto detailing at 13 years old after class in middle school, simply calling it “cleaning.” By the time he entered high school, word-of-mouth had helped him build a clientele that included community members and even his teachers.
In his freshman year in college, Wilson had expanded to 200 regular clients and currently runs a thriving detailing business.
Wilson shared the following recommendations for winter wheel and tire care.
Pre-winter tips
Start by rinsing away loose dirt, then use a cleaner intended for automobile wheels to remove stubborn grime from the front and inner parts of your wheels.
Always check the manufacturer’s directions before cleaning.
Not all wheels are the same—chrome, steel, painted and anodized finishes all require different care.
For example, auto wash and water work best on anodized wheels, while chrome is better suited to non-acid cleaners.
“When you’re cleaning wheels, you don’t have to stick to one single cleaner. Use what works for the finish and the level of grime you’re dealing with,” Wilson said.
Rinse the wheels thoroughly before drying. Make sure there is no water around the lug nuts or seams to prevent rust.
Apply a light layer of ceramic wax to prevent further grime from sticking. Complete the cleaning process with a thin coat of tire dressing. Buff off the excess to prevent it from slinging down your vehicle’s panels while driving.
Rinse wheels weekly
”Cold weather isn’t just tough on paint, your wheels and tires actually take the biggest beating from salt, moisture and temperature swings,” said Wilson.
Slush and road salt corrode wheels and brakes, causing rust and potentially expensive repairs.
Rinse your wheels and give your tires a light scrub with a wheel brush once a week. When temperatures are mild, add a spray wax for extra protection.
Apply a tire dressing when the rubber shows signs of drying or fading.
Harsh weather
"People think wheel care is just about looks but it’s also about safety. Clean wheels stop salt and grime from eating away at your brakes, helping them perform better in winter conditions."
In severe winter weather, you’ll need to go a bit further than your weekly routine. Rinse the back of your wheels thoroughly to remove salt build up that gradually corrodes the finish.
Wilson also advises drivers to rinse the inner part of wheels, where dirt and salt are often overlooked.
Be sure to dry your wheels thoroughly after rinsing. Pay attention to the wheel weights and lug nuts where trapped moisture can cause rust.
Monthly upkeep
Give your wheels a deep clean at least once a month during winter. Use the time to check for scratches, rust and other damages. Reapply a wheel sealant or ceramic coating to keep your wheels protected.
Are your wheels looking dull in winter months? Wheels pick up sediment and other contaminants whenever you drive through patched roads, slush or asphalt residue.
Use a cleaner intended for automobile wheels to remove brake dust and tar. A quick scrub with a wheel brush helps prevent a build-up in the hidden areas of your wheels. After cleaning, apply an auto wax spray or ceramic coating to add a barrier of protection against road salt, slush and grime.
This protective layer stops corrosive materials from sticking and keeps your wheels safe from dents, holes and stains.
”Regular conditioning maintains softness and prevents cracking in cold weather,” Wilson said.
After winter follow-up
Give yourself a calendar reminder for spring to remove seasonal buildup and restore their protective finish.
Start with a deep clean using a wheel-safe cleaner. Follow up with a tar remover or an all-purpose cleaner to lift sticky residue.
Ensure you rinse well to wash away all the grime, salt and road debris that has accumulated. Once your wheels are clean, inspect for scuffs, fading and rough patches. Use a polish to revive shine and smoothness.
For the tires, use a tire brush to remove haze or grime buildup, or “browning.” Cleaning your tires helps restore their natural finish. Add a fresh coat of wax and tire dressing.
The result is eye-catching, Wilson said. Your wheels and tires will look great no matter what kinds of weather your vehicle encounters this winter.
Winter Tips for Wheels and Tires
- Rinse and clean regularly to wash off loose dirt and salt.
- Apply a wheel cleaner intended for vehicles to remove brake dust and tar removers to lift road grime.
- Use a car wash solution and tire brush to restore the natural dark look of rubber.
- In cold climates use a blower to remove moisture before it freezes in wheel nooks and crannies.
- Apply ceramic coating on wheels to help protect it harder from road salt and grime.
- Use a water-based tire dressing to prevent rubber from drying out and maintain natural finish.
- Avoid oil-based tire dressings as they tend to attract dirt and grime in cold weather.
- Rinse off salt and slush weekly with wheel and tire brushes. Reapply a layer of protection monthly.
"If you want your wheels and tires to remain pristine, treat them the same way you treat your paint,” Wilson said. “Regular care, gentle products and consistent protection go a long way."
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