If you have spent a considerable amount of money on your car and enhanced the profile by including alloy wheels no matter whether they are new or used we need to look at basic maintenance which obviously includes cleaning alloy wheels.

This very much depends on what type or design your rims have but the principals and materials required are very similar.

If we look first at the substances that can cause damage to our wheels, through normal use we can pick up stains from roads Etc which include tar, if left on tar can cause discolouring of the rims, another significant problem we have is brake dust,Again if left untreated Brake dust will permanently damage the finish on your wheels.

The adhesive used to mould brake pads will etch and pit the wheels if you allow it to remain in contact with your heated wheel surfaces.

Similarly if the wheels have a painted finish through time you may find the paintwork will blister and flake.

Their are many specialist products on the market for such a task, Zymol Brite Wheel Cleaner, Blackfire Tyre Gel and Rimwax Alloy Wheel Polish to name but a few.

However we don’t need any thing special for cleaning alloy wheels a soft tooth brush will suffice for cleaning in between spokes and a soft cloth to wash and dry.

You don’t need to use a dedicated wheel wax or sealer however the clean effect wont last as long as the heat generated can soften and remove the protective coating.

Cleaning alloy wheels will help keep the appearance of you vehicle looking slick no matter whether its fitted with new or used alloy wheels.