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Learn about wheel care and how to maintain them!
If your wheels are looking dull or coated in grime, it’s time for a deep clean. Whether you’re prepping for a car show or just want to keep your ride looking sharp, cleaning your wheels is essential. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you achieve spotless, gleaming wheels.
Why Clean Your Wheels?
Wheels are one of the hardest working parts of your car and they take a serious beating. Every time you drive, your wheels are exposed to a cocktail of contaminants: brake dust, road salt, tar, mud, oil, and general grime. Of these, brake dust is one of the most damaging. It’s made up of tiny metal shavings from your brake pads, combined with high heat and friction. If left untreated, it can bake onto the surface, eat into your wheel’s finish, and even cause pitting and corrosion over time.
Then there’s road salt, especially in winter. While it’s great for melting ice, it’s not so kind to your wheels. Salt is highly corrosive and can quickly wear down protective coatings, exposing your wheels to rust – particularly on alloy or steel finishes.
Even everyday dirt and grime can build up and hide micro-scratches, slowly dulling the appearance of your wheels. And if you’ve invested in aftermarket or high-end wheels, the last thing you want is to see them looking worn out or neglected.
Regular wheel cleaning isn’t just about aesthetics – though it absolutely helps your car look polished and well-maintained. It’s also a crucial step in protecting your investment. By removing these contaminants on a frequent basis, you’re preserving the integrity of your wheels, maintaining their resale value, and ensuring they stay strong and stylish for the long haul.
Whether you’re a weekend detailer or just want your daily driver to stay sharp, wheel care is non-negotiable and the right cleaning routine can make a big difference.
Step-by-Step Cleaning Process
Start by thoroughly rinsing your wheels with clean water using a hose or pressure washer. This crucial first step helps remove any loose dirt, grit, or road debris that could otherwise scratch the wheel’s finish during the cleaning process.
If you’re using a pressure washer, take care to avoid blasting water directly into the brake calipers or electrical components. The goal here is to knock off as much surface grime as possible before applying any cleaning product.
Next, generously spray JK Wheel Gel across the entire wheel surface – including the face, spokes, barrels, and around the lug nuts. This product is specially formulated with a thick, clinging gel consistency and a powerful alkaline base that starts to break down brake dust, road salt, and general grime almost instantly.
Unlike thin, runny cleaners that just drip off, JK Wheel Gel stays put, giving it more time to do its job effectively. It’s safe to use on most wheel finishes, but always test in an inconspicuous area first if you’re unsure.
After letting JK Wheel Gel dwell for a minute or two (but not allowing it to dry), use a soft bristled wheel brush to agitate the cleaner. Focus on the nooks and crannies – behind spokes, around lug nuts, and inside the barrel. This is where brake dust loves to hide.
Use a dedicated wheel brush that’s safe for your specific wheel type – something soft enough to prevent scratching but firm enough to dislodge grime. If you have multiple types of brushes (like a detailing brush for tight areas or a wheel woolly for deeper barrels), now’s the time to put them to work.
Once you’ve agitated the entire surface, it’s time to rinse everything off thoroughly. Make sure you remove all traces of the wheel gel and dislodged dirt. Leaving residue can lead to spotting or even damage if it sits too long on the wheel’s finish.
Take your time with this step – especially if you’re working in direct sunlight or warm weather where products dry quickly.
If your wheels are heavily contaminated with embedded brake dust or rust-colored specs, apply SALT Iron Remover next. This advanced formula targets iron particles, safely breaking them down without the need for aggressive scrubbing.
Spray a liberal amount over the entire wheel and allow it to sit for 1–3 minutes. You’ll notice a visible colour change (typically a purple or reddish hue), which indicates that the product is reacting with and dissolving the iron deposits. Once the reaction has settled, rinse off thoroughly.
For best results, use this step occasionally, not every wash — it’s ideal for deep cleaning or prepping for a protective coating.
Always make sure your wheels are cool to the touch before you start cleaning. Cleaning products are formulated to work best at ambient temperatures. If your wheels are hot from driving or baking in the sun, the cleaner can evaporate too quickly – before it has time to break down grime and brake dust effectively.
Worse still, applying wheel cleaners to hot surfaces can cause staining or etching, especially on delicate finishes like chrome or painted alloys. So give your car a chance to cool down in the shade before you dive in – your wheels will thank you for it.
Wheel care
Check out where to find the best wheel care
Starter Kit
£47.99
Essential Body Kit
£46.99
Wheel Kit
£31.99SALT Iron Remover
£11.99JK Wheel Gel
£11.99Additional Information
Regular cleaning is key to keeping your wheels in top condition. The more frequently you clean them, the less time contaminants like brake dust and road salt have to embed themselves and cause damage. Think of it as preventative maintenance – just like changing your oil or checking your tyre pressure.
If you drive often, clean your wheels every 2–3 weeks as part of your regular wash. For daily drivers or those in harsher environments (e.g., winter roads or city traffic), you might want to clean them even more regularly. Bonus: with a routine in place, you’ll find the job takes much less effort over time.
By following these simple but effective tips, you’ll extend the life of your wheels, protect their finish, and keep them looking showroom fresh all year round. Combine smart technique with the right products – like Absolute Sauce’s JK Wheel Gel and SALT Iron Remover – and you’ve got a winning formula for long-lasting shine and protection.
For more tips and tricks, or want information on everything Absolute Sauce explore Sauce News and product range at Absolute Sauce.