Whether you’ve just bought a new car with fresh wheels or you’ve invested in your first set of aftermarket alloys, it’s important to take care of them - especially through the harsh winters we have here in the UK. 

Think for a moment about what a set of wheels goes through. They’re travelling along at speeds of 70mph or more, mere inches from the road surface. They get pelted with stones and debris kicked up by other cars, as well as spray from rainwater, road salt in the winter and a constant barrage of brake dust. 

All of this is a recipe for chips, scratches and corrosion. And that’s before you even consider kerb damage, which is almost inevitable if you live in a city and park at the roadside regularly. 

But cleaning your wheels regularly can make all the difference, keeping them looking better for longer - and preventing the onset of corrosion. We’re going to cover alloy wheel cleaning best practices in this guide, explaining what to do and what not to do in detail. 

The importance of cleaning your alloys regularly

So, what are the benefits of cleaning your alloys regularly? Well, just because alloys are known for their corrosion-resistance, it doesn’t mean they won’t corrode if they're not looked after. 

The main culprit of alloy corrosion actually comes from the car itself: brake dust. This can have an even more corrosive effect than road salt because of its chemical makeup, the temperature with which it hits the wheel and the fact that it can stick much more aggressively to the wheel surface.

As you apply the brakes, dust made up of carbon fibres, metal filings and adhesive residues leaves the pad and enters the atmosphere - often landing on the wheel. Because it hits the wheels at a high temperature, it can actually burn straight through any protective coating that has been applied to the alloy surface. 

This is bad for two reasons. One, because it’s acidic and therefore corrosive in its own right. Two, because it will also attack the metallic elements in the alloy, setting up a chemical reaction that oxidises the wheel, creating corrosion. Not only is this unsightly, it can also affect the seal between the tyre and wheel, eventually leading to a slow puncture if it’s not resolved. 

It is possible to combat this situation by choosing low-dust brake pads and/or regularly cleaning the wheels - not just on the outside, but on the inside too. 

How to clean your alloys, step-by-step

Want to keep corrosion at bay and ensure your wheels look like new for years to come? Here’s a step-by-step guide to cleaning alloys the right way. 

Step one: Remove the wheels (if possible)

If you’re able to remove the wheels and clean them off the car, you should. Why? Because brake dust, the biggest enemy of clean wheels, accumulates just as much on the inner barrel of the wheel as it does on the outside, if not more. 

To really keep your wheels in tip-top shape and prevent corrosion from taking hold, you’ll need to clean the entire wheel - not just the front. 

Using safe procedures and the correct tools, remove a wheel, place an axle stand under the car and take the opportunity to jet wash the wheel arches too, if you have use of one. This will greatly reduce the muck and humidity surrounding your wheels.

Step two: Choose the right tools and products

Be sure to use soft brushes or wash mitts and quality, non-corrosive cleaning fluids when cleaning your wheels. Something like Auto Finesse’s Reactive Wheel Cleaner is a great option.

Overly aggressive, stiff brushes or sponges can spread dirt around the surface of the wheel and cause scratches, giving you something else to worry about.

We offer a range of high-quality cleaning products from leading brands like Auto Finesse, all of which are designed to cut through the dirt while being kind to your paint, your wheels and even your skin.

Step three: Start cleaning!

With your equipment at the ready, it’s time to start cleaning. Use plenty of water and regularly rinse your cleaning mitt or brush to prevent grit transfer creating deeper scratches. 

If your wheels haven’t been attacked with a brush for a while, the dirt may be really ingrained. This can be tackled either with a clay bar or with a chemical paint cleaner designed to clean surfaces and lay down a layer of either sealant or wax protection in one go. Try to avoid harsh chemicals that will also remove the protective sealant.

When you’re cleaning the inner barrel of the wheel, make sure you don’t dislodge any lead balancing weights that may be clamped to the rims.

Step four: Dry the wheels and apply sealant

Once the wheel is rinsed free of detergents, dry it (microfibre towels are good) and apply a sealant to the wheel. Sealants provide a first line of defence against brake dust, preventing it from sticking to the wheel as easily. 

If you want to be thorough, get a water-based tyre dressing and apply it to both sides of the tyre before refitting the wheel and starting the process all over again on the next corner.

In summary…

Ideally, you should be cleaning the wheels regularly, particularly in the winter months. You should aim to apply fresh sealant at least three times a year, too. It sounds laborious (because it is, let’s be honest), but it’s totally worth it. Taking good care of your alloys will make a huge difference to their appearance and lifespan, protecting your investment and saving you money in the long run.

If you’ve managed to curb your wheel at all - easily done, especially if you have larger alloys - it might be possible to get them skimmed and refinished by a professional outfit. This will not only rid them of unsightly dents and dings, but also do away with any muck and surface corrosion - and you can then get them resealed at the same time. 

Planning on getting a new set of wheels for your car? Or perhaps you just want to take better care of the ones you already have? Either way, we’ve got you covered here at LK Performance with a vast range of alloy wheels and car care accessories, including top-rated cleaning products. Explore each range and place your order online today, or feel free to get in touch with our team to get your questions answered.