When cleaning your tires, make sure to know the basics, like making sure they’re cool before touching them, rinsing off the grime, scrubbing them, and using the all-important tire wax or tire black to make them shine.
You should clean your tires to not just keep them looking good, but also because it allows you to check them for stuck debris that might damage them.
Experts recommend washing your tires every two weeks. It’s normal for road dirt, dust, and debris to stick to your tires, so you can’t really avoid them. All you can do is clean your tires routinely to avoid having problems down the road.
Tires play a crucial role in the safety of your vehicle. Aside from allowing your vehicle to move, they also affect braking, steering, and acceleration. That’s why it’s important to make sure that your tires are in good condition at all times. One way to do so is by making sure they’re always clean.
The best way to clean your tires is to rinse, wash, and scrub everything thoroughly. You can apply wax after cleaning to give your tires a nice polished look.
Tire Cleaning Basics
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to clean your tires:
Make Sure Your Tires Are Cooled Down
Your tires generate friction, so it generates a lot of heat while you’re driving. Wait for your tires to cool down before you start to clean them.
It’s a good idea to clean your vehicle first thing in the morning, so it has had enough time to cool down. You can also conduct any maintenance or repairs during this time.
Make sure that you have all the materials you’ll need before cleaning your tires.
Make sure that you have all the materials you’ll need before cleaning your tires. You’ll most likely need a bucket, a soft-bristle brush, a spray nozzle, and a hose.
It’s also recommended to use microfiber towels for your tires. These are great at picking up dirt and debris.
Optional Materials:
Waxing mitt
Foam pads
Wheel brush
Lug-nut brush
Pressure washer
Rinse Off Grime
Start by cleaning off loose grime. You can use a regular garden hose with a spray nozzle. If you have a pressure washer, set it to the lowest setting.
Make sure that you spray from different angles so you won’t miss a spot. Usually, there is dirt stuck in the interior of the rim, so make sure you rinse that off as well.
Time to Scrub!
Prepare a soap mixture and let it stay on your tires for a few minutes before scrubbing and washing it off. It’s recommended to use non-abrasive cleaning agents like dish soap. This will help you get rid of hardened dirt.
Use a bristle brush to scrub your tires. Make sure that you scrub the surface of your tires thoroughly.
For best results, it’s recommended to scrub your tires first before you scrub your wheels. If you scrub the wheels first, tire grime will just fall on your clean wheels, and you’ll have to do the cleaning all over again.
Don’t forget to rinse off the soap afterwards, and dry your tires and wheel with a clean microfiber towel.
Give Your Tires Their Final Polish
To keep your tires looking good, you can apply a cream or paste wax with a waxing mitt after you wash them. Remember to read the instructions on the container to maximize the effectiveness of the product.
Can I Use Vinegar to Clean My Tires?
Some experts say you can. The acidity level of vinegar makes it an effective cleaning agent for removing stubborn stains. However, make sure that you dilute it with water.
Remember that vinegar is moderately acidic, so it can potentially damage your car’s surface.
You can also use a 70/30 mixture of white vinegar and baking soda. If you’re in doubt about anything, you can always stick to commercial products that are specially engineered for cleaning tires.
A tire spray is a specialized cleaning product that keeps your tires looking their best.
There are different types of cleaning sprays available on the market. An aluminum aerosol spray, for example, can be used to remove dirt, road grime, and brake dust. You can also find water-based foam formulas and gel cleaners.
Tire cleaning sprays are convenient because they are specially formulated for your tires and come equipped with nozzles for hard-to-reach areas.
Can I Repaint My Old Tires?
Yes, you can repaint old tires. However, you’ll have to check if they’re still safe for the road. Inspect your tires for wear and also check the tire depth. If you’re not sure how to do that, you can visit our tire inspection guide for more information.
Remember to use tire paint that’s specially formulated to blend with rubber. They’re designed to be flexible, so they won’t chip off even as your tires expand because of heat. Tire paint is also resistant to damage from sunlight, road salt, and other chemicals.
Why Is It Important to Clean Your Tires?
Brake dust build-up, road grime, and the elements can potentially damage your tires. Here are some of the benefits of keeping them clean:
Safety
Dirt buildup can compromise the rubber in your tires, making your vehicle more vulnerable to accidents on the road. Meanwhile, road debris can puncture your tires and make them vulnerable to tire blowouts.
Aesthetics
Your tires and wheels are still some of the most noticeable things you can see on a vehicle.
Your tires and wheels are still some of the most noticeable things you can see on a vehicle. If you plan on selling your vehicle, buyers might have an impression that your vehicle is poorly maintained which can lower its value.
Rust Prevention
You’ll help prolong the life of your tires if they’re always clean. Debris that sticks to your tires and wheels can cause rusting. To keep your tires until the end of its service life, make sure to remove any unwanted dirt as soon as possible.
Experts recommend washing your tires every two weeks. It’s normal for road dirt, dust, and debris to stick to your tires, so you can’t really avoid them. All you can do is clean your tires routinely to avoid having problems down the road.
If you’d like to prolong the life of your vehicle, you should follow the recommended cleaning and maintenance check-up schedule. Make the most out of your vehicle’s service life and drive safely.
Lisa Conant grew up in Canada around a solid contingency of gear heads and DIY motor enthusiasts. She is an eclectic writer with a varied repertoire in the automotive industry, including research pieces with a focus on daily drivers and recreational vehicles. Lisa has written for Car Bibles and The Drive.
The CarParts.com Research Team is composed of experienced automotive and tech writers working with (ASE)-certified automobile technicians and automotive journalists to bring up-to-date, helpful information to car owners in the US. Guided by CarParts.com's thorough editorial process, our team strives to produce guides and resources DIYers and casual car owners can trust.
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