How to Maintain and Clean Your Custom Wheels

Maintenance is key to keeping the wheels in top condition and extending their life. Neglecting cleaning and proper maintenance may have consequences that can affect your vehicle's performance and aesthetics. Custom wheels made of steel, chrome, and alloy require detailed cleaning and care to preserve their shine, prevent damage, and ensure longevity and performance.

Neglecting your wheels

Every time you hit the road, brake dust, grime, road rocks, and debris can ruin your wheels, especially custom ones. Dirt and dust can also build up over time and corrode the wheels. Neglecting the maintenance and cleaning of your truck wheels can dull their shine or cause irreparable damage. Skipping out on cleaning and maintenance may cause these consequences:

Safety Hazards: Cracks or bent spokes can go unnoticed when wheel maintenance is neglected. Unmaintained wheels are more prone to damage and failure because the issues are unchecked and pose a potential safety risk while driving. Regular cleaning allows you to inspect for bends, cracks, and other concerns that could lead to safety hazards.

• Corrosion: Exposing the wheels to road salts and moisture can accelerate deterioration, especially on chrome and aluminum alloy wheels. Moreover, brake dust is highly corrosive, while road rocks can scrape the wheel’s surface. If left untreated, the scratches become deep enough to cause severe damage you cannot remedy with polishing. If you do not clean off the muck on your rims, it can wear away the protective layer of the metal underneath and expose it to moisture and air. When that happens, corrosion may occur, and we all know that rust can eat away the metal parts. As a result, these can lead to permanent damage and costly repairs.

• Cosmetic Damage: You may notice mud, dust, and other elements accumulate on the nooks and crannies of the rims. They can cause the wheels to become etched, dull, and even pitted due to the build-up of brake dust, grime, and moisture. These issues can affect the shine of the wheels, especially for chrome and polished ones. Dark-colored rims, such as the ones offered by Black Rhino Wheels, can hide dirt and minor flaws. However, they can still cause bigger problems like scratches and discoloration over time, which affects the truck’s aesthetics.

Importance of cleaning and maintenance for wheels

Regular cleaning and maintenance help ensure your wheels look their best and protect your investment. They can prevent expensive repairs or replacements, saving you money in the long run. Here's why regular TLC for your wheels is necessary:

• Maintains Aesthetic Appeal: Cleaning the wheels preserves their glossy, polished look, which adds to the vehicle’s overall appeal.

• Preserve Finish: Road grime, brake dust, and environmental contaminants can build up on your wheels, dulling the finish and even causing corrosion. Regular cleaning removes these contaminants, ensuring they retain their sheen and protect the wheels.

• Enhance Performance: Built-up dirt can cause vibrations and affect handling, which may lead to unbalanced wheels. Cleaning, waxing, and polishing are sure-fire ways to ensure your truck wheels are mess-free, contributing to a smoother ride.

• Prevents Corrosion: Brake dust is acidic. If you let the accumulated brake dust sit on your rims for long, it can eat away the protective coating on your wheels, leading to rust and corrosion.

• Improves Safety: When the wheels are not taken care of, problems like cracks, bent spokes, and wear and tear could compromise your safety on the road, especially when left unchecked. Regular cleaning lets you see if the wheels incur any damage that might require repair. Regular cleaning and maintenance promote safety on the road.

• Extend Wheel’s Life: Regular maintenance prevents premature damage, such as scratches and corrosion. It can help keep the wheels in top condition for longer.

Different Materials, Different Needs

Truck wheels come in various materials, each with specific cleaning requirements:

Steel

These wheels are known for their affordability and durability. They are easy to clean but are susceptible to rust if not maintained properly.

Grime and grease tend to accumulate more on steel wheels. Using a degreaser can help to break down the brake dust and make it easier to scrub off the tough dirt.

When you notice the degreaser has loosened the dirt and grime, use a brush to scrub the surface. Do not use scrubbing material that’s too abrasive, as it could scratch the protective coating. Using a soft-bristled brush is recommended to avoid scratches.

After scrubbing, rinse the wheels thoroughly with clean water to remove any remaining suds or dirt.

Since steel wheels are prone to corrosion, applying a rust inhibitor after cleaning is essential.

Chrome

Chrome rims are popular for those who want a timeless yet sleek-looking appearance for their vehicle. American Racing Wheels and other brands offer chrome rims in different designs. However, this wheel type requires gentle yet thorough cleaning to avoid scuffing the delicate surface. Do these to ensure they stay dazzling:

Make sure to cool down your rims first before you start washing them. Refrain from cleaning the wheels if the temperature is still hot to avoid warping the metal. Let them cool completely after driving.

During pre-rinse, using a strong stream of water can greatly help remove loose dirt and debris.

Using dish soap to wash your vehicle is not recommended. According to Consumer Reports, dish soaps are not formulated for automotive paint. They can be harsh and abrasive, stripping away the protective top coat. Avoid harsh detergents and only use a mild pH-balanced soap to prevent damaging the wheel’s finish.

Use a microfiber cloth to clean between lug nuts and spokes. Avoid using abrasive scrubbing pads and make sure to brush gently to prevent scratching the chrome finish,

Rinse the rims thoroughly with clean water to remove soap residue. Drying the wheels with a clean microfiber cloth is crucial to prevent water spots.

Alloy

These lightweight and stylish rims require regular care to maintain the luster and prevent corrosion. However, take note of the two kinds that fall under alloy rims—cast and forged. These two wheels are made using distinct manufacturing processes, which can affect their cleaning and maintenance needs.

Forged

Ensure the wheel cleaner you are using is gentle for forged wheels. Harsh cleaners can damage the machined or polished finish, so a non-acidic pH-balanced cleaner is recommended.

Dirt and brake dust can accumulate on the intricate spoke designs of forged wheels. Make sure to wipe the cloth in each spoke to remove the grime. Rinse thoroughly to remove all suds and dirt.

You must wipe the wheel with a microfiber cloth to help it dry immediately. Water spots can form on these wheels, so drying them off immediately after cleaning is crucial.

Cast

Cast rims can handle stronger cleaners than forged rims. However, a non-abrasive wheel cleaner is still recommended to avoid potential damage.

Because of their textured surfaces, dirt and dust may stick to cast wheels. Use a soft brush to scrub the wheel surface.

Rinse the wheels thoroughly. Check if any grime or suds are left and clean them with water. Dry the wheel surface with a microfiber towel to avoid water spots.

The last step is to apply a protective wheel wax or sealant. These can help shield the wheels from brake dust and dirt.

Custom wheels are great additions to your pickup truck because they can transform its look from ordinary to extraordinary. Think of wheels as a statement piece, as they can significantly enhance the appearance of your vehicle. However, regular cleaning and maintenance are essential to retain their pristine condition.