Wheels and tyres take all the beating out there on the open road from the inevitable accumulation of brake dust to accidental scuffs and scrapes and are subject to more regular deterioration than any other car parts.
Well, the wheel is perhaps the toughest car part to maintain in perfect condition all the time, and it is hugely because of the contamination resulting from brake dust deposits. Brake dust is the main problem for cars having alloy wheels – it’s acidic, nasty, and can be very difficult to chuck out.
Every single time you apply the brake of your car, bits from the pad jumps off and get attached to the rim, forming a coating of residue that aggravates eventually. Therefore, when the brake pad is exhausted during braking, brake dust accumulates.
Brake dust consists of adhesive residues, metal filings and carbon fibres, and as it gets accumulated on the rim at a high-temperature, it etches into the wheel’s protective coating, which may cause staining and if it’s left to rest there for a long time then it may result in oxidisation (i.e. rust formation).
Regular cleaning of wheels is the simplest way to monitor brake dust. Depending on how often you drive your car, you’ll need to clean them once in 1 or 2 weeks period to keep your car’s rims completely free from brake dust.
Here is a brief instructional guide that will help you to choose the perfect wheels and tyres in Sydney.
To keep your car’s lustrous alloy wheels free from brake dust and other remains and keep looking pristine for longer, follow the wheel and tyre care tips mentioned below:
CARE TIP #1: CLEAN OFF LOOSE SURFACE CONTAMINANTS
Using a pressure washer, flash off any loose residues and dust from the rim; however, ample care should be taken not to hammer any of the wheel’s balancing weights while you’re cleaning it.
CARE TIP #2: USING A SPONGE OR WASH MITT, SCRUB THE RIM
Scrubbing the rim with a wash mitt should wipe away most of the remains if the brake dust isn’t that harsh. And you can use an ordinary car shampoo to chuck out the looser dirt.
CARE TIP #3: SPRAY WITH A MILD OR ULTRA CARE WHEEL CLEANER
Mild or ultra care alloy wheel cleaner is non-corrosive, so it won’t harm your car’s alloys even if they are scratched. Spray it on the alloys, especially on amassed brake dust and just leave it to soak.
CARE TIP #4: USING A SOFT-BRISTLED WHEEL CLEANING BRUSH, SCRUB THE RIM
If the brake dust is unyielding, it will need a stronger scrub so you’ll need a soft-bristled wheel cleaning brush to remove the tough brake dust off the rim. Alloy wheel brushes are a useful and handy tool to cleanse most dried-on and implanted wheel deposits and difficult to reach areas.
CARE TIP #5: WASH AND DRY THE WHEEL
Using a pressure washer, cleanse the rim to remove any remaining deposits or particles. Subsequently, using a micro fibre towel or cloth, dry the rim fully.
CARE TIP #6: APPLY A PREMIUM QUALITY WHEEL SEALANT
Compared to ordinary waxes and sealants, sealants specific to wheels provide a superior shield against high-temperature brake dust, assisting to put off the dust etching permanent marks on the alloys. Wheel sealant should be applied generously and left to dry just like ordinary car wax.
Before application, make sure your wheels are clean and dry. Apply it just like paint, taking small even bursts to get an even coverage. Once applied, leave it to dry for some minutes. Voila! You’re left with cleaner wheels that you can enjoy for weeks.
If your vehicle has chrome wheels, then we have chrome wheels maintenance tips as well.
CARE TIP #7: BLACK TYRES
Well, the charm that your car’s shining alloy wheels emit is of no use if the tyres look dull! Tyres look dull and lose their lustrous look when they’re exposed to a lot of road dirt, heat and water, and look older even if they are newly purchased cars, losing their just-bought appeal as well.
But don’t lose heart, as it’s simple to revive the rich black look of your car’s tyre rubber. Before drying tyre’s sidewall with kitchen roll or a towel, start by cleaning the tyres using a pressure washer.
Subsequently, just apply a tyre-dressing product, and the rubber will be revived to its original black feel. Please note the tyre shine should be applied only after the wheel is fully clean and dry, and the spray should be applied evenly in sweeping layers.
EXPERT ASSISTANCE FOR WHEELS & TYRES IN SYDNEY
If you’re looking for superior quality wheel and tyre services to restore the health of your vehicle’s existing wheels and tyres or searching for reputed wheel and tyre dealers in Sydney to purchase a new set of tyres or wheels for your vehicle then you don’t have to look beyond Eagle Tyres, an established tyre shop in Sydney offering both top quality wheel and tyre services as well as the choicest range of tyres and wheels of top brands at attractive prices.
