At Wheel Daddy, we always advise everyday users: whenever possible, opt for contactless wheel washing. If you're not familiar with the correct techniques or don’t have the proper tools, contactless washing carries the lowest risk of damaging your rims. Unlike manual scrubbing, it avoids grinding dirt, sand, or hardened bitumen into the surface, which can harm the lacquer, paint, or in some cases even the raw polished metal.
Even microscopic surface damage can increase the risk of corrosion later on. And friction-based scrubbing can dull the finish, making rims appear matte and creating an ideal surface for dirt to stick to.
A clean wheel is the foundation of a successful restoration.
Washing is the first step in the entire restoration chain. It prepares the rim for straightening, refinishing, painting, polishing, or coating — and directly influences the quality of all subsequent work.
Both contact and contactless washing methods can be highly effective — but only when the right chemicals and techniques are used. Too aggressive cleaning agents or incorrect concentrations can permanently damage lacquer, paint, polished aluminum, or chrome surfaces.
Washing process
1. Pre-wash
The rim is sprayed with a pre-wash agent designed to break down dirt without physical contact. This stage allows the bulk of the grime to be rinsed off with water, safely and efficiently.
2. Tar removal
The wheel is coated with a tar remover and left for 10–15 minutes to chemically react with tar deposits. The surface is then rinsed thoroughly. In some cases, larger tar chunks may require mechanical assistance with a plastic scraper — although this method always involves a risk of scratching, and must be used with extreme caution.
If tar spots are still visible after the rinse, the process is repeated. Soft brushes are used for hard-to-reach areas like between spokes. Since most front-facing wheel surfaces are later re-lacquered during restoration, this allows for controlled contact cleaning.
3. Brake dust removal
The wheel is treated with a brake dust remover that specifically targets iron and metallic residues. After allowing 10–15 minutes for the reaction, you’ll see the deep purple coloration, indicating chemical interaction with the brake dust.
This step is repeated until the rim is completely clean.
4. Drying
The wheel is dried using microfiber cloths or compressed air. This step is more important than it seems — incorrect drying can scratch the surface, and leftover water drops can leave corrosive marks. Proper drying technique is a science in itself.
Summary
The right type of wash depends on your goals — whether you're prepping for a full restoration or just a maintenance detail. At Wheel Daddy, we’ve learned that a well-structured, professional washing process sets the stage for exceptional restoration results.
If you're a wheel specialist, painter, or technician looking to exchange insights, compare cleaning products, or optimize your workflow, get in touch with a Wheel Daddy partner near you.
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