Wheels, tires and trim are often overlooked and make a big difference to the overall look of your vehicle. There is also a lot of confusion on how to care for these parts. Your wheels and tires are subject to heat, brake dust and general road grime. They need special attention and care to keep them looking good.
No matter what tire dressing you use, if you don't clean the tire first, you are bound to not like the final result. Be sure to use a good all-purpose cleaner on them to remove the dirt, grime and previous applications of dressing. Now you are free to use your favorite tire dressing to get the level of shine and gloss you desire.
Many of the same principles apply to the often-neglected wheel wells. Keeping them cleaned and dressed gives a nice finished look to your detail. In winter, the dressing also helps prevent the accumulation of snow and slush.
Cleaning and caring for wheels isn't hard, you just need to have the right products. Wheel cleaners are effective at cleaning heavy brake dust accumulations (you Ford Truck and BMW owners know what we are talking about). Factory wheels are often clear coated and using regular wheel polish on them can cause damage. On those wheels, use a regular paint cleaner or polish to make them shine. For raw aluminum or chrome wheels, a metal polish works wonders. Once cleaned, use a good sealant like Poorboy's World Wheel Sealant to help make future cleanings easier.
