How to Clean Tires Step-by-Step Guide
Your tires are one of the most visible parts of your vehicle, yet they're often neglected in regular washing. Clean tires not only improve your car's appearance but also help maintain the rubber's condition. Follow our professional detailing guide to achieve showroom-quality tire cleaning at home.
Materials You'll Need
Tire Cleaner
pH-balanced tire cleaner or all-purpose cleaner
Tire Brush
Stiff-bristled brush for scrubbing
Wheel Brush
Smaller brush for wheel wells
Tire Dressing
Water-based tire shine product
Step-by-Step Tire Cleaning Process
Prepare Your Work Area
Park your car in a shaded area. Hot tires can cause cleaners to dry too quickly. Gather all your materials and put on gloves if desired.
Rinse the Tires
Use a hose or pressure washer to rinse off loose dirt and debris. Start from the top of the wheel well and work your way down to the tire.
Prepare Your Work Area
Park your car in a shaded area. Hot tires can cause cleaners to dry too quickly. Gather all your materials and put on gloves if desired.
Rinse the Tires
Use a hose or pressure washer to rinse off loose dirt and debris. Start from the top of the wheel well and work your way down to the tire.
Apply Tire Cleaner
Spray your chosen tire cleaner generously on the tire surface and wheel wells. Let it dwell for 1-2 minutes (but don't let it dry).
Pro Tip: For heavily soiled tires, use a dedicated iron remover to dissolve brake dust particles.
Scrub Thoroughly
Use your tire brush to agitate all surfaces of the tire, including the sidewalls and tread grooves. For wheel wells, use a smaller brush.
Rinse Again
Thoroughly rinse all cleaner residue from the tires and wheel wells. Any leftover cleaner can affect the tire dressing application.
Dry the Tires
Use a microfiber towel to dry the tires completely. This ensures the dressing will adhere properly and evenly.
Apply Tire Dressing
Apply a water-based tire dressing using an applicator pad. Use a back-and-forth motion for even coverage. Let it dry for 15 minutes.
Pro Tip: Avoid silicone-based dressings as they can cause browning over time.
Final Buff (Optional)
For a matte finish, lightly buff the tires with a clean microfiber towel after the dressing has set.
Scrub Thoroughly
Use your tire brush to agitate all surfaces of the tire, including the sidewalls and tread grooves. For wheel wells, use a smaller brush.
Rinse Again
Thoroughly rinse all cleaner residue from the tires and wheel wells. Any leftover cleaner can affect the tire dressing application.
Dry the Tires
Use a microfiber towel to dry the tires completely. This ensures the dressing will adhere properly and evenly.
Apply Tire Dressing
Apply a water-based tire dressing using an applicator pad. Use a back-and-forth motion for even coverage. Let it dry for 15 minutes.
Pro Tip: Avoid silicone-based dressings as they can cause browning over time.
Final Buff (Optional)
For a matte finish, lightly buff the tires with a clean microfiber towel after the dressing has set.
Before
After
Professional Tips
Frequency
Clean your tires every 2-3 weeks to prevent buildup of brake dust and road grime.
Temperature Matters
Avoid applying dressings in direct sunlight or when tires are hot to prevent uneven absorption.
Wheel Protection
Consider ceramic coating your wheels to make future cleaning easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
For optimal appearance and tire health, we recommend cleaning your tires every 2-3 weeks. If you drive in harsh conditions (mud, snow, salted roads), clean them more frequently.
We don't recommend household cleaners as they may be too harsh and damage the rubber. Always use pH-balanced automotive tire cleaners.
Tire browning is often caused by silicone-based dressings or incomplete cleaning. Switch to water-based dressings and ensure you're thoroughly removing all brake dust.