If you’re committed to making sure your car looks like new, you may be spending a lot of time detailing the paint, polishing the wheels, and vacuuming the carpets, but there’s one part of car detailing that a lot of people overlook: keeping the wheels looking their best. Wheels are a focal point of any car, so taking care of them not only helps maintain the car’s appearance, but it also ensures that the rest of the car is in top condition.
Here’s what you need to know about caring for and cleaning your car’s wheels.
Our Editor’s Best Automotive Wheel Care Reviews
- ✅ ELIMINATES DIRT, BROWNING, AND BRAKE DUST - Which part of your car takes the biggest beating? Your wheels & Tires! Between the heat, elements, and constant brake contaminants your wheels are almost immediately dirty. Adam’s Wheel & Tire Cleaner is a specifically formulated chemical designed to target heavy brake dust and restore your tires back to factory color.
- ✅ SAFE ON MANY FINISHES - Safe on clear-coated, powder-coated, chrome, alloy, and painted wheels. Most wheel cleaners can be harmful to your wheel finish and dissolve more than what you wanted to clean off! Adam’s Polishes Wheel & Tire Cleaner gets to work fast and dissolves stubborn metallic contamination.
- ✅ GET RID OF BROWN TIRES - If you’re happy with brown, old and decrepit tires, look away! If you’re wanting to thoroughly clean your vehicle’s shoes and make them look like new again, then look no further! Adam's Wheel & Tire Cleaner contains a blend of alkaline-concentrated solvents and surfactants to create a high sudsing formula and removes silicones, greases, wax build-up, polymers, and any previously applied dressings to leave your tires and wheels looking new.
- ✅ EXTEND YOUR TIRE DRESSINGS LIFE - Adam’s Wheel & Tire Cleaner is a detailing essential for any user, from rookie to professional. When investing in premium protective options, high foaming soaps, and ultra-premium microfiber towels, your vehicle's shoes need to be kept clean to not take away from the rest of the vehicle. If you choose not to clean your tires, your tire dressings have no chance of sticking around. Clean your tires before with Wheel & Tire Cleaner to maximize your tire shine.
- ✅ 110% SATISFACTION GUARANTEE - At Adam’s, we strive to bring the BEST waxes, sealants, ceramic coatings, microfiber towels, wash mitts, garage tools, accessories, detailing kits, sponges, applicators and other high-quality car cleaning products to our customers. If you don’t agree & are not satisfied, let us know and we’ll do everything we can to make it right!
- 𝐀𝐥𝐥-𝐢𝐧-𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐂𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 - Upgrade your wheel and tire cleaning game with Total Wheel & Tire Cleaner. Unlike other products, it offers an all-in-one solution that saves you time and money. No need for separate wheel and tire cleaners. This powerful formula tackles stubborn brake dust, dirt, and grime, leaving your wheels and tires looking brand new.
- 𝐒𝐮𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐬 - Total Wheel & Tire Cleaner is designed to be safe and effective on every factory finish. Whether you have alloy, chrome, painted, or clear-coated wheels, you can trust our non-acidic formula to clean without causing harm. Preserve your investment and maintain that factory shine.
- 𝐃𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐂𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 - Our cleaner is renowned for its ability to rapidly dissolve even the toughest brake dust and road grime. Don't settle for less. Experience the deep cleaning power that not only restores your wheels and tires' appearance but also removes contaminants that can harm them over time.
- 𝐍𝐨𝐧-𝐀𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐢𝐜 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐮𝐥𝐚 - Say goodbye to harsh acidic cleaners that risk damaging your wheels. Total Wheel & Tire Cleaner boasts a non-acidic formula that's tough on dirt but gentle on your precious rims. Clean with confidence, knowing you're protecting your investment.
- 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 - We go the extra mile by including advanced corrosion inhibitors in our formula. These protectants help prevent oxidation, ensuring a longer lifespan for your wheels. Your wheels won't just look better; they'll stay looking better for longer.
- BRAKE DUST DISSOLVING TECHNOLOGY: Spray Etho’s car wheel cleaner and watch as the brake dust bleeds bright purple and falls off! This acid-free and pH neutral formula penetrates dirt and grime at the source and makes your wheel cleaning time significantly shorter!
- COLOR CHANGING GEL FORMULATION: Ethos wheel cleaner spray and watch as the color changes from green to red as the brake dust bleeds right off the wheel surface! This acid-free and pH neutral formula penetrates brake dust easily and effectively, minimizing the time spent cleaning and scrubbing your wheels.
- SAFE ON MANY FINISHES! Safe on clear-coated, powder-coated, chrome, alloy, and painted wheels. Most wheel cleaners can be harmful to your wheel finish and dissolve more than what you wanted to clean off! Ethos Wheel Cleaner gets to work fast and dissolves stubborn metallic contamination.
- STRONG FORMULA: This car rim cleaner is packed with professional strength ingredients to provide the best cleaning power. Use in well ventilated areas.
- 100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEE! We pride ourselves on customer service and satisfaction and believe that this is THE BEST automotive high performance wheel cleaner on the market! If you don’t agree, we’ll do everything we can to make it right.
- ✅ WHY CHOOSE ADAM’S WHEEL CLEANER? - Which part of your car takes the biggest beating? Your wheels! Due to constant heat, elements, & constant brake contaminants, your wheels are almost always dirty. Adam’s wheel cleaning chemical formula was specifically formulated to target & eliminate heavy brake dust and leave your wheels spotless!
- ✅ ADVANCED CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY - Our Wheel Cleaner was made to compliment your arsenal of car cleaning supplies. Every basic auto detailing kit needs an effective wheel cleaner, car wash soap, tire shine, & some sort of paint protection. This state of the art wheel cleaner is a simple spray & agitate formula. This chemical is certain to be the best wheel cleaner and brake dust remover that you have ever used.
- ✅ CAR CLEANING MADE EASY - Most wheel cleaners can be harmful to your wheel finish and dissolve more than what you wanted to clean off! Adam’s Polishes Wheel Cleaner gets to work fast and dissolves stubborn metallic contamination. Simply spray our Wheel Cleaner & watch as the brake dust bleeds bright purple & falls off! This acid-free and pH neutral formula penetrates dirt and grime at the source and makes your wheel cleaning time significantly shorter!
- ✅ IS IT SAFE FOR MY WHEEL FINISH? - Adam’s Wheel Cleaner is safe on almost all wheel finishes, which includes clear-coated, powder-coated, chrome, alloy, and painted wheels. However, it may not be safe on anodized raw aluminum, polished aluminum wheels, and aftermarket bare metallic wheels. If you are not sure reach out to us by sending us a message or simply try our Eco Wheel Cleaner or Wheel & Tire Cleaner!
- ✅ 110% SATISFACTION GUARANTEE & USA MADE - At Adam’s, we strive to bring the BEST car cleaning supplies, auto detailing kits, washing accessories, microfiber towels, waxes, sealants, ceramic coatings, mops, brushes, mitts, sponges, garage tools, applicators & other high-quality car cleaning products to the car care industry. If you are not satisfied, let us know & we’ll do everything we can to make it right!
- Safely dissolves grease road grime and brake dust on contact
- Reveals your wheel's brilliant shine
- Safe for all wheels
- Fit type: Universal Fit
- ALL AROUND IRON REMOVER … 3D BDX is an all around iron fallout remover that decontaminates wheels and paint without damaging the surface!
- WE'VE GOT YOUR CAR COVERED … Clean and remove contaminants from tires, rims, paint, exhausts, and most other exterior surfaces as a car wash prep product with our easy spray and rinse formula!
- THE MORE PURPLE, THE BETTER … 3D BDX visual purple color indicates that the product is working and decontaminating the dirty areas with iron and oxidation build up… the more purple, the more dirt washing away!
- PROTECT YOUR SURFACES FOR LONGER … Use 3D BDX prior to washing your car to ensure you remove all the deep iron, rust, and oxidation build up that comes from simply driving your car everyday.
- PROUDLY MADE IN THE USA ... We've been researching and creating exterior and interior car care products for over 25 years now. A quarter of a century of giving our customers uncompromising quality. Go ahead, experience an iron remover that's tried and trusted.
- Powerful Cleaning - Removes embedded iron particles, brake dust, and road contaminants extending the life of car paint and providing a deeper clean that car wash cannot tackle alone
- Safe For All Surfaces - This pH neutral and acid free formula can be used on exterior painted surfaces, clear coat finishes, polished metal, chrome, glass and all wheels perfect for cars, SUVs, RVs, motorcycles and marine
- Rapid Response Reaction - Color changing formula turns from clear to purple when in contact and during the removal of embedded iron contaminants
- Scent Neutralizer - Industries first Iron remover that effectively blocks the chemical odor from iron removing chemistry making a more pleasant user experience
- Easy Application - Apply to a cool, dry surface and spray enough product to thoroughly cover, let sit for 2-4 minutes, remove with a powerful stream of water and towel dry (for heavy contamination agitation may be required)
- Wheels & rims are typically the dirtiest part of any detailing job! Road grime & brake dust can be stubborn and difficult to clean. Wheel Cleaner from Jay Leno's Garage is specifically formulated to make quick work on even the dirtiest wheels.
- An easy-to-use and effective brake dust cleaner. Wheel Cleaner from Leno’s Garage is a color changing formula that turns a deep purple as it's activated and working to clean road grime & stubborn brake dust.
- Safe for use on aluminum, alloy, chrome, powder coat, painted & clear coat wheel finishes.
- Increased viscosity helps formula cling to vertical wheel surfaces.
- Safe for use on high performance (carbon/ceramic) brake pads & rotors.
- DEEP & EFFECTIVE CLEANING: Foaming gel sticks for deep cleaning
- SPECIALIZED FOR BLACK WHEELS: Formulated for all black wheel finishes
- POWERFUL & SAFE: Maximum cleaning yet gentle on wheels
- CLINGING ACTION: Formula dwells on the surface for more effective cleaning
- VERSATILE USE: Safely and effectively cleans glossy, matte, satin, and black chrome wheels
- Foaming, non-acidic spray, formulated to quickly and easily clean both wheels and tires, including blackwalls and whitewalls
- Safe for painted, clearcoated, color coated, steel, modular, chrome, or factory coated wheels and hubcaps
- Unique spray on, hose off design safely penetrates, dissolves and suspends all types of brake dust, grease, dirt, and grime
- For use on factory/OEM coated wheels and hubcaps only. Avoid polished or roughcast aluminum, billet or anodized wheels. Do not use on motorcycle wheels, casings or components
Best Automotive Wheel Care Buying Guide
Before choosing the best automotive wheel you should consider following options:
1. Alloy or steel: The first thing you need to know is whether it is an alloy or steel wheel. Alloys are lighter and stronger than steel wheels and are the preferred choice for performance-oriented driving.
Alloys have a higher cost than steel wheels but have a long life and are very durable. On the other hand, steel wheels are cheaper and are suited for people who drive sedately.
2. Rim style: The rims are the most visible part of your car’s wheel. Hence, you should choose the right one that complements your car’s exterior.
There are plenty of options available, including split rims, tubeless, chrome, and steel.
3. Wheel size: Wheel size is measured in inches and is determined by the diameter and width of the wheel.
Generally, the diameter is more important than the width as it determines smoothness and speed. But, this is not always the case.
For example, if you want to drive off-road, then the width of your wheel will be more important than the diameter.
4. Wheel caps: While most caps are standard, there are some caps that are specific to certain rims. Hence, make sure you buy caps that match your rims.
5. Wheel finishing: Just like everything else in the world, wheels have different finishes as well.
You can opt for polished, anodized, plated and powder-coated wheels. Each of these has its own advantages and disadvantages. You can read more about these finishes in our dedicated article.
6. Hub-centric: If you’re buying new wheels, make sure they are hub-centric. This means the wheel is centered perfectly over the hub and doesn’t move around, even if the car is upside down.
7. Wheel locking: Don’t forget to buy a good wheel lock, especially if you plan on driving off-road. These locks prevent the car from moving, even if it’s parked on an incline.
8. Wheel caps: You may want to change your caps, so make sure you buy caps that are easily removable.
9. Wheel size: Your wheel size should be based on the size of your tires. This ensures that you have the optimal wheel-tire combination and get the best performance out of your car.
10. Wheel protection: You need to protect your wheel so that it doesn’t get damaged easily.
There are plenty of things that can damage your wheel, including backfiring, curb-riding, and potholes. The easiest, and cheapest, way to protect your wheel is to buy wheel covers.
Final Words:
You can’t drive your car without the wheels. Hence, it’s important to invest in the best wheel for your car.
There are plenty of options available in the market, from alloy to steel. If you’re not sure which wheel to buy, then you can always talk to a wheel expert for advice.
Make sure you buy the right wheel size for your car so that you can get the optimal performance out of your tires.
What else you should know about automotive wheel care
How often should I clean my wheels?
The frequency of cleaning your wheels depends on how often you use your car and where you drive. If you live in a rural area with little road debris, you may only need to clean your wheels once a month. However, if you live in an urban area with a lot of traffic and road debris, you may need to clean your wheels weekly.
What is the best way to clean my wheels?
The best way to clean your wheels is to use a wheel cleaner and a soft cloth.
What kind of cleaner should I use on my wheels?
Most wheel cleaners are safe to use on all types of wheels. However, it is always best to check the manufacturer’s instructions to be sure.
Should I use a brush or a sponge to clean my wheels?
There is no definitive answer, and it ultimately comes down to personal preference. Some people prefer brushes because they can more easily reach tight spaces and get a deeper clean. Others prefer sponges because they are less likely to scratch the wheels and are easier to control.
What is the best way to protect my wheels?
The best way to protect your wheels is to keep them clean and free of debris. You can also use a wheel cover or a wheel protector to help keep them in good condition.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best automotive wheel care. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best automotive wheel care will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.