Wheels can get dirty quickly but with some regular maintenance, you can keep them looking like new for longer, or even adding to the resale value of your car and giving you a sense of pride every time you head out for a drive.
The most common types of wheels
Steel wheels
Alloy wheels
Mag (Magnesium) wheels
Chrome wheels
Steel wheels are usually made up of iron and carbon. You’ll find them on base model cars, they are usually black or grey and are covered with a hubcap most of the time.
Alloy wheels are usually made up of a blend of aluminium and other metals. They are lightweight but strong and most of the time look better than steel wheels.
Mag wheels are made using mainly magnesium and for the most part, you wouldn’t be able to tell the difference between magnesium and alloy wheels. Over time the terms have become somewhat interchangeable to mean any wheel that’s been cast with an alloy.
Chrome wheels are alloy/mag wheels that have been coated (not painted) with several layers of metals to provide a super shiny finish. You’ll often find chrome wheels on American classic cars.
How to clean your wheels at home
By their nature, wheels are perfectly positioned to collect more dirt and grime than the rest of your car. Not only do your wheels have to deal with everyday grime from the road and air, these are mixed with dust from the brakes and can soon get baked onto your wheels, thanks to the oven-like temperatures created by the brakes and tyres.
Whilst you can use your regular car washing product to clean your wheels, this will only clean off the surface dirt and leave you with the baked-on stuff.
In order to deep clean your wheels, you’re going to need to turn to a specialist wheel cleaning product.
A specialist wheel cleaner is one part of the process, however. We recommend cleaning your wheels on a regular basis along with the rest of your car. Regular maintenance is the easiest way to keep your car spotless and to help retain its resale value so try not to leave it too long between washes.
Kitten Ultra Mag Monster
Kitten Ultra Mag Monster is formulated with powerful iron emulsifiers to penetrate brake dust and quickly clean your wheels.
By attacking the brake dust underneath road grime, it allows for a complete clean, leaving your wheels shining, with minimal effort. You will be able to see the product begin working immediately, turning purple as it gently cleans.
Kitten Ultra Mag Monster is pH neutral, acid-free, and safe on all painted, chromed, alloy, and plastic dipped wheels.
Kitten Ultra Mag Monster has been formulated to have a pleasant scent, eliminating the sulphur odour commonly associated with brake dust removers.
Note: Optimised for iron brake dust removal. Not suitable for white wheels, unsealed or porous surfaces.
The Process
Each wheel cleaner has slightly different directions, so make sure to read your chosen wheel cleaner’s directions.
1. Spray a generous amount of wheel cleaner on your wheel
2. Agitate if necessary for stubborn dirt and brake dust
3. Rinse off
It’s that simple!
CRC wheel cleaning products are water-based so easily wash off with water and leave no residue so no need to hand dry after.
We recommend doing a deep clean at least once a month, however, it will depend on how many kilometres you are driving on average and the conditions of the roads you are driving on.
Making your wheels shine
Our wheel cleaning products also feature an anti-static surfactant which helps to repel dust and dirt which will keep your wheels cleaner for longer.
Of course, your wheels are only one part of your car wheel care. If you want to complete the look, make sure you check out our tyre cleaning products which can help to bring worn and faded tyres back to life.
Tyre cleaning products include