Freshly cleaned wheels and tyres can transform a car from looking simply maintained to professionally detailed, often becoming the highlight of a vehicle's appearance.
However, many car owners overlook the significance of tyre maintenance and lack the know-how to effectively clean them. That's why we created this guide how to clean car tyres at home. We’ll walk you through the process step-by-step so you can feel confident keeping your wheels and tyres pristine.
You’ll also discover Jennychem's wheel and tyre cleaner - the secret weapon that professionals and car enthusiasts across the UK trust. With its powerful formula and ease of use, these products are an essential component of your detailing regimen for achieving that perfect finish!
First thing first - why is cleaning car tyres so important? After all, they’ll surely become soiled within a few miles of driving, right? True as that may be, this is not something vehicle owners should overlook.
Dirt, road grime, and brake dust can accumulate on tyre surfaces and within the treads, leading to reduced traction that compromises handling and braking efficiency. This build-up can also contribute to uneven tyre wear, shortening the lifespan of your tyres and necessitating more frequent replacements.
Beyond performance, there are health and environmental implications to consider. Tyres that are not regularly cleaned can become a breeding ground for harmful bacteria and can spread pollutants picked up from the roads into the air and water systems.
Using eco-friendly cleaning products can mitigate these issues, ensuring that your maintenance routine is as kind to the environment as it is to your vehicle.
But the main reason to clean your car’s tyres is for vanity reasons. Clean tyres can enhance your car's overall appearance, contributing to a well-maintained and polished look that reflects positively on you as the owner.
This attention to detail can also be financially beneficial, helping to maintain or even increase your vehicle's resale value. Prospective buyers often perceive clean, well-kept tyres as a sign that the car has been thoroughly cared for, potentially making it a more attractive purchase.
In essence, regular tyre cleaning is a practice that serves multiple purposes, from ensuring optimal driving conditions to protecting the environment and preserving the value of your vehicle. It's a simple yet effective part of vehicle upkeep that shouldn't be overlooked.
SO - let’s get into how to clean car tyres at home below. We’ll cover everything from preparing your tyres for cleaning to the actual application of tyre cleaner, frequency, and more.
Selecting the appropriate cleaning products is vital for both the effectiveness of your cleaning and the longevity of your tyres. Look for cleaners that are specifically formulated for tyre rubber to avoid degrading the material. These products will not only clean but also protect your tyres from UV rays and environmental pollutants.
Avoid cleaners that contain harsh chemicals, such as petroleum-based solvents, which can deteriorate the rubber over time. Instead, opt for water-based cleaners that are free of corrosive substances. These are gentler on your tyres and safer for the environment.
For those looking to add an extra shine to their tyres after cleaning, consider a tyre dressing or protectant. These products can give your tyres a glossy finish and often provide additional protection against cracking, fading, and aging.
Be cautious with car exterior dressings that contain silicone or petroleum, as they can attract dust and may cause damage to the tyre if used excessively.
If you’re looking for a personalised recommendation on the best tyre shine, you’re in luck. We have an exceptional selection here at Jennychem, and we’ll share some of our top solutions after walking you through the cleaning guide.
Start by choosing a cool, shaded area to work in, as direct sunlight can cause cleaning products to evaporate quickly, leaving behind residue. Ensure your tyres are cool to the touch - if you've recently driven your vehicle, wait until they've cooled down.
Gather your cleaning supplies, including a car wash bucket, water, a hose or pressure washer, a dedicated tyre cleaner, a stiff Vikan brush for the tyres, and a softer brush for the wheels.
If you don't have a commercial tyre cleaner, you can make a DIY solution with mild soap and water. However, for best results, especially against stubborn grime, a specialised tyre cleaner is recommended.
Inspect your tyres for any large pieces of debris or pebbles lodged in the tread and remove them. This preliminary step helps prevent scratching your tyres or wheels during the cleaning process.
Now comes the fun part - actually learning how to clean tyres. We have a guide on how to apply tyre shine, but it’s fairly simple. Apply your chosen tyre cleaner liberally to the tyre's surface, making sure to cover all areas, including the tread and sidewalls.
Allow the cleaner to soak for the amount of time specified on the product's instructions - usually a few minutes - to break down tough grime and brake dust. This dwell time is crucial.
Once the cleaner has had time to work, use your stiff-bristled brush to scrub the tyre in a circular motion, paying extra attention to the treads and any grooves where dirt tends to accumulate.
For the wheels, switch to the softer brush to avoid scratching the finish. If you encounter particularly stubborn areas of dirt or brake dust, you may need to reapply the cleaner and scrub again.
After scrubbing, rinse the tyres and wheels thoroughly with water to remove all traces of the cleaner and loosened dirt. Make sure you don't leave any cleaner on the tyre, as it can cause discolouration or degradation of the rubber if left to dry.
Dry your tyres and wheels with a clean microfiber towel to prevent water spots and to inspect your work. Ensuring no cleaner or grime is left behind is crucial for both the appearance and the health of your tyres.
The frequency of tyre cleaning depends on your driving habits and the conditions you typically encounter. As a general rule, it's advisable to clean your tyres at least once a month to prevent build-up of dirt and brake dust.
However, if you often drive on dirty or salty roads, or if you live in an area with a lot of rain or snow, you may need to clean your tyres more frequently.
Regular cleaning not only keeps your tyres looking their best but also allows you to inspect them for wear and tear or other issues, such as punctures or embedded objects, that could potentially lead to a flat tyre or a blowout.
Cleaning your tyres should be one of the first steps in the overall detailing process of your vehicle. This prevents splatter and grime from dirtying the car's bodywork, which you'll likely clean afterward.
Start with the wheels and tyres, move on to washing the body of the car, and finish with the interior. By saving the interior for last, you minimise the chance of transferring dirt or cleaner from the exterior to the inside of your vehicle.
After washing and drying your car, you can then apply any waxes or sealants to the bodywork, and dressings or protectants to the tyres, if desired. By following this sequence, you'll achieve a comprehensive clean that enhances the beauty and longevity of your vehicle.
While you still need to know how to clean car tyres, maintaining them becomes less of a chore if you take proactive measures to keep them clean between detailed washes. Here are some practical tips to help reduce the build-up of dirt and grime:
There you have it - how to clean car tyres at home and keep them looking stunning for the long haul. A little effort here goes a long way in letting your vehicle shine as you cruise down the road. That being said, it’s time we set you up for success by introducing the best tyre shine and wheel cleaner on the market, right here at Jennychem.
Jennychem brings more than 35 years of experience as the UK’s trusted choice for chemical cleaning solutions, and our wheel and tyre cleaner is second to none. We have an exceptional selection for you to choose from, but here are three of our most popular:
There are many other products at your disposal in our catalogue as well, so take a look around and see what we have in store for you.
You can also stock up on all the other professional car cleaning products you need to round out your detailing regimen, from snow foam and snow foam lances to car wash soap, car air fresheners, car interior cleaner, and more.
Armed with the advice we’ve shared in this guide on how to clean car tyres at home and our world-class products, you can rest assured your vehicle’s tyres will shine to their fullest potential.
Keeping your tyres clean is a fundamental aspect of vehicle care that ensures safety and durability, all while keeping your vehicle looking its best.
Regular cleaning with the right products can prevent damage and keep your tyres in peak condition. Treat your car to the best with Jennychem's specialised solutions and put these tips on how to clean tyres to the test.
Learn more about vehicle maintenance and detailing in our blog. We have resources on how to use snow foam, snow foam vs car shampoo, how to dry car after washing, which engine coolant for my car, how much adblue to add, and more.
Otherwise, discover the difference quality products make for your wheels and tyres at Jennychem today. Your vehicle will thank you!
