Keeping Your Wheels and Tyres from Frying This Summer

I learned this the hard way when I was a young fella starting out, never, ever spray wheel cleaner on a rim that's been baking in the sun or just come off a long highway run. The chemical will flash dry instantly and can actually etch the finish. I once saw a customer ruin a set of expensive BBS rims because the cleaner dried on the hot metal. Touch the wheel with the back of your hand first; if it's too hot to hold there, give it a hose with cool water and wait 10 minutes.

Honestly, I wouldn't bother with those 'acid-based' cleaners you see on the shelf. They're overkill for most daily drivers. Stick to something like Bowden’s Own Wheely Clean or Meguiar’s Ultimate Wheel Cleaner. They’re pH neutral and turn purple when they react with brake dust. It’s satisfying to watch, but more importantly, it won't eat your clear coat if you're a bit slow with the hose.

Ever noticed your tyres turning a nasty brown colour? That's called blooming. It's actually the antiozonants in the rubber migrating to the surface to protect the tyre from UV. To fix it, you need a stiff brush and a good APC (All Purpose Cleaner). Scrub those sidewalls until the suds are white, not brown. If the suds are still brown, you aren't done yet. Your partner will thank you when the car actually looks clean for once.

After 15 years doing this, I've found that a ceramic sealant on your wheels is a game changer, especially if you live near the coast. Use something like Gtechniq C5 or even a simple spray sealant like Bowden's Bead Machine. It makes the brake dust and salt just slide off next time you wash 'em. No dramas.

Don't waste your money on those cheap, greasy tyre shines from the supermarket. They're usually full of silicone which attracts dust like a magnet and slings all over your paintwork the second you drive off. My go-to is a water-based dressing like CarPro Perl or Chemical Guys VRP. It gives a nice factory-satin look and actually stays on the tyre.