Wheels & Tires How To

Always clean the wheels and tires before washing your vehicle. This will prevent overspray or grime from splashing onto already-clean panels. If you like to clean your wheels and tires with soap and water, use a separate wash and rinse bucket from the one you intend to use on the paint. Wheels and tires are the dirtiest part of your vehicle and nothing that touches them should touch the paint.

Step 1:

Choose a water-based wheel cleaner that is appropriate for all types of wheels. Roughcast aluminum and chrome can withstand stronger cleaners than coated, painted, or anodized wheels. Use Pinnacle Clear Coat Safe Wheel Cleaner to eliminate the guesswork.

Pinnacle Clear Coat Safe Wheel Cleaner is water-based and non-caustic. It works on tires and wheels to loosen brake dust and remove old tire dressings. Pinnacle Clear Coat Safe Wheel Cleaner even removes brake dust that has crept into tiny holes in the metal and into the pores of the rubber. A little agitation with a brush will allow Pinnacle to work even better.

When selecting a wheel brush, look for a brush with feathered bristles to prevent scratching. The Montana Original Boar's Hair Wheel Brush is a very soft brush. For spoked wheels, use the Daytona Speed Master Wheel Brush for unbeatable access to the wheels' slots. It also has soft bristles and a flexible stem to reach behind spokes.

Tires require a stiffer brush to really penetrate rubber's pores. The Contour Tire Brush has stiffer bristles with a curved head to match the curvature of the tire. Use it to scrub off old layers of dressings and road grime. When you apply Pinnacle Black Onyx Tire Gel, it will bond better with clean rubber.

Step 3:

Always dry your wheels! Use a microfiber towel, but not one that you plan to use on any other part of your vehicle. Once a towel is used on the tires or wheels, it should always be designated for tires and wheels. Drying prevents water spots and helps you remove every last bit of the brake dust.

Wheels can be waxed just like the paint. Waxing the wheels will reduce brake dust accumulation and allow moisture to roll off. Once your wheels are clean and dry, apply Pinnacle Liquid Souverän Wax. It lasts for months and it creates a very slick finish. Apply the wax with an applicator pad and then buff the wheel. Your wheels will look cleaner longer.

Once your wheels are clean, shiny and sealed, you must protect the tires. Choose a tire dressing without silicone, like Pinnacle Black Onyx Tire Gel. As we discussed earlier, silicone dries out rubber by depleting its own protectants prematurely. Over time, tires will turn brown. To avoid this fate, use only water-based Pinnacle Black Onyx Tire Gel.
Pinnacle Black Onyx Tire Gel has a satin shine that looks more like new, healthy rubber. It's understated and elegant. Most importantly, it doesn't attract dust like silicone dressings and it doesn't dry out the rubber. Your tires will look fresh, supple, and hydrated. UV protectants prevent fading. Always apply thin coats of Pinnacle Black Onyx Tire Gel to prevent sling. Multiple thin coats will bond better to the tire and last longer.

A complete wheel and tire care kit is available in the Pinnacle Wheel and Tire Kit! Check our Tire & Wheel Care Page for more excellent tire and wheel brushes and tools.