What You’ll Need When Washing Your Tires
A basic car sponge may be enough for other parts of your vehicle, but what equipment do you need to tackle the task of cleaning your tires? These tools can help your INFINITI find its fountain of youth:
- Hose and spray nozzle
- Towels
- Bucket
- Soft-bristled brush or medium-bristled brush
- Wheel brush
- Waxing mitt (optional)
Cleaning Products
Your tires pick up a lot of oil and grime from the road, and sometimes they need a different cleaner than you might use on your vehicle’s body panels. If your tires have white walls, you might need baking soda to get them clean enough to still look white. For standard, all-black tires, though, the cleaning products and solutions you will most likely need are:
- Warm water
- Dish soap or mild degreaser
- Wheel cleaner (not necessary but good to have)
- Soft-bristled brush or medium-bristled brush
- Wheel wax (also not necessary but good to have)
Once you have these and the right tools, you’re ready to clean your tires.
How to Clean Car Tires at Home
You don’t have to go anywhere special to get your tires looking fresh-off-the-lot clean. Learn how to clean car tires at home and enjoy feeling like a million bucks every time you pull out of your driveway.
Properly Prepare
As they say, failing to prepare is preparing to fail. Having the right tools and cleaning products can help you do the job right. Being prepared also includes ensuring your tires and wheels are ready for you to clean them. That means making sure your tires are cool to the touch. If they’re not, the wheel cleaner may dry on the hot tires and wheels before you get a chance to rinse it off.
When checking that your tires are cool, use this time to examine the condition of your tires too. It might be time to visit your local INFINITI service center for an inspection and tire replacement if you notice any of the following issues:
- Cracks or cuts on the sidewall
- Blisters or bulges on the sidewall
- Low tire tread
Cleaning damaged tires won’t repair them. Take a close look at yours to make sure your INFINITI receives the right type of care.
Spray Away
If you decide your tires are in good condition and just need a deep cleaning, your first step is to spray them. Take your hose and rinse off the dirt, dust, debris, and anything else you find. Spraying your tires from multiple angles can help you clean them more thoroughly. Keep your tires wet throughout the entire cleaning process because it can help prevent tools like the wheel brush from leaving scratches.
Wash the Tire
After you take the hose to your tires and wheels, you’re ready to make your INFINITI gleam. Cleaning the tires first can help keep their grime from running down your wheels. You’ll use warm water, dish soap or mild degreaser, and a soft-bristled brush or medium-bristled brush to scrub your tires. Allow the soap or degreaser to be on each tire for at least a few minutes so the grime is easier to rinse off. Continue rinsing and scrubbing until your tires are squeaky clean.
Clean Your Wheels
Now it’s time to show your wheels some love. Wet your wheels before cleaning them with your wheel brush and warm, soapy water. Your wheel brush will allow you to get deep in there so you can scrub off things like brake dust. Depending on how dirty your wheels are, doing this once might not be enough. Repeat this as many times as needed to give your wheels a fresh look.
Time to Wax
Waxing isn’t necessary, but going the extra mile can make you feel extra confident about the appearance of your INFINITI. You’ll need a waxing mitt and wheel wax to wax your wheels. Whichever wheel wax you have, follow its instructions closely to help your INFINITI look its best.
You should clean your wheels and tires every two weeks, but waxing your wheels is something you can do every three to four months.
Visit Your Nearest INFINITI Retailer if Your Tires Need More Than a Cleaning
Knowing how to clean tires at home can help you feel more confident when you’re in the driver’s seat. With that being said, washing your tires won’t help if they’re not in good condition. If your tires look like their time is up, it may be time to order a new set from INFINITI Parts & Accessories. You’ll find the best tires for your INFINITI from brands you can trust. Check out the selection today and make an appointment at your closest INFINITI retailer for help with installation.