The process of cleaning tires should not be overlooked at any car wash. Tires are some of the dirtiest parts of a vehicle and thus, the toughest to clean.
But with the right tools, products, and understanding, your car wash can tackle any tire-related cleaning challenge.
The Importance of Tire Cleaning
Tire and wheel cleaning is a necessary step for any car wash business. Not only does it clean off dirt, debris, and other contaminants from the tires, but it also helps to prevent premature wear and tear.
A well-maintained tire can last 10-15 percent longer than one that has not been properly cleaned and cared for.
Additionally, clean tires can help with the overall aesthetic of a vehicle, making it look great and boosting customer satisfaction.
Pay Attention to the Details
The key to clean car tires is attention to detail.
If you're washing car tires by hand or with self-serve equipment, you will want to pay close attention to where the tires and wheels are the dirtiest.
For automatic and touchless washes, you will want to be sure your equipment is tuned and strong enough to handle dirty wheels.
Brake Dust
Brake dust is one of the most common forms of dirt and grime found on tires. It can be difficult to remove without the right tools and techniques, so you must use a suitable cleaner before pressure washing the tires.
You should also pay attention to areas near the brake callipers, as these are particularly susceptible to brake dust deposits.
Brown Tires
Tire siding starting to brown is the result of a process called blooming. And it happens over time with tires as they have rubber conditioners, UV absorbers and antiozonants which when exposed to oxygen and wear and tear, create a browning effect.
There is no permanent fix for the blooming, but cleaning tires regularly will act as preventative maintenance for this problem.
Clean Both the Tire and Wheel
When cleaning tires, it’s important to make sure you are cleaning both the wheels and tires and surrounding areas.
It is easy to miss an area but after the car is cleaned, the remaining dirty areas with tire grime will be an eye-sore.
Tools for a Successful Tire Clean
Pressure Washers
A pressure washer is an essential tool for any tire-cleaning process. Make sure you choose the right model for your particular needs and that you adjust the pressure to match the condition of the tires.
Water pressure will loosen the debris and help wash and rinse away dirt.
Touchless wash options will need to rely solely on water pressure and chemicals to do the cleaning.
Wheel Brush
A wheel brush is a great tool for scrubbing away dirt, debris, and other contaminants that are attached to the surface of the tire.
Wheel brushes are designed to provide aggressive scrubbing action while reducing any chance of scratching the wheel surface.
With a little elbow grease, the soft-bristled brush with repeat scrubbing will remove road grime and other dirt. In some cases, you may want to opt for a stiffer brush for more cleaning power.
Tire Cleaners
Finally, it’s important to use the right tire cleaner for the job.
There are many different tire products, be sure to use one that is high quality and safe for your consumer's tires and wheels.
We at Turtle Wax Pro offer various tire cleaners to be sure that we can support our customers and operators in any situation.
While the at-home washer may be tempted to use a DIY-based cleaner with baking soda and/or vinegar or even dish soap, a specifically formulated product will be most effective in removing dirt and grime safely.
Tire and wheel cleaners can be applied to the wheels in different ways, we would recommend automatic car wash equipment or a gun with a spray nozzle for non-automatic washes.
Can Tire Cleaners be Replaced with Dish Soap?
No, while dish soap may be a cheap solution and do a decent job of cleaning tires, it is not a good alternative for tire cleaners.
Using the wrong cleaner can strip the coating on tires and cause discoloration, premature aging and even dry out the rubber.
Wheel cleaners and related products are not only affordable for both consumer and commercial parties but can be widely found without harsh chemicals, making them an easy choice.
What are Tire Dressings?
Tire dressings are a type of product used to give tires a glossy, “wet” look, also called tire gel or tire protectant.
They can also contain UV protection from direct sunlight and keep the rubber from drying out or cracking as the products add a tire coating.
Make sure you choose a quality tire dressing that is designed specifically for vehicle tires. It should also be free of any petroleum distillates or solvents, which can damage the rubber over time.
What is Wheel Wax?
Wheel wax is a product that is designed to help protect the surface of the wheel. It will create a barrier between the wheels and dirt, making it easier to clean them in the future.
Wheel wax can also help restore any dulled or damaged surfaces, making your wheels look good as new.
How to Clean Tires for Car Washes
1. Pre-treat problematic areas with a suitable tire cleaner before pressure washing the tires.
2. Use a tire cleaner and wheel brush in a circular motion to remove any dirt, debris, or contaminants from the tire surface.
3. Pressure wash the tires at an appropriate pressure setting to ensure they are sufficiently cleaned.
4. Ensure that all dirt and debris have been removed before applying a tire dressing.
5. Apply the tire dressing evenly and according to the manufacturer’s directions.
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Looking for a Better Way to Clean Tires at your Car Wash? Contact Turtle Wax Pro
With 75 years in car care, Turtle Wax is the leading brand for all vehicle cleaning needs. This translates to Turtle Wax Pro's chemistry being the top option on the market for your car wash to produce the cleanest and best-looking cars around, and that includes all tire cleaning and shining needs.
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