How to Properly Clean and Maintain Your Custom Wheels

Custom wheels can instantly elevate the look of any vehicle—whether you’re sporting polished chrome rims, sleek black alloys, or a bright colored finish. However, keeping those wheels in mint condition takes more than a quick hose-down. Regular maintenance is key to preserving the finish, preventing brake dust buildup, and ensuring your ride looks its absolute best. Below, we’ll cover everything from choosing the right cleaners to specialized tips on how to make dull black rims shine like new again.

1. Why Proper Wheel Care Matters

  1. Protect Your Investment: Custom wheels can be expensive. Proper cleaning and maintenance extend their lifespan and protect your wallet.
  2. Enhance Appearance: Dull, dirty wheels can ruin the overall look of a meticulously detailed car.
  3. Prevent Damage: Brake dust, road salt, and harsh chemicals can eat away at the finish if left unattended. Regular care helps avoid pitting, corrosion, and discoloration.

2. Gather the Right Tools and Products

  • Wheel Cleaner
    • pH-Balanced: Opt for a wheel-specific or pH-neutral cleaner. Harsh, acid-based chemicals can strip finishes or cause etching.
    • Safe for Your Wheel Type: Chrome, aluminum, powder-coated, or painted wheels each have different cleaning requirements. Always check the label.
  • Brushes & Towels
    • Soft-Bristled Wheel Brush: Gets into tight spaces without scratching the finish.
    • Microfiber Cloths/Towels: Minimizes swirl marks and absorbs cleaner efficiently.
  • Protectants & Polishes
    • Wheel Wax or Sealant: Adds a protective layer against brake dust and contaminants.
    • Polish or Metal Cleaner: Great for chrome or polished alloy finishes to restore shine.
    • Ceramic Coating (Optional): A more advanced protective measure, especially popular among detail enthusiasts.

3. Prep Work: Cool & Rinse

  • Park in the Shade: Direct sunlight can cause cleaning products to dry too quickly, resulting in water spots or streaks.
  • Ensure Wheels Are Cool to the Touch: Applying cleaners on hot surfaces can lead to chemical staining or uneven cleaning.
  • Initial Rinse: Use a steady stream of water to loosen brake dust, grime, and road debris. This pre-rinse helps prevent scratching as you move to the next cleaning steps.

4. How to Clean Your Custom Wheels Step-by-Step

  1. Apply the Wheel Cleaner
    • Spray Generously: Coat the rim’s surface, including lug nut holes and the barrel.
    • Let It Dwell: Follow product instructions, typically letting it sit for 1–2 minutes.
  2. Agitate with a Brush
    • Use a Soft-Bristled Brush: Gently scrub around spokes, lug nuts, and inner wheel areas.
    • Mind the Nooks & Crannies: Brake dust and dirt tend to hide in recesses. Take your time.
  3. Rinse Thoroughly
    • Use Low to Medium Water Pressure: Aim to wash away all foam, loosened grime, and debris.
    • Inspect: If you spot stubborn stains, repeat the cleaner and brush steps.
  4. Dry Carefully
    • Microfiber Towels: Pat the wheel dry rather than rubbing aggressively to avoid swirl marks.
    • Compressed Air or Leaf Blower: An optional trick for removing water from lug holes or tight spots.

5. Dealing with Specific Wheel Finishes

  • Chrome Wheels
    • Polishing: Use a chrome-specific polish to get a mirror-like finish.
    • Wax or Sealant: Apply a thin coat to protect against water spots and minor oxidation.
  • Painted or Powder-Coated Wheels
    • Gentle Cleansers: Stick to pH-balanced products to avoid dulling the paint.
    • Wax or Wheel Sealant: Helps keep your glossy or matte paint looking fresh.
  • Aluminum/Alloy Wheels
    • Mild Metal Polish: Great for restoring shine if they’re not clear-coated.
    • Protectant: Sealing bare metal reduces oxidation and simplifies cleaning.

6. How to Make Dull Black Rims Shine

Black wheels are popular for their sleek, modern look—but they can become dull over time. Here’s how to revive them:

  1. Deep Clean & Decontaminate
    • Use an iron-removing cleaner formulated for wheels to dissolve embedded brake dust.
  2. Use a Specialized Cleaner for Matte or Gloss
    • If your black rims are matte, pick a cleaner designed for matte finishes.
    • If glossy, a pH-neutral product plus a gentle polish can help restore brilliance.
  3. Polish if Needed
    • Light swirl marks or small scratches can dull black rims. A mild polish suited for painted surfaces can help.
  4. Apply a Protectant or Ceramic Coating
    • Wheel wax or ceramic coating adds a slick layer, making the rims easier to clean.
    • Reapply every few months, or sooner in harsh conditions.
  5. Finish with a Microfiber Buff
    • A clean microfiber cloth enhances the shine and removes leftover residue.

7. Routine Maintenance Tips

  • Clean Frequently: Regular washing prevents brake dust and road tar from bonding to the wheel’s surface.
  • Avoid Harsh Chemicals & Tools: Steel wool, abrasive pads, or bleach-based cleaners can damage finishes.
  • Inspect for Damage: Address chips, curb rash, or peeling finish promptly to stop further deterioration.
  • Store Properly: If swapping wheels for winter or track use, keep unused wheels in a cool, dry place.

8. Additional Protective Measures

  • Wheel Covers or Shields: Some aftermarket shields help reduce brake dust accumulation.
  • Synthetic or Natural Sealants: Both work well; synthetics often last longer, but natural waxes provide a warmer gloss.
  • Brake Dust Repellent Sprays: Add a temporary barrier, making routine cleaning easier.

AC Wheels: Stylish Yet Practical Care

AC Wheels are popular for their modern designs and reliable construction—often at a more affordable price than some high-end options. Because of their contemporary finishes, it’s crucial to:

  • Use Mild Wheel Cleaners: AC Wheels commonly feature painted or powder-coated surfaces that respond best to pH-neutral formulas.
  • Apply Protective Sealants: A quality wheel sealant or ceramic coating helps keep the finish looking fresh and minimizes brake dust buildup.
  • Check for Chips or Flaking: If you notice any damage, touch it up promptly to prevent corrosion underneath the coating.

By combining regular cleaning with a gentle approach, you’ll ensure your AC Wheels maintain their stylish edge for years to come.

LA Wire wheels: Classic Looks, Special Handling

LA Wire wheels bring vintage flair to any ride, often seen on lowriders or classic custom builds. These spoke-style wheels require extra attention:

  • Use Soft Brushes: The intricate spokes can trap dirt easily. Pick a soft-bristled brush to avoid scratching.
  • Dry Thoroughly: Water can pool in hidden areas and cause rust or corrosion, so a leaf blower or air compressor helps a lot.
  • Polish Regularly: If your LA Wire wheels are chrome or polished metal, a dedicated metal polish can keep them shining.
  • Protect the Spokes: Applying a thin coat of wheel wax or sealant to each spoke can reduce grime buildup and make cleaning easier next time.

The key is to be patient and detail-focused—wire wheels reward consistent care with a show-stopping appearance.

forgiato rims: Premium Upkeep for Premium Wheels

Well-known for their luxury and custom-forged designs, forgiato rims demand a meticulous cleaning process to preserve their high-end appeal:

  1. Use Specialized Cleaners: Forged wheels can have intricate machining or finish details. A gentle, wheel-specific cleaner reduces the chance of etching or pitting.
  2. Mind the Coatings: Many Forgiato wheels come with custom paint, polished accents, or clear-coated sections. Double-check product labels to ensure compatibility.
  3. Consider Ceramic Coating: Investing in ceramic protection can keep those multi-piece rims looking pristine and simplify future cleanings.
  4. Frequent Inspection: Given their higher cost, it’s wise to look for small scratches or chips and address them immediately—preventing larger issues down the line.

By tailoring your cleaning approach to Forgiato’s unique finishes, you’ll maintain the head-turning factor that these premium wheels are known for.

9. FAQs

Q1: Can I use dish soap to clean my custom wheels?
Dish soap may strip protective wax or sealant layers. A wheel-specific cleaner or a pH-neutral car wash soap is generally safer.

Q2: How often should I polish my wheels?
Polishing once or twice a year is enough for most finishes. Over-polishing, especially with abrasive products, can thin out clear coats or protective layers.

Q3: Do I need to remove the wheels for a thorough cleaning?
Removing the wheels grants better access to the backside and barrel, but a long-handled wheel brush can reach most areas effectively if you prefer not to remove them.

Q4: Will tire cleaners harm my wheels?
Some tire cleaners contain harsh chemicals. Always check if the product is safe for all wheel finishes before applying it on rims.

Q5: How do I protect my wheels in snowy or salty road conditions?
Frequent rinses to remove salt, plus applying a wax or sealant before winter, can help minimize damage from corrosive chemicals.

Final Thoughts

Properly cleaning and maintaining your custom wheels is about more than just good looks—it’s about protecting your investment. By using wheel-specific products, adopting a gentle cleaning method, and applying protective coatings, you’ll keep your rims gleaming and free from premature wear. From AC Wheels to LA Wire wheels and forgiato rims, the key is consistency and using the right tools for each finish.

So next time you notice brake dust or a fading shine, follow these steps and enjoy showroom-ready wheels—every single time. Safe driving—and happy detailing!

Alfa Romeo Junior review

Alfa Romeo Junior

We get behind the wheel of the first electric car from iconic Italian brand, Alfa Romeo…

If all had gone to plan, Alfa Romeo’s debut EV would have been called the Milano. However, after a political row, the company had to dip into its heritage to resurrect the Junior moniker.

You see, Alfa Romeo isn’t the thoroughbred Italian than it once was because it’s now part of the giant Stellantis group, which also includes Citroen, Peugeot, Fiat, DS, Jeep and Abarth.

Alfa Romeo Junior

So, the Junior is built some distance from Milan at the Tychy plant in Poland, and it shares its platform with the Jeep Avenger and Fiat 600, which are also manufactured there.

The good news is that the Alfa Romeo Junior (also available as a mild hybrid) is one of the best compact SUVs on the market.

The EV version, marketed as the Junior Elettrica is priced from £33,895, and there’s a choice of three models – the Elettrica, Elettrica Speciale and Elettrica 280 Veloce.

Alfa Romeo Junior

All three use the familiar Stellantis 54kWh battery pack. However, the electric motor in the Elettrica and Elettrica Speciale develops 154bhp, while the range-topping Veloce is uprated to 278bhp. Drive on all three is via the front wheels.

In acceleration terms, that’s 9 seconds compared to 5.9 seconds for the Veloce to reach 62mph from standstill. The downside is that the official range for the latter drops from 250 to 215 miles.

The Elettrica is well equipped and comes standard with 18-inch alloys, rear parking sensors, LED lights, auto wipers, a 10.25-inch infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 10.25-inch driver’s display and safety kit including AEB, Adaptive Cruise Control and Active Lane Assist.

Alfa Romeo Junior

The Speciale adds privacy glass, an electric driver’s seat, a180-degree camera, a hands-free tailgate, sports styling tweaks and keyless entry with proximity access technology.

The top-rung Veloce gets 25mm lower suspension, red brake callipers, 20-inch alloys, leather steering wheel, and sports pedals.

I tested a mid-range Elettrica Speciale in stunning Brera Red, with a contrasting black roof.

Slotting in below the Tonale and Stelvio SUVs in the Alfa Romeo line-up, the Junior is an attractive car, managing to look both delicate and aggressive.

Alfa Romeo Junior

There’s even a new take on the scudetto – or shield – up front. The ‘shield grille’ is now embedded with the Alfa Romeo logo. Personally, I think it looks like a 3D printing exercise and some of the Alfa Romeo identity has been lost in the process, but judge for yourself.

Inside, it’s very driver-centric, with the large infotainment screen angled towards you.

The seats are comfortable and supportive, while visibility is good at the front and sides, but trickier at the back thanks to the rising window line and chunky rear pillars. Thankfully, every Junior comes with rear parking sensors for parking manoeuvres, while the Speciale and Veloce get a rear-view camera too.

Alfa Romeo Junior

The infotainment is a mixed bag. It’s by no means best in class in terms of graphics, layout and response times, but it does the job and you can always connect your phone via Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.

The system’s saving grace is the row of real buttons below the touchscreen with key features including temperature, fan speed and volume. If only the likes of Tesla and Volvo would do the same, because physical controls for essentials are easier and safer than prodding and swiping a screen on the move.

Build quality is good, but the overall experience would be classier if there were a few less hard plastic surfaces in the cabin.

Alfa Romeo Junior

Rear passenger space is reasonable, so it’s just possible for me to sit behind an adult of the same height (5’11”), but it would be a tad cosy for a long journey.

Boot space is OK with 400 litres (or 1,265 litres with the 60/40 seats flipped). There’s also a small ‘frunk’ under the bonnet – ideal for storing your charging cable.

So far so good, but it’s when you get behind the wheel of the Alfa Romeo Junior that it starts to become, er, speciale.

Alfa Romeo Junior

Unlike most electric crossovers, the driving position is very good. The seat can be lowered so you don’t feel perched, as is often the case.

This pays dividends once you’re on the move, because you immediately feel more involved with the car and the overall driving experience.

With a decent turn of speed, plus light, yet sharp and accurate steering, it’s nippy and easy to drive in town.

Overall ride quality is on the firm side, but not uncomfortably so, chiming with the Junior’s sporty driving characteristics.

Alfa Romeo Junior

Push it on more challenging roads and it handles well. Body lean is well controlled and there’s decent traction. If the brakes were more progressive, it would be even better.

Weighing in at 1,545kg, it’s relatively light for an EV, so it does feel agile, but if you want more of a hot hatch experience you’ll have to pay £42,295 for the Veloce which has more power, a lower ride height, beefed-up suspension, stiffer anti-roll bars, bigger brakes and uprated tyres.

Like other Alfa Romeo cars, the Junior gets DNA (Dynamic, Natural and Advanced Efficiency) drive modes, which adjust steering weight, throttle response and brake feel.

As ever, Dynamic is fine for fun, short bursts with maximum power on tap and Advanced Efficiency dulls the engagement factor, so best to stay in Natural for the best blend of performance and efficiency.

Alfa Romeo Junior

The other thing to say about the drive modes is that there’s mild regenerative braking in A and N, and none in D. If you want higher regen, you’ll have to switch the gear selector to B, but it’s not quite the one-pedal effect.

Talking of recharging, every Junior has a standard heat pump, which should help with winter battery efficiency, but my experience after a week of mixed driving is that the real-world range from the 154bhp Elettrica Speciale is closer to 200 miles, which is a bit disappointing.

And if you do have to stop (you will on a long journey), Alfa Romeo quotes a 10-80% charge time of 30 minutes at speeds up to 100kW DC.

Ultimately, the Alfa Romeo Junior Speciale isn’t perfect, but it’s brimming with character, and it does deliver an engaging drive, unlike most of its rivals.

Verdict: If you’re looking for an electric compact SUV that is fun to drive, stands out from the crowd, offers good value and is well-equipped, then the Alfa Romeo Junior should be high up on your shortlist.

Alfa Romeo UK

Safiya Henry: Driving Transformation at MetLife

Safiya Henry: Driving Transformation at MetLife - MetLife

Safiya Henry, AVP of Digital Strategy and Transformation at MetLife, has come a long way since the days of hacking her computer game to give herself unlimited life. Now she thinks about life — and other types — of insurance. She’s working to transform the insurance industry by evolving digital capabilities and creating engaging user experiences.

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