The Art of Cleaning Tyres: Enhancing Appearance and Longevity

A large part of vehicle maintenance is keeping your car nice and clean. A clean vehicle has many benefits, including:

• Easier to spot mechanical issues such as worn components or oil leaks
• Gives you a good opportunity to inspect paintwork, wheels and windows
• Maintains your paint and clearcoat, to preserve the potential resale value of your vehicle.

There are many car details guides over the internet, but this article will focus on how to clean your tyres and wheels, and why you’d want to spend so much time and attention on them.

Maintaining clean wheels and tyres is not just about aesthetics; it plays a significant role in preserving the tyre's condition and enhancing its longevity. Tyres constantly face harsh road conditions, picking up dirt, grime, brake dust other and various contaminants. Over time, these can lead to damage, staining and unsightly appearance.

How to clean your tyres and wheels

Start with a thorough rinse to remove loose dirt and debris. Using a dedicated tyre brush, apply it generously to each tyre. Avoid using the same brushes or cloths that you also use for your bodywork and painted surfaces. For a deeper clean, especially in the sidewall areas and wheel details, use your brush to scrub away stubborn dirt and brake dust. This not only restores the look of your tyres but also prevents build-up that can affect performance.

Pay special attention to the sidewalls and tyre lettering. These areas can accumulate grime that dulls their appearance. A soft-bristled brush is ideal for gently scrubbing the sidewalls and lettering, lifting away dirt without damaging the tyre.

Benefits of Tyre Shine and Protection

After cleaning your wheels and tyres, applying a tyre shine, conditioner and wheel protectant can further enhance the appearance of your tyres and wheels. These products not only give your tyres a like-new finish but also provide a protective layer against UV rays and environmental pollutants. This protection is crucial, as prolonged exposure to sunlight and ozone can degrade the rubber, leading to cracks and fading.’

High-quality wheel protectants will also repel corrosive brake dust, and add a hydrophobic finish, meaning your wheels are easier to clean next time!

Importance of Regular Inspections During Cleaning

Cleaning your tyres also offers the perfect opportunity to inspect them for any signs of damage, such as cuts, bulges, gouges and debris stuck in the tyre tread surface Early detection of these issues can prevent more serious problems down the road. Also, check your tread depth to ensure it's within the legal limit, as worn tyres can compromise your vehicle's safety, especially in adverse weather conditions.

You’re looking to have a minimum of 1.5mm of tread depth across the face of the tyre, however, at tread depths of 3mm of less, wet weather performance will start to deteriorate.

Maintaining Tyre Pressure

While cleaning, it's also a good time to check tyre pressure. Properly inflated tyres improve fuel efficiency, reduce wear, and enhance safety.

Keep it squeaky clean

Regularly cleaning and maintaining your tyres is an essential aspect of vehicle care. It not only improves the appearance of your tyres but also contributes to the overall presentation of your vehicle. Incorporating tyre cleaning into your regular maintenance routine will ensure your tyres remain looking great, right up until they naturally need replacement through normal wear and tear.

While cleaning your wheels and tyres, if you notice that your tyres have sidewall damage, some kind of puncture or object stuck in the tread, or just that your tyres are starting to wear out, be sure to reach out to the team at Marks & Wallings today! We can assist with a tyre inspection, puncture repairs and organise replacements if necessary. You can find us conveniently located at 940-946 Victoria Rd, West Ryde or phone us at (02) 9807 1000 to speak to the friendly team.