A Step-by-Step Guide to Properly Cleaning Your Tires
Your car’s tires are the most important part of the entire vehicle, which is why they must be properly cleaned and maintained. Washing and conditioning your tires with the right supplies will ensure they last longer and perform better. With all the options on the market, it can be hard to know where to start. That’s why we’ve put together this guide!
We’ll cover everything you need to know about getting the job done right, including selecting the right cleaning supplies, prepping the tires for cleaning, and properly drying them afterward. By the end, you’ll have a clean and glossy set of tires to be proud of.
Types of Tires
Depending on the vehicle and terrain, there are many types of tires available for different purposes. All-season tires are the most common and can be used year-round with moderate driving conditions. Winter tires are typically used at colder temperatures and have softer rubber for improved grip on icy roads. Mud tires are designed for off-roading and feature robust treads for better control in muddy terrain.
Necessary Supplies
To clean your tires, you’ll need a few basic supplies found at most automotive stores. You’ll need an old toothbrush or tire brush. You’ll also want some soap or car wash detergent, which must not contain any harsh ingredients that could damage the rubber of your tires. You’ll need either a tire-specific cleaner or one specifically designed for black wall tires if that’s the type you have. Remember to grab several towels for drying off your tires before moving on to the next step.
Steps for Cleaning Your Tires
Now that you’ve got the necessary supplies ready, it’s time to begin cleaning your tires. The first step is preparation. You’ll want to remove as much dirt and debris as possible before applying cleaner or soap. Any old toothbrush or tire brush will work great here, remember to be gentle when brushing so as not to cause any damage during cleaning and prep.
Once the surface is prepped, it’s time to apply tire cleaner or soap onto the tire and work it into a lather using the brush. You can find tire cleaners for typical tires at most automotive stores. For black-walled tires, look for specialty cleaners meant explicitly for those types of tires to prevent damage caused by non-appropriate cleaners.
Once the tire is clean, rinse with plain water until all the foam is gone. Once rinsing is complete, use a towel or terry cloth to dry the entire surface of each tire.
Additional Tips for Maintaining Your Tires
Keeping your car looking great isn’t just about having clean tires, it’s also about ensuring they stay in good condition over time. Here are some important tips for maintaining your tires.
- Aligning your wheels regularly helps ensure that every part of your car is operating at its full potential, in addition to making sure your car looks good even when it’s stationary.
- Rotating your tires every few months can help extend their life expectancy by distributing wear evenly among all four wheels.
- Checking the pressure in each tire should be done routinely, as driving with incorrect pressure can result in reduced fuel economy and handling performance while driving.
- Even after regular maintenance is done on your car and its components, it’s still important to routinely inspect them visually to spot any potential issues before they become more serious problems down the line.
Conclusion
Cleaning your car’s tires doesn’t have to be a chore. With these simple steps outlined above, plus some time and patience, anyone can quickly get their car looking fresh and new again. Once your car’s tires are clean, you can get out and enjoy the open road again.