Yet, it is precisely tires that are among the most neglected elements in DIY washing. A quick pass with the same glove used on the bodywork is not enough to restore shine and definition: you need specific products, suitable tools, and a precise technique.
In this guide you will find:
- cleaning and degreasing the wheels: the first step for perfect wheels;
- removal of contaminants: tar, brake dust, and stubborn residues;
- aesthetic finishing: glossy, protected, and enhanced tires.
A perfect routine designed to achieve professional results, even in your home garage.
Cleaning and degreasing the wheels: the first step for perfect wheels
In any car detailing process worthy of the name, wheel care is a moment in its own right—an operation that requires method and the use of products specifically formulated to tackle the particular contaminants that lurk on wheels and tires. Therefore, detailing begins from the lower part of the vehicle, where the greatest amount of stubborn dirt accumulates. Clearly, this is not only a practical matter, but a choice that prevents debris from being dragged around during the subsequent bodywork wash. In this phase, there is one key word: degrease.
A key product for this first step is Degreaser – a powerful wax-removing degreaser, formulated to effectively dissolve brake dust, oil residues, grease, and the most resistant impurities.
Cleaning wheels cannot be approached with superficiality or improvisation. The first mistake in wheel cleaning—also very common even among enthusiasts—is washing the wheels with the same tools used for the bodywork. In this way, not only is the effectiveness of the treatment compromised, but the integrity of the car’s paint is also put at risk, since the dirt found on wheels (ferrous dust, micro-granules, iron residues) is highly aggressive and abrasive. Much better, then, to use tools specifically intended for cleaning and caring for this area: a wheel glove, such as Shampoo Glove, ideal for delicate surfaces like wheels, because it is made of high-quality wool fiber fabric, capable of capturing dirt and debris without scratching.
Everything you need should be prepared in advance, setting up the work area away from direct sunlight and on cool surfaces, to ensure the products behave correctly.
Start by applying Degreaser to wheels that are completely dry and not hot. It is essential that the product be sprayed evenly, focusing more on areas where you notice buildup of dirt and the blackening typical of ferrous brake dust.
At this stage, it is best to avoid using water immediately after spraying: it is preferable to let the product work for about 2–3 minutes so that it can effectively penetrate the pores of the metal or the wheel paint.
Degreaser stands out for its balanced formulation: tough on dirt, yet gentle on materials. Therefore, it is compatible with alloy, steel, diamond-cut, and painted wheels, with no risk of dulling or corrosion.
After the dwell time, proceed with the mechanical action. Depending on the wheel design, you can use curved brushes for the spokes, detailing brushes for critical points around the lug nuts, and long brushes for the inner barrel. A true professional tip is to use light, circular movements to spread the product, rather than scrubbing hard: it is Degreaser’s chemical action that does the most important work.
After this step, the wheel should be rinsed thoroughly with running water or with a fan-spray pressure washer, starting from the center outward to guide the dirt away from blind spots. It is essential to ensure all foam has been removed and that no residue remains in hidden cavities.
At this stage, a second mistake is often made: not drying the wheels properly. When you let them air-dry, unattractive limescale spots and streaks form. It is better to use a highly absorbent microfiber cloth dedicated exclusively to the wheels, so you can carefully remove every water droplet and prepare the surface for the second step: deep decontamination.
The operational advantage offered by Degreaser is twofold. On the one hand, it acts as a concentrated detergent capable of dissolving in depth the residues typical of this area; on the other, it leaves the wheel surface ready to receive subsequent treatments, without oily films or streaks. Finally, another plus should not be overlooked: the pleasant fragrance and the product’s low volatility make the work more enjoyable even in enclosed environments, such as garages or storage boxes.
Removal of contaminants: tar, brake dust, and stubborn residues
After completing the degreasing step, wheels and tires often conceal a second, more insidious form of dirt and contamination, invisible at first glance. Among the main enemies we find tar, a bituminous residue that stubbornly sticks to the surface after driving over repaired asphalt or wet roads, and brake dust, a metallic powder derived from brake pad friction, which bonds to the wheels in the form of dark specks.
These substances cannot be removed with a simple detergent: to tackle them, a targeted intervention is required—chemically effective yet safe—exactly like Tar / Resin Remover, which finds its ideal application here.
It is a product formulated to selectively dissolve tar, resins, and bituminous materials without affecting paint or finishes, to be used in an intermediate detailing phase, immediately after rinsing off the Degreaser and the initial drying of the wheel.
It is important that the surface is dry. Tar Resin Remover works by contact. It is recommended to spray the product directly onto a microfiber cloth such as Microfibre Cloth orange , taking care that it has not previously been used on other areas of the car and left dirty, in order to avoid cross-contamination and ensure maximum precision.
Application should be done with slow, controlled movements, dabbing the points where tar spots or black marks are visible. After just a few seconds, you will notice the dissolved residues, which turn into an oily film to be removed with a clean cloth.
This phase is also the best moment to inspect the surfaces for small cracks, scratches, or structural defects. Let’s remember that detailing is not only about aesthetics, but above all about prevention. Removing tar also means preventing oxidizing agents from infiltrating over time and leading to slow but harmful corrosion.
Another point not to overlook concerns the frequency of this treatment. If the car is used mainly in urban environments or after long highway trips, it is advisable to perform this removal at least once a month, or whenever you notice unusual dark traces on the wheels. In the case of sporadic use or ideal conditions, you can intervene every two months, but always monitoring the wheel appearance visually.
Every centimeter of your car deserves attention and care, and even the wheels—so exposed and vulnerable—can become an aesthetic and functional strength that, in the long run, also affects driving safety.
Aesthetic finishing: glossy, protected, and enhanced tires
After focusing on deep cleaning and wheel decontamination, the final step—and often the most overlooked and underestimated—concerns the tires.
Many drivers tend to consider them a secondary detail, when in reality the condition of the tires significantly affects the overall aesthetics of the vehicle.
A well-treated wheel, with uniform and deeply black sidewalls, is not just a whim: it brings a sense of order, power, and new life to the entire car. Finishing, therefore, is part of the strategic phase in caring for your vehicle. For this reason, we recommend a product such as Tyre Restorer, specifically formulated to restore shine, color uniformity, and long-lasting protection to rubber sidewalls.
Tyre Restorer should be applied only after the surface has been properly dried—a step that is often lightly skipped by those without detailing experience.
Start by checking the tire sidewalls first. They must be completely dry: moisture compromises product adhesion and creates streaks or runs. You can use a microfiber cloth dedicated to drying the wheels, separate from the one used on the bodywork. Use Microfibre Cloth red, ideal for drying thanks to its ability to absorb moisture without leaving streaks.
At this point, you can proceed with applying Tyre Restorer, using a sponge applicator or a soft brush, depending on the shape and sidewall pattern of the tire. Again, as with all products, we recommend slow, precise movements without excess, following the tire’s profile.
The result is immediate: a deep “wet look” effect that is not artificial, without the greasiness or excessive shine typical of low-quality silicone products. The finish, instead, is satin, uniform, and enhances the contrast between a clean wheel and a revitalized tire. But the aesthetic effect is only part of the value, because Tyre Restorer also offers real protection against rubber aging: thanks to its formulation, it creates a barrier against UV rays, weather agents, fine dust, and micro-cracks that form over time. This preventive action slows the natural deterioration of tires, especially if they are exposed daily to sun and harsh conditions. One final precaution: do not use an excessive amount of product. It is not abundance that guarantees a good result, but the quality of the application. For this reason, it is essential to spread the product thinly and evenly, possibly repeating the step after a few minutes if you want a more intense tone. Tyre Restorer also lends itself to finish customization: applied once, it gives a natural satin effect; applied in two coats, with an interval of 10–15 minutes, it delivers a fuller, deeper black. Another useful tip is not to apply it on the tread or on contact surfaces: the product is designed only for the sidewalls and must not interfere with driving safety.
In addition, if used regularly, this treatment prevents the formation of that grayish, chalky film that affects tires left without maintenance for too long.
And if it is true that every detail tells the difference between superficial care and authentic, lasting passion, it is precisely the often-forgotten elements—just like wheels and tires—that speak of time dedicated with awareness.
Choosing The Care for car detailing means relying on a complete vision, where every product and every solution is designed to enhance not only beauty but also the durability and functionality of every component. From deep cleaning to aesthetic finishing, through daily protection, we are your most trusted allies.