Clean Tires First, Then Clean Rims

TIRES

Use a tire dressing to give your tires a high-gloss finish and to protect them from damaging environmental conditions that age them. Two types of tire dressings include tire foams and tire shines. Tire foams clean and shine, while tire shines bring a higher level of shine to clean tires.

Tire dressings also have different “looks” that are a matter of personal taste — the high-shine, wet look or the rich, black matte finish. Do not use tire dressings with bleach because they may make your tires gray and can stain your rims. Do not apply dressing to treads, as it can be dangerous when driving.

For tougher stains, such as tar, and for whitewalls, try using a wet scouring pad to clean.

Regardless of the product type you choose, keep a cloth handy to wipe overspray from rims. Buffing with a cloth also allows you to customize the shine on your tires.

Give your tires a durable shine with Armor All Quicksilver® Tire Shine

Shines over 100 car washes*.  No sling, guaranteed

Gloss shine won't come off when washed, no sling, guaranteed. 

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QuickSilver® Tire & Rim Cleaner

Triple-Action Formula dissolves grease, road grime and brake dust.

Intense foaming action clings to rims and lifts away the most stubborn soils.

Wetting agents help formula spread into nooks and crannies to attack tough dirt.

Safe for rims when used as directed.

Rims

Different kinds of rims require different treatments — if you’re unsure what kind of rims you have, check with a rim shop. Aluminum or chrome-plated rims call for a special rim polish. Painted or clear-coated steel rims are compatible with a standard auto polish product.

Rim cleaners include surfactants, metal chelators, and degreasers that surround and dissolve road grime and brake dust.

Many rim cleaners use highly acidic, harsh ingredients that may cause damage to your finishes. Use alkaline/basic formulas, and never use them on aluminum or damaged rims.

Clean your rims last, after washing the rest of the vehicle.

Remove hubcaps and wash separately with soap and water. Cleaning one rim at a time, spray on the rim cleaner and use the tool that works best for your car. Soft rim brushes or 100% cotton cloths work well to wipe the tire clean. For crevices, use a soft-bristled brush. Rinse the rim thoroughly, then dry with a soft, clean towel to prevent water spots.

To keep your rims clean longer, you can wax your rims, which will slow the buildup of brake dust and make cleaning easier. Alternatively, Armor All QUICKSILVER^® Brake Dust Repellent repels brake dust and dirt, making it easier to clean your rims the next time you wash your car.

You may want to consider removing the rims once a year to clean both the back and the front.

CHROME

Rust is chrome’s biggest enemy and should be removed immediately. If rust is left too long, it can cause pits. Badly pitted chrome needs to be replated. Use a polish specially made for chrome (verify by checking the label) on chrome surfaces such as rims, stainless steel exhausts, air intakes, valve covers, bumpers, and chrome accessories. If you are unsure if a surface is chrome, check with your dealer. Most polishes come in a paste or liquid form, but there is no inherent benefit to either. Use the form you prefer. Be sure to clean the surface prior to polishing to minimize the chance of scratching. Remove rust with a wet scouring pad, or No. 0000 steel wool, and chrome polish.

Use a soft, clean cloth to apply the polish, and a separate soft, dry, clean cloth to buff. Apply light pressure and work slowly — let the product do the work.

A polish or wax can help retard corrosion by sealing the chrome and metal to repel rain, ice, snow and road salt. Remove rust with a wet scouring pad or steel wool.