If you’re committed to making sure your car looks like new, you may be spending a lot of time detailing the paint, polishing the wheels, and vacuuming the carpets, but there’s one part of car detailing that a lot of people overlook: keeping the wheels looking their best. Wheels are a focal point of any car, so taking care of them not only helps maintain the car’s appearance, but it also ensures that the rest of the car is in top condition.
Here’s what you need to know about caring for and cleaning your car’s wheels.
Our Editor’s Best Automotive Wheel Care Reviews
- ✅ ELIMINATES DIRT, BROWNING, AND BRAKE DUST - Which part of your car takes the biggest beating? Your wheels & Tires! Between the heat, elements, and constant brake contaminants your wheels are almost immediately dirty. Adam’s Wheel & Tire Cleaner is a specifically formulated chemical designed to target heavy brake dust and restore your tires back to factory color.
- ✅ SAFE ON MANY FINISHES - Safe on clear-coated, powder-coated, chrome, alloy, and painted wheels. Most wheel cleaners can be harmful to your wheel finish and dissolve more than what you wanted to clean off! Adam’s Polishes Wheel & Tire Cleaner gets to work fast and dissolves stubborn metallic contamination.
- ✅ GET RID OF BROWN TIRES - If you’re happy with brown, old and decrepit tires, look away! If you’re wanting to thoroughly clean your vehicle’s shoes and make them look like new again, then look no further! Adam's Wheel & Tire Cleaner contains a blend of alkaline-concentrated solvents and surfactants to create a high sudsing formula and removes silicones, greases, wax build-up, polymers, and any previously applied dressings to leave your tires and wheels looking new.
- ✅ EXTEND YOUR TIRE DRESSINGS LIFE - Adam’s Wheel & Tire Cleaner is a detailing essential for any user, from rookie to professional. When investing in premium protective options, high foaming soaps, and ultra-premium microfiber towels, your vehicle's shoes need to be kept clean to not take away from the rest of the vehicle. If you choose not to clean your tires, your tire dressings have no chance of sticking around. Clean your tires before with Wheel & Tire Cleaner to maximize your tire shine.
- ✅ 110% SATISFACTION GUARANTEE - At Adam’s, we strive to bring the BEST waxes, sealants, ceramic coatings, microfiber towels, wash mitts, garage tools, accessories, detailing kits, sponges, applicators and other high-quality car cleaning products to our customers. If you don’t agree & are not satisfied, let us know and we’ll do everything we can to make it right!
- ✅ ELIMINATES DIRT, BROWNING, AND BRAKE DUST - Which part of your car takes the biggest beating? Your wheels & Tires! Between the heat, elements, and constant brake contaminants your wheels are almost immediately dirty. Adam’s Wheel & Tire Cleaner is a specifically formulated chemical designed to target heavy brake dust and restore your tires back to factory color.
- ✅ SAFE ON MANY FINISHES - Safe on clear-coated, powder-coated, chrome, alloy, and painted wheels. Most wheel cleaners can be harmful to your wheel finish and dissolve more than what you wanted to clean off! Adam’s Polishes Wheel & Tire Cleaner gets to work fast and dissolves stubborn metallic contamination.
- ✅ GET RID OF BROWN TIRES - If you’re happy with brown, old and decrepit tires, look away! If you’re wanting to thoroughly clean your vehicle’s shoes and make them look like new again, then look no further! Adam's Wheel & Tire Cleaner contains a blend of alkaline-concentrated solvents and surfactants to create a high sudsing formula and removes silicones, greases, wax build-up, polymers, and any previously applied dressings to leave your tires and wheels looking new.
- ✅ EXTEND YOUR TIRE DRESSINGS LIFE - Adam’s Wheel & Tire Cleaner is a detailing essential for any user, from rookie to professional. When investing in premium protective options, high foaming soaps, and ultra-premium microfiber towels, your vehicle's shoes need to be kept clean to not take away from the rest of the vehicle. If you choose not to clean your tires, your tire dressings have no chance of sticking around. Clean your tires before with Wheel & Tire Cleaner to maximize your tire shine.
- ✅ 110% SATISFACTION GUARANTEE - At Adam’s, we strive to bring the BEST waxes, sealants, ceramic coatings, microfiber towels, wash mitts, garage tools, accessories, detailing kits, sponges, applicators and other high-quality car cleaning products to our customers. If you don’t agree & are not satisfied, let us know and we’ll do everything we can to make it right!
- Safely dissolves grease road grime and brake dust on contact
- Reveals your wheel's brilliant shine
- Safe for all wheels
- Fit type: Universal Fit
- SIGNATURE SERIES WHEEL CLEANER (CLD_203_16SW) – High-performance car wheel cleaner formula breaks down heavy brake dust, road grime, and oxidation from wheels, calipers, and more
- SAFE FOR ALL GLOSS FINISHES – Use this wheel detailing products on chrome, painted, powder-coated, anodized, clear-coated, and custom wheels without damage or streaking
- FAST-ACTING FOAMING ACTION – Clings to surfaces for better dwell time, breaking down grime and light debris for easy rinsing or agitation; a great addition to your wheel cleaning kit
- WORKS ON MULTIPLE SURFACES – This chrome wheel cleaner is safe for use on wheel barrels, center caps, lug nuts, and even suspension components
- VERSATILE FOR ALL VEHICLES – Ideal for cars, trucks, SUVs, motorcycles, RVs, and off-road vehicles; use as brake dust remover and use weekly for spotless wheels
- COLOR-CHANGING CLEANING POWER – This wheel cleaner spray and wheel cleaner iron remover reacts with iron particles, breaking down grime, brake dust, and contaminants for deep automotive wheel care results.
- APPLICABLE FOR MULTIPLE FINISHES – Works as a chrome wheel cleaner, aluminum wheel cleaner, and alloy wheel cleaner, compatible on painted, alloy, powder-coated, and clear-coated surfaces without damage. Always check compatibility before use.
- Heavy-Duty Performance – Acts as a powerful brake dust remover and mag wheel cleaner, designed for tough grime and brake residue on rims and wheels, delivering a spotless finish without harsh scrubbing.
- Versatile Detailing Solution – Works as a car wheel cleaner, rim cleaner, and brake dust remover to help maintain a clean finish on wheels and rims. Surface Friendly for the most common wheels and rim when used as directed.
- PROTECTS & ENHANCES – This rim cleaner spray is ideal for auto wheel cleaner needs. A wheel and rim cleaner that leaves surfaces looking showroom-ready for those who want to maintain the look and integrity of their wheels and rims.
- ✅ WHY CHOOSE ADAM’S WHEEL CLEANER? - Which part of your car takes the biggest beating? Your wheels! Due to constant heat, elements, & constant brake contaminants, your wheels are almost always dirty. Adam’s wheel cleaning chemical formula was specifically formulated to target & eliminate heavy brake dust and leave your wheels spotless!
- ✅ ADVANCED CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY - Our Wheel Cleaner was made to compliment your arsenal of car cleaning supplies. Every basic auto detailing kit needs an effective wheel cleaner, car wash soap, tire shine, & some sort of paint protection. This state of the art wheel cleaner is a simple spray & agitate formula. This chemical is certain to be the best wheel cleaner and brake dust remover that you have ever used.
- ✅ CAR CLEANING MADE EASY - Most wheel cleaners can be harmful to your wheel finish and dissolve more than what you wanted to clean off! Adam’s Polishes Wheel Cleaner gets to work fast and dissolves stubborn metallic contamination. Simply spray our Wheel Cleaner & watch as the brake dust bleeds bright purple & falls off! This acid-free and pH neutral formula penetrates dirt and grime at the source and makes your wheel cleaning time significantly shorter!
- ✅ IS IT SAFE FOR MY WHEEL FINISH? - Adam’s Wheel Cleaner is safe on almost all wheel finishes, which includes clear-coated, powder-coated, chrome, alloy, and painted wheels. However, it may not be safe on anodized raw aluminum, polished aluminum wheels, and aftermarket bare metallic wheels. If you are not sure reach out to us by sending us a message or simply try our Eco Wheel Cleaner or Wheel & Tire Cleaner!
- ✅ 110% SATISFACTION GUARANTEE & USA MADE - At Adam’s, we strive to bring the BEST car cleaning supplies, auto detailing kits, washing accessories, microfiber towels, waxes, sealants, ceramic coatings, mops, brushes, mitts, sponges, garage tools, applicators & other high-quality car cleaning products to the car care industry. If you are not satisfied, let us know & we’ll do everything we can to make it right!
- Safe On All Factory Installed Wheels: Acid-Free, Ph Balanced Formula Won'T Damage Wheels, Safe On Various Wheel Finishes Including: Chrome, Aluminum, Steel, Clear Coated, Pvd, Painted, Plastic Wheel Covers, And Magnesium
- Watch It Work: The Color Changing Formula Activates When It Comes In Contact With The Ferrous Metals (Iron) From Brake Dust Or Other Dirt And Grime. Full Effect Sprays On Fluorescent Yellow, Then Turns Deep Red Or Purple As It Dissolves Brake Dust
- Advanced And Effective Chemistry: Full Effect, Non Acid Wheel Cleaner Attaches And Emulsifies Stubborn Baked On Brake Dust. Simply Spray On, Let It Dwell, Watch For Color Change, Agitate If Necessary, And Rinse With Water. *For Best Results Rinse Using High Pressure Water
- Full Effect Is Great For Both The Diy (Do-It-Yourself) And The Professional. Effortlessly Achieve Shining Wheels That Will Make Your Vehicle Look Like It Just Rolled Off The Showroom Floor
- BRAKE DUST DISSOLVING TECHNOLOGY: Spray Etho’s car wheel cleaner and watch as the brake dust bleeds bright purple and falls off! This acid-free and pH neutral formula penetrates dirt and grime at the source and makes your wheel cleaning time significantly shorter!
- COLOR CHANGING GEL FORMULATION: Ethos wheel cleaner spray and watch as the color changes from green to red as the brake dust bleeds right off the wheel surface! This acid-free and pH neutral formula penetrates brake dust easily and effectively, minimizing the time spent cleaning.
- SAFE ON MANY FINISHES! Safe on clear-coated, powder-coated, chrome, alloy, and painted wheels. Most wheel cleaners can be harmful to your wheel finish and dissolve more than what you wanted to clean off! Ethos Wheel Cleaner gets to work fast and dissolves stubborn metallic contamination.
- STRONG FORMULA: This car rim cleaner is packed with professional strength ingredients to provide the best cleaning power. Use in well ventilated areas.
- 100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEE! We pride ourselves on customer service and satisfaction and believe that this is THE BEST automotive high performance wheel cleaner on the market! If you don’t agree, we’ll do everything we can to make it right.
- Ph balanced formula won’t haze or pit and avoids mineral build up that will diminish look of wheels.Fit Type: Universal Fit
- Powerful tough-task formula dissolves brake dust, dirt, road grime, and oil on contact
- Fast-Acting and easy to use – just spray on and rinse off
- Safe for use on all wheel types
- HIGH GLOSS TIRE SHINE SPRAY – Jay Leno’s Garage tire shine provides a deep black wet look and high gloss tire shine finish that makes car tires shine. Ideal for auto tire shine, car tire shine spray, and tire dressing spray to give wheels and tires a showroom appearance.
- LONG LASTING TIRE DRESSING – This long lasting tire shine spray resists fading, browning, and cracking while keeping tire black tire shine intact. Ideal for car wash tire shine, tire care, and automotive tire & wheel care products that protect tires through numerous washes.
- UV PROTECTION FOR TIRES – Our advanced formula guards against harmful UV rays with a protective tire dressing that keeps tires shine intact. Perfect for tire polish, tire spray shine, and auto tire shine that minimize aging and damage from the sun.
- VERSATILE CAR TIRE CARE – Use as a tire cleaner and shine or pair with a car detailing kit for complete tire & wheel care products. Works as car tire shine, wheel shine for car tires, tire brightener, and tire polish shine, giving your car accessories lasting tire care.
- EASY TO USE SPRAY FORMULA – This spray tire shine is simple to apply with no sling, giving you tire shine for cars that’s mess-free. Works great as tire foam spray, tire shine wipes alternative, and part of your tire shine kit for professional automotive car detailing.
Best Automotive Wheel Care Buying Guide
Before choosing the best automotive wheel you should consider following options:
1. Alloy or steel: The first thing you need to know is whether it is an alloy or steel wheel. Alloys are lighter and stronger than steel wheels and are the preferred choice for performance-oriented driving.
Alloys have a higher cost than steel wheels but have a long life and are very durable. On the other hand, steel wheels are cheaper and are suited for people who drive sedately.
2. Rim style: The rims are the most visible part of your car’s wheel. Hence, you should choose the right one that complements your car’s exterior.
There are plenty of options available, including split rims, tubeless, chrome, and steel.
3. Wheel size: Wheel size is measured in inches and is determined by the diameter and width of the wheel.
Generally, the diameter is more important than the width as it determines smoothness and speed. But, this is not always the case.
For example, if you want to drive off-road, then the width of your wheel will be more important than the diameter.
4. Wheel caps: While most caps are standard, there are some caps that are specific to certain rims. Hence, make sure you buy caps that match your rims.
5. Wheel finishing: Just like everything else in the world, wheels have different finishes as well.
You can opt for polished, anodized, plated and powder-coated wheels. Each of these has its own advantages and disadvantages. You can read more about these finishes in our dedicated article.
6. Hub-centric: If you’re buying new wheels, make sure they are hub-centric. This means the wheel is centered perfectly over the hub and doesn’t move around, even if the car is upside down.
7. Wheel locking: Don’t forget to buy a good wheel lock, especially if you plan on driving off-road. These locks prevent the car from moving, even if it’s parked on an incline.
8. Wheel caps: You may want to change your caps, so make sure you buy caps that are easily removable.
9. Wheel size: Your wheel size should be based on the size of your tires. This ensures that you have the optimal wheel-tire combination and get the best performance out of your car.
10. Wheel protection: You need to protect your wheel so that it doesn’t get damaged easily.
There are plenty of things that can damage your wheel, including backfiring, curb-riding, and potholes. The easiest, and cheapest, way to protect your wheel is to buy wheel covers.
Final Words:
You can’t drive your car without the wheels. Hence, it’s important to invest in the best wheel for your car.
There are plenty of options available in the market, from alloy to steel. If you’re not sure which wheel to buy, then you can always talk to a wheel expert for advice.
Make sure you buy the right wheel size for your car so that you can get the optimal performance out of your tires.
What else you should know about automotive wheel care
How often should I clean my wheels?
The frequency of cleaning your wheels depends on how often you use your car and where you drive. If you live in a rural area with little road debris, you may only need to clean your wheels once a month. However, if you live in an urban area with a lot of traffic and road debris, you may need to clean your wheels weekly.
What is the best way to clean my wheels?
The best way to clean your wheels is to use a wheel cleaner and a soft cloth.
What kind of cleaner should I use on my wheels?
Most wheel cleaners are safe to use on all types of wheels. However, it is always best to check the manufacturer’s instructions to be sure.
Should I use a brush or a sponge to clean my wheels?
There is no definitive answer, and it ultimately comes down to personal preference. Some people prefer brushes because they can more easily reach tight spaces and get a deeper clean. Others prefer sponges because they are less likely to scratch the wheels and are easier to control.
What is the best way to protect my wheels?
The best way to protect your wheels is to keep them clean and free of debris. You can also use a wheel cover or a wheel protector to help keep them in good condition.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best automotive wheel care. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best automotive wheel care will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.