How to clean your tyres
Thursday 4th May 2023
When cleaning the car at home, it’s easy to overlook the importance of cleaning the tyres, as well as the body of the car. Tyres can get clogged up with mud and dirt, which can lead to comprised safety and efficiency of the vehicle itself – yet they are often missed. Learn how to clean your car tyres at home in our guide, including what you’ll need and the correct method of cleaning.
Cleaning your car tyres is a good opportunity to check your tyres visually for any damage, or take your vehicle in to your local Formula One Autocentre for a free 10-point spring safety check.
Best way to clean your car tyres
Washing your car is important to ensure the body of the car does not develop rust, which can impact on the safety of your vehicle. Yet, tyres are just as important to keep clean.
But cleaning tyres is not as easy as throwing them into the washing machine like clothes or trainers – they require a specific method and washing solution to ensure that the tyres, rims and hubs are all squeaky clean. So, what is the best way to clean your tyres from dirt and grime?
What you’ll need:
- High-pressure water hose
- A large bucket
- Tyre cleaner solutions
- Tyre cleaner brushes or a soft bristled brush
- Microfibre detailing towels
- Wax protectant and waxing cloth
How to clean tyres
1. Hose down the tyres
Begin by hosing down your tyres with the high-pressure hose. This will blast off any of the brake dust or dirt that will have likely solidified on your tyres. Depending on how dirty your tyres are, you should be able to remove a lot of the initial dirt through this first step.
2. Apply the tyre cleaner solution
Let the tyre cleaner solution sink in for a few minutes to loosen any gunk, or solidified dirt or mud, that is being trapped in the grooves of your tyres.
3. Brush off the dirt
Next, using your tyre brush, scrub the tyres well and rinse. Note: You may have to repeat this step a few times depending on the condition of your tyres.
4. Dry off the tyre
Using the microfiber towel is the best way to dry your tyres, as this will absorb a lot more water than a normal cotton cloth. Dry off both the tyre and the rim with this towel.
5. Wax the tyres
In the same way that you would wax your vehicle, wax the tyres once they have dried completely. This will protect your tyre from mud and dirt sticking to it, while also producing a cleaner look for the wheel itself.
Top Tip: you may want to clean your tyres before you clean your car. This will avoid splashback and recleaning.
Although your car can be cleaned as frequently as you’d like, your tyres should be cleaned using this process about every 2 months. Not only does this improve the overall look and cleanliness of your vehicle, but it can also extend your tyre life, too. Find out more tips to improve your tyre life today.
Perhaps your tyres need replacing? If so, find car tyres to buy online today from Formula One Autocentres. Alternatively, if you need any more advice or support on tyre maintenance, get in touch with a member of our expert team today.
