Wheel cleaning 101: Secrets to keeping rims brand new and how to clean them
February 19, 2024
The devil is in the details, and when it comes to your car's appearance, nothing speaks louder than the state of your wheels and tires. We'll explore the art and science behind wheel detailing – from the importance of removing brake dust to the benefits of ceramic coating. So lets dive in.
The Battle Against Brake Dust
Brake dust, the notorious black residue that accumulates on your wheels, is not just an eyesore – it can also be corrosive and detrimental to your wheel's finish over time. The primary culprit is the combination of high heat, adhesives, and metal shavings produced during braking. These metal shavings can cause rust that corrodes your rims and are abrasive, so going too long without cleaning can make the dust more damaging once you do clean them. Regular cleaning is not only about maintaining aesthetics but also preserving the integrity of your wheels.
The Right Chemicals Make a Difference
Brake Dust Cleaners
- Choose a high-quality brake cleaner formulated to break down and dissolve brake dust. old-school detailers would use acid for cleaning the wheels. While acid did a great job, its not safe for all metals and can damage most rims if not properly neutralized and rinsed off.
- These cleaners are designed to be safe for various wheel finishes, ensuring effective cleaning without causing damage.
Avoid Acid-Based Cleaners
- Acid-based wheel cleaners can be harsh and may damage wheel finishes over time. Old-school detailers would use acid for cleaning the wheels. While acid did a great job, its not safe for all metals and can damage most rims if not properly neutralized and rinsed off.
- Opt for pH-balanced, non-acidic cleaners to ensure a gentle yet effective solution for your wheels. Now some iron removing cleaners may not be acidic, but the chemical will actually convert the iron particles into ferrous thioglycolate, which is acidic and will need to be rinsed off.
The Power of Proper Technique
Use the Right Tools
- Invest in brushes, one for the barrel, one for the rim, and another for the tire.
- A soft-bristle brush can reach into intricate wheel designs without causing scratches.
- There are many barrel brushes available, choose one that works for your rims, whether it be flexible, flat, microfiber, or bristled.
- Don't forget about the towels, I often opt for black towels that don't show grease, but you still want to choose soft, quality microfiber towels.
Pre-Rinse
- Before applying any cleaner, give your wheels a thorough pre-rinse to remove loose dirt and debris.
- If the wheels are heavily contaminated, pre-soak with chemicals and rinse off again before scrubbing with your brushes.
The Allure of Ceramic Coating
Long-Lasting Protection
- Ceramic coating creates a protective layer on your wheels, guarding against brake dust, road salts, and environmental contaminants.
- Enjoy the benefits of a cleaner and more resilient wheel surface.
- Brake dust and contaminates left on your wheels for months at a time can still cause damage to the ceramic coating and even your wheels, so make sure to frequently clean them.
Easier Cleaning
- With ceramic coating, future cleaning becomes a breeze as contaminants are less likely to adhere to the surface.
- Water and mild soap/degreaser are often sufficient for routine maintenance.
Conclusion
Wheel detailing isn't just about having beautiful, shining rims; it's about ensuring the longevity and resilience of one of your car's most noticeable features. Embrace the power of the right chemicals, proper techniques, and the added advantage of ceramic coating to keep your wheels in top-notch condition. At Procam Detailing, we understand the wheel detailing nuances that make a difference. Schedule your appointment today and let us elevate your ride with gleaming, well-protected rims that turn heads on every street!
When it comes to protecting your vehicle's exterior and keeping it looking pristine, ceramic protection has become the gold standard in the automotive detailing industry. However, there is often confusion between ceramic sprays and ceramic coatings. At Procam Detailing and Ceramic Coating, we believe in educating our clients so they can make the best choice for their vehicles. In this blog post, we'll break down the differences between ceramic sprays and ceramic coatings, and help you understand which option might be right for you. What is Ceramic Protection? Ceramic protection involves applying a liquid polymer to the exterior of your vehicle. This layer enhances the car's gloss, repels water, and protects against environmental contaminants like dirt, bird droppings, and UV rays. The ceramic formula is typically composed of resins, solvents, and other additives. The resin is often a silicone-based polymer that is chemically inert. Activators and solvent help harden the coating once it is applied and exposed to air. This forms a covalent bond to the paint. Because Ceramic sprays are water-based and do not contain an activator, they simply sit on the surface of your paint and do not form bonds. Ceramic Sprays: The Basics Ease of Application: Ceramic sprays are user-friendly and can often be applied at home. They require less prep work compared to ceramic coatings and can be applied by simply spraying and wiping. Ideal for DIY enthusiasts or those looking for a quick and easy application process. Short-Term Protection: While ceramic sprays do provide a protective layer, they are not as durable as ceramic coatings. Typically, a ceramic spray can last between 3 to 6 months before needing reapplication. Great for those who prefer frequent, light maintenance. Cost-Effective: Ceramic sprays are generally more affordable than ceramic coatings and have multiple uses per bottle versus the single application of a ceramic coating. Perfect for car owners looking for a cost-effective way to maintain their vehicle's shine and protection. Hydrophobic Properties: Ceramic sprays offer good water-repelling properties, making it easier to clean your car and keep it looking shiny. Suitable for car owners who want to enjoy the benefits of hydrophobic properties without committing to a long-term solution. Even though both coatings and sprays offer hydrophobics, ceramic sprays do not have the durability and resistance of a ceramic coating. Ceramic Coatings: The Premium Choice Professional Application: Ceramic coatings require professional application to ensure a flawless finish. The process involves meticulous prep work, including paint correction, to ensure the coating bonds properly. The surface must be free of any contaminants, waxes, oils, and even ceramic sprays to ensure the coating bonds to the paint. Ideal for car enthusiasts who seek a professional finish and are willing to invest in a high-quality application. Long-Term Protection: Ceramic coatings provide long-lasting protection, typically ranging from 2 to 5 years, depending on the product and maintenance. They form a much harder, more durable layer than sprays. It is difficult to ensure a coating lasts more than 3 years, this makes frequent care and regular washings integral to upkeeping the performance of the coating. Perfect for car owners who want a long-term solution and are committed to maintaining their vehicle’s pristine condition. Superior Durability: Ceramic coatings offer superior resistance to environmental contaminants, UV rays, and minor scratches and marring from regular use. They are highly durable and provide extensive protection compared to sprays. Best for those who want the highest level of protection and are willing to invest in it. Enhanced Aesthetics: The glossy finish of a ceramic coating is unparalleled. It provides a deep, reflective shine that significantly enhances the appearance of your vehicle. Ideal for car enthusiasts who take pride in their vehicle’s appearance and want it to look its best at all times. Which Should You Choose? The choice between ceramic sprays and ceramic coatings ultimately depends on your needs, budget, and commitment to maintenance. If you’re looking for an easy, cost-effective way to protect your vehicle and don’t mind reapplying every few months, a ceramic spray might be the right choice for you. However, if you’re seeking long-term, durable protection and are willing to invest in a professional application, a ceramic coating is the way to go. At Procam Detailing and Ceramic Coating, we offer both ceramic sprays and professional ceramic coating services to cater to your specific needs and even sell these products to the DIY car enthusiasts. We're here to guide you through the process and help you choose the best option for your vehicle. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and let us help you keep your car looking its best for years to come!
Explaining all the complexities of a coating is difficult, so it's best to think of it in it's simplest form. A ceramic coating is basically a form of protection of your cars paint. When most people think of paint protection, they are usually familiar with waxing their car. Wax is a hydrophobic material, often made from paraffin wax, carnauba wax, or synthetic wax or sealants. When applied to a vehicle it sits on top of the paint and protects it from the elements. Unlike wax, a ceramic coating forms a robust bond with the paint surface, providing a level of protection that's both durable and semi-permanent. With proper maintenance, these coatings can stand the test of time, offering a shield that lasts anywhere from 1 to 5 years before necessitating reapplication. Because ceramic coatings are designed to last years, this means that the preparation and application is crucially more demanding. Not only do you want your car to be free of any imperfections, the surface needs to be bare and clean in order to accept the bonding of the ceramic coating. However, the extended lifespan of ceramic coatings comes with an important requirement: meticulous preparation and application are crucial. To achieve the best results, you need a surface that is not only flawlessly smooth and swirl-free but also entirely clean, free from any impurities. This meticulous process guarantees that the ceramic coating bonds seamlessly, creating a protective barrier that is both resilient and long-lasting. Once your vehicle has been ceramic coated, you'll immediately notice an enhanced gloss to your paint and a vibrant color that seems to "pop." These benefits will endure for the lifetime of the coating. As you perform regular maintenance, you'll also appreciate how effortlessly the vehicle can be cleaned. This ease of cleaning is attributed to the hydrophobic properties of the coating. Over time, the hydrophobicity of the coating may diminish, but it will still effectively protect your paint. This decline occurs because the surface gradually becomes contaminated and abraded through normal use. However, it's important to note that this doesn't signify the end of the coating's lifespan; rather, it indicates that the coating requires thorough decontamination to restore its hydrophobic nature. How do I care for a ceramic coated vehicle? Knowing how to care for your ceramic coated car is simple, yet important to know how to do it properly. Always avoid the automated carwash. Car wash tunnels are very aggressive on your paint, the rotating brushes can quickly abrade the paint, diminishing your coating's effectiveness. Wash with only ph neutral soaps, free of any waxes or protecting qualities. Soaps with wax additives can lower the surface tension of the coating and mitigate the self-cleaning effect. But don't worry, the wax can easily be removing by washing again with a wax remover. Wash every 2 weeks for optimal results. Naturally your car will accumulate contaminants over time and the coating will protect your paint from those contaminants. Eventually, more contaminants will stick to your already dirty car and begin to layer, requiring more effort than normal to properly clean the vehicle. Dry the car with a high quality microfiber towel. To many car enthusiasts, this is a no-brainer. This is even more important in my area of Mohave County. Our source of water is very hard and can leave mineral deposits if left to dry. So if you're washing with the garden hose, put the leaf blower back in the garage and opt for the towel drying method. Use a silica or water-based sio2 spray to maintain the coating. As the coating will slightly lose its hydrophobic effect over time, an sio2 spray can help restore its water-beading effect. Not all "ceramic" sprays are the same, so we can supply you with one that is designed for your coating. Our ceramic sprays are streak free and can be used on a clean car that is either wet or dry. I hope this helped those of you who are new to ceramic coating. There is much more info to share with you in the future, but I hope you learned some key points. Ceramic coatings are simply another form of protection, although they last years. Application is time consuming and requires precision. And don't forget to maintain your car's coating to keep it working at it's best! If you are looking for the best ceramic coating for your car and you're in the Mohave County area, give Procam Detailing a call at 520-518-0021, or book online at our website here
