Things You'll Need:
- Wheel cleaner
- Soft brush or sponge
- Wheel wax
- Dust shields
- Harder brake pads
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Step 1
Clean corrosive brake dust from wheels frequently. There are two types of wheel cleaners available for the job: acid-based and acid-free. Most spray-on/hose-off wheel cleaners are of the acid-based type, as are cleaners used at car washes and by detailers. They usually contain a small amount of oxylic, phosphoric and/or hydrochloric acid to make the job easier.
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Step 2
If using a spray-on type cleaner, don't allow it to dry on the wheel surface since this could etch the wheels.
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Step 3
Use more wheel-friendly, acid-free cleaners containing an alkaline solvent and wetting agent to loosen dirt and dust from the wheel. These require more work since a soft brush or sponge is used to remove the dust and dirt.
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Step 4
With either cleaner, clean the wheels before washing your vehicle so you don’t get cleaners, dirt and brake dust on already clean body parts.
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Step 5
Scrub with a soft brush or sponge to remove stubborn dust and dirt. Let hot wheels cool before cleaning and clean one wheel at a time. Do not let cleaners dry on your wheels, especially if you use an acid-based cleaner.
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Step 6
After cleaning, apply an appropriate wax to painted and clear coated wheels. This will also make cleaning the wheels easier next time.
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Step 7
Consider adding dust shields that fit between the brake caliper and wheel. They are available for most original equipment and aftermarket wheels. Installation involves removing the wheel, fitting the shield against the wheel’s inside surface and replacing the wheel.
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Step 8
Install harder brake pads if you'd like to limit brake dust, but make sure not to compromise braking efficiency. Softer pads that produce more dust are used for better stopping power. Aftermarket replacements are available that use Kevlar and carbon Kevlar pads, as well as more metal in lieu of carbon content, that produce less brake dust.
