How to Remove Brake Dust from Aluminum Wheels
As brake dust accumulates on your aluminum wheels, it can become baked into the finish causing pitting and scaring damage that may require the replacement of the rims. Removing brake dust before it has a chance to meld with the polish of your wheels will help prevent costly repairs and keep your aluminum wheels looking as good as new.
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Things You'll Need
- Water hose
- Aluminum wheel cleaner
- Soft bristled brush
- Bucket
- Automobile cleaning soap
- Soft, cotton cloths
- Aluminum wheel polish
Instructions
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Remove Brake Dust from Aluminum Wheels
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1
Move your car to an area where it will be out of direct sunlight and make sure your brakes are cool before beginning.
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2
Spray your aluminum wheels with a water hose to wash away any loose brake dust and cool the rims. As brake dust becomes heated, it can seep into the polish and stain your wheels. Take special care to avoid adding heat to the rims while you’re working.
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3
Apply a non-abrasive cleaner specially designed for aluminum wheels onto the rims of your car. Spray the rims thoroughly and allow the cleaner to work 1 to 2 minutes before proceeding to the next step.
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4
Scrub away the brake dust using a soft bristled brush. Pay special attention to any nooks and crevices to remove any brake dust that may have settled into these hard to clean areas.
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5
Dip your soft bristled brush into a bucket of clean, soapy water and scrub the wheels thoroughly once again.
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6
Rinse the wheels with a water hose to remove any cleaning residue. Make sure that the water that falls to the ground is clean and clear before moving on.
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7
Dry the wheels using a soft, cotton cloth.
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8
Apply an aluminum wheel polish to your rims to protect them from future brake dust deposits. Polishing the wheels now will make removing brake dust easier the next time your wash your car.
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Tips & Warnings
Dust shields can be purchased that prevent brake dust from coming into contact with your wheels. They are relatively inexpensive and fit inside the wheel much like a hubcap.
Using steel wool or household cleaners to remove brake dust can scratch the polish and damage your wheels.
