How to clean brake dust off your wheels
Dark gray grime on the front wheels is normal. Left alone, it bakes on and gets harder to remove.
What brake dust on wheels really is
Brake dust on wheels is a mix of worn pad material, tiny metal particles and road grime. Front wheels usually look worst because the front brakes do most of the work.
Stop-and-go traffic on El Camino Real and long downhill stretches on 280 or the hill roads above Woodside and Portola Valley can add up quickly. Heat from braking helps the dust bond to the wheel finish.
Some pad types shed more dust than others, and performance brakes on many German sedans and sports cars are known for coating wheels within days. That is normal and not a sign that something is wrong.
A safe routine you can do yourself
Always work on cool wheels. Hot wheels dry cleaners too fast and can spot the finish.
A soft, dedicated wheel brush helps you reach behind spokes without scratching. Keep it apart from anything that touches paint, since it will collect metal particles over time.
- Rinse each wheel and tire thoroughly.
- Use a dedicated soft wheel brush and a bucket separate from the one you use on paint.
- Wash with pH-neutral car shampoo, getting between spokes.
- Rinse again and dry the wheel face.
- Never reuse your wheel mitt on painted panels.
What to avoid on wheels
Steel wool, scouring pads and stiff wire brushes scratch clear-coated and painted wheels. Avoid strong household acids or oven cleaners; they can stain the finish or damage tire rubber.
Do not spray anything on wheels right after a drive. Let them cool first.
Tire shine sprayed onto the wheel face can attract more dust, so keep dressing on the rubber only.
When to book NOVA, and the limits
An Exterior Detail includes wheels and tires cleaned by hand plus tire dressing. For wheels that have not been cleaned in a long time, the Complete Detail adds engine bay cleaning and spot buffing on light paint marks, and Elite Restoration suits neglected cars that need more time throughout.
Brake dust left for years can pit or stain some finishes. Curb rash and corrosion are physical damage that cleaning cannot repair. NOVA does not do wheel refinishing or mechanical work.
The package we suggest
Exterior Detail. Prices depend on the car and its condition, so we text you an exact price before anything is booked. Not sure? Text a photo and we will suggest one.
Questions
Why are my front wheels dirtier than the back?
Can brake dust damage wheels?
Does NOVA clean the barrel of the wheel?
Is tire dressing included?
Can I book just wheels?
More answers on the FAQ page.
Request a detail
About a minute online, no card needed. We text you to confirm the day, arrival window and price.