Custom and aftermarket wheels have become an increasingly popular and in-demand statement that is used to add personality and style to the exterior of your vehicle. With online companies coming to light, novice auto enthusiasts now complete this upgrade with little to no knowledge of automobiles.
If you are fortunate enough to own a car, you know that cleanliness is next to godliness. Vehicles give high performance and are glamorous. However, the downside of owning these vehicles with custom ESR wheels is that they need proper maintenance to keep them in the best possible shape. One of the most trusted ways of doing so is by washing them regularly. But you need to make sure that you wash them properly without damaging the exterior and finish of the wheels.
Unfortunately, vehicle owners make some common mistakes while washing their custom ESR wheels that often do not give them the results they desire. Moreover, you will find a lot of articles on ‘’how to clean your car wheels effectively’’ or ‘’what products to use forthe wheels’ cleaning’’ but not many will tell you ‘’what to avoid’’. So if you want to give your car wheels a good wash yourself, read on to find out some common mistakes that you need to avoid, particularly when cleaning ESR wheels.
We understand how challenging this is for an unprofessional cleaner and that is why we have created a list of 5 mistakes you need to avoid! This guide will help minimize your effort and give you the result you always wanted!
Mistakes to avoid when cleaning your ESR wheels
These common mistakes are not only subject to ESR wheels, they are equally applicable to the cleaning of Avenue wheels and Cray wheels.
- Do not wash the wheels when they are hot
ESR wheels tend to stain a lot quicker than you would expect. This is because they do not have the same caliber as OEM wheels. That means it is a big no-no to clean the wheels just after you have taken a drive. Allow some time for it to cool down, especially in the case of magnesium ESR wheels. A generally accepted thumb rule is that – if it is cool enough to touch, it is good enough to be cleaned. Follow this tip and you will see a vast difference.
- Say a big NO to stiff and abrasive tools
An abrasive tool can damage the construct of your wheels. Make sure not to use any tools while you’re in between a cleaning session. It will not only damage the look but also destroy the powder-coating. Also, have ample space to move freely around the area, as that way, you will avoid scratching the rims. Needless to say, the same rules apply to Avenue wheels and Cray wheels.
- Use a cleaning product that is safe
The finish on ESR wheels is sensitive. So you need to ensure you are using a high-grade cleaning product with finish-safe features to make your wheels’ finish last longer. Also, be sure that the product is not acidic as that can damage the surface and the coating. As an alternative, if you do not have professional cleaning products, you can simply use the water and soap to wash your wheels.
- Clean the car body afterwards
Do not clean the car’s body first unless you want to redo it. Always wash your wheels first and then move to the body. This is because dirt and dust can splatter around and get onto the body of your car. Not only will you have to clean all over again but it will also cause a chaotic mess all around. We are sure you don’t want that to happen!
- Look out for the presence of brake dust
One of the most important and most difficult cleaning processes is to remove brake dust, which accumulates after every drive, especially if you are driving off-road. For this, you can use a wet sponge or cloth to gently clean it. Always make sure to clean the brake dust first and then proceed further with the rest of the cleaning session.
To sum up…
These are the top 5 mistakes you need to avoid while cleaning your precious ESR wheels, Avenue wheels and Cray wheels. Always remember that when you clean them, you are increasing their resale value, efficiency, performance and overall look that will last longer. Always clean the wheels whenever you have time or give it to a professional cleaning center – whatever suits you the best. The bottom line is that make sure it remains clean, free of dirt and dust.
Happy cleaning!
