Cleaning wheel wells involves removing dirt, grime, and debris to maintain your vehicle's appearance and prevent rust. Here's a step-by-step guide:
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Play It Cool: Ensure your vehicle is completely turned off and the wheels and brakes are cool to the touch before starting. This prevents burns and helps cleaning products work more effectively.
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Hose Down: Use a hose with a strong nozzle to remove any loose dirt, mud, and grime from the wheel wells. This initial rinse makes the subsequent cleaning stages easier.
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Apply a Wheel Well Cleaner: Apply a dedicated wheel well cleaner or an all-purpose cleaner to the wheel wells. Allow the cleaner to dwell for the recommended time (check the product label) to loosen stubborn dirt. Choose a product suitable for the materials within your wheel well (plastic, metal, etc.).
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Scrub Thoroughly: Use a long-handled brush or a wheel well brush to scrub the interior surfaces of the wheel wells. Pay close attention to areas where dirt and mud accumulate. Consider using a smaller brush for tight corners.
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Rinse Completely: Rinse the wheel wells thoroughly with a hose to remove all traces of the cleaner and loosened dirt. Make sure there's no soapy residue left.
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Dry and Protect (Optional): Allow the wheel wells to air dry completely. Optionally, you can apply a protectant specifically designed for wheel wells to help repel future dirt and grime. This will make future cleaning easier.
In summary, cleaning wheel wells involves cooling the car down, hosing off loose debris, applying a cleaner, scrubbing thoroughly, rinsing, and then drying (and optionally, protecting) the surface.
