Cleaning wheel wells, sometimes referred to as wheel housings or fender liners, is a crucial step in thoroughly detailing your vehicle's wheels and ensuring a clean look beyond just the rims. Based on standard vehicle cleaning practices, including steps outlined in typical procedures, this process usually involves cleaning the wheel wells after addressing the initial dirt on the rims but before the final, detailed rim cleaning.
Understanding Wheel Wells and Why Clean Them
Wheel wells are the recessed areas above and around your wheels, protected by the fender liners. These areas collect significant amounts of dirt, mud, road salt, and grime as you drive. Neglecting them can lead to:
- Corrosion: Salt and moisture trapped in wheel wells can accelerate rust formation on the vehicle's chassis and suspension components.
- Poor Aesthetics: Dirty wheel wells detract from the appearance of freshly cleaned wheels and tires.
- Build-up: Accumulated dirt can become heavy and potentially damage fender liners over time.
Keeping wheel wells clean is essential for both the longevity and appearance of your vehicle.
The Process of Cleaning Wheel Wells
Cleaning wheel wells is typically integrated into a broader wheel cleaning routine. As indicated in cleaning procedures, this step is performed after the initial rinse of the rims.
One example of this sequence is:
- Apply rim cleaner.
- Rinse the rim and remove coarse dirt.
- Clean wheel wells.
- Clean rim thoroughly.
While the specific method for step 3, clean wheel wells, isn't detailed in the provided reference steps, it generally involves:
- Rinsing: Use a hose or pressure washer to remove loose dirt and debris.
- Applying Cleaner: Spray an all-purpose cleaner or a dedicated wheel well cleaner onto the surface.
- Agitating: Use a long-handled brush or a dedicated wheel well brush to scrub away stubborn grime.
- Rinsing Thoroughly: Rinse the area completely to remove all cleaner and loosened dirt.
This step ensures that the entire wheel area is clean before you move on to the final detailing of the rim itself.
Step-by-Step Overview of the Wheel Cleaning Sequence
Cleaning your vehicle's wheels and wheel wells effectively involves a specific order of operations. Here is a common sequence, incorporating the reference steps:
| Step | Action | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Apply rim cleaner | Loosens brake dust and road grime on the rim |
| 2 | Rinse the rim | Removes initial dirt and cleaner from the rim |
| 3 | Clean wheel wells | Removes accumulated dirt and salt from the fender liner area |
| 4 | Clean rim thoroughly | Detailed cleaning of the rim face and barrel |
Note: Step 3, "Clean wheel wells," is a crucial part of this process.
Best Practices for Effective Cleaning
- Work on a Cool Surface: Avoid cleaning wheels or wheel wells in direct sunlight or when they are hot, as cleaners can dry too quickly and leave spots.
- Use the Right Tools: A dedicated long-handled brush makes reaching the top of the wheel well much easier.
- Rinse, Rinse, Rinse: Ensure all cleaner residue is completely washed away from both the wheel wells and the rims.
- Consider Protection: After cleaning, some detailers apply a dressing or protectant to the plastic or painted surfaces of the wheel wells to make future cleaning easier and provide a darker finish.
By following a structured approach that includes cleaning the wheel wells at the appropriate stage, you can achieve a comprehensive and lasting clean for your vehicle's wheels and surrounding areas.
