It is very difficult to get away from this old brake dust particle, commonly known as brake dust, especially if one is an enthusiast of automobiles like myself, who admires cars for their design and engineering. Be it the sleek, shiny, beautiful, luxurious, and sporty BMWs, looks are a factor whereby they need a little extra to keep them looking all bright. This is usually brought about, in essence, by the constant buildup of brake dust deep into the reach of those tantalizing shiny wheels.
In this article, I am going to explain to you the best procedures to revive the shine of the BMW wheels. Well then, let’s go ahead and begin with eliminating that nasty brake dust issue at hand!
Table of Contents
Understanding Brake Dust
Learning about brake dust origins will improve understanding of wheel contamination mechanism. The buildup called brake dust combines elements from both brake pads and tires and brake fluid deposits. The combination is rather resistant, and this resistance is enhanced if the combination stays for some time. Consequently, they are not only aesthetically unattractive but also pose a danger of damaging the shiny surface of the wheels.
Gather Your Supplies
The absence of proper preparation will significantly boost the likelihood of session failure during cleaning operations. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Bucket
- Hose with a spray nozzle
- Soft-bristle brush or wheel brush
- Rags or microfiber towels
Wheel cleaning solution (preferably one that is suitable for your wheels’ material) - Wax or polish of your preference to use if you wish to give a better shine to the wheels.
- Gloves
BMW Wheels: Step-by-Step Cleaning Guide
Rinse Off Loose Debris
First, you need to start by washing your wheels with water. One has to ensure that they spray some good, strong water through a hose and just splash off the dirt’s crust. Remember to wash and cover all the sides of the wheels for proper cleaning.
Apply Wheel Cleaner
Put on the gloves and apply the wheel cleaner solution gently, applying it to the wheel as per the instructions of the manufacturer’s manual. This should be done to get a further breakdown of the brake dust. Just the same, it is advisable not to touch the brake rotors and the calipers.
Scrub Away the Gunk
It is also important to use the soft brush or the wheel brush to clean the wheels gently. Concentrate on where the brake dust collects thoroughly. That’s why, from my experience, one has to use a bit of elbow grease, and in doing that, this should be done gently to ensure that one does not scratch the wheels of the wheelchair.
Rinse Again
So once you’re through washing your wheels, it is advisable to rinse off all the wheel cleaner, as well as the loose particles. In this case, you do not want to leave behind any cleaner residue because the residual material will draw more dirt later.
Dry the Wheels
Wash the wheel and other components using clean rags together with microfiber towels for the final step. Additionally, this step helps prevent water marks from appearing while you get the chance to detect stubborn spots on your wheels.
Optional: Polish and Protect
If you want to give it an ‘extra glaze’ as well as protection, then go for a wheel polish or wax. This can also come in handy over time to prevent the formation of other brake dust and dirt particles. Make sure to follow the instructions, and it dries up before you start traveling.
More: How to Shield Your Car from Mess When You Have Kids
Personal Tips and Tricks
As I am a BMW car owner, I wanted to offer you some tips on how to take care of your BMW’s wheels. First of all, cleaning them regularly makes the job easier. The first step is proper cleaning after a long drive to avoid brake dust from settling in. The second is that you should use cleaning products appropriate to the wheel finish, the chrome, aluminum, or any coated wheels.
Another useful piece of advice is to always spin your wheels after washing to ensure there are no residues, which may result in dullness. And lastly, don’t rush. It is seen that gradually, with practical experience, time, and patience, regular practice can make the results perfect.
Why Do This for Your BMW?
It has to do with the sense of possession and veneration that comes with an attractive car that can be used for operative as well as aesthetic purposes. Your BMW should not only turn heads because of its performance but also because of its looks. Cleaning the brake dust also contributes to lifting the appearance of one’s wheels as well as the overall exterior look of the car while preventing the degrading of the wheels due to corrosion.
FAQ Section
How frequently should one maintain the wheels of a BMW?
It will be good to clean your wheels every few weeks, depending on the frequency of use or location with many abrasive particles, such as dust and fumes.
Is it possible to clean my BMW’s wheels by using cleaning agents found at home?
You should not use most household cleaners on your car, as they can be corrosive and affect your wheels. There are products used for automotive wheels only that should be applied properly to them.
Is it necessary to use a brush to clean the brake dust from my BMW’s wheels?
Yes, a brush plays a key role in eliminating rigid dirt, particularly brake dust. Nevertheless, ensure that the brush you’re using is a soft brush type to prevent damaging your wheels.
If the task of cleaning the brake dust from BMW’s wheels is particularly difficult, what should be done?
If the brake dust is quite firm, then you would be required to clean again or let the cleaner work for some time before washing.
When is the best time to clean the BMW wheels?
Temperature also plays a role in this process and it is advisable to clean your wheels when the weather is moderate. Excessive heat may cause the cleaners to dry up too fast, and at the same time, it may heat up the cleaner to unbearable levels.
End Note
The removal of old brake dust from the wheels of a BMW is something that any car owner should do, as it takes minimal effort and makes a huge difference in the look of the wheels. By following the procedures outlined above, you get not only the improved appearance of your wheels but also the overall aspect of your car.
It should be remembered that ordinary cleaning and servicing of the cars are also important to ensure they exhibit the appearance they have on the road. Therefore, now, this means that you should go to the store, get the cleaning and washing items you need, and tend to your BMW wheels.
Happy cleaning!
