How to clean and maintain whitewall tires
Guides, Reviews & Recommendations
After purchasing your great-looking whitewall tires, you definitely need to maintain their good looks. Because let’s face it, the biggest downside with a set of whitewall tires is keeping them clean. Your whitewall tires should be cleaned and cared for, just as much as the rest of your car if not more. The big whitewall has a tough life and is in direct contact with the elements and residue from road work as well as dust from your own brakes. They have a tendency to turn yellow and brown from just being out in the elements. Keeping them clean is crucial. Many people wonder what the best method is for cleaning whitewall tires and how to keep them shiny white. So, here are three ways to keep your whitewalls looking amazing.
Contents
Three ways to keep your whitewalls looking amazing:
1. Frequent and routine cleaning is always your best bet. It can be done with the use of an eraser cleaning pad. There are also several dressings on the market to keep the whitewalls shiny and have a protective coat. This is always great to use after the whitewall has been cleaned. One great dressing to use is this one from Detail King.
2. When your whitewalls are dirty and need a good cleaning. Always start with a quality cleaner such as this Wide White Whitewall Cleaner from Coker Tire, designed specifically for whitewalls. Don’t try to use a harsh household cleaning product or bleach. They will dry out your whitewall. Spray the entire whitewall with your cleaner, as it will break down dust and road grime. Let sit for a while before gently scrubbing with a brush if necessary. Rinse thoroughly and allow the tire to dry.
3. If the white wall is really stubborn, yellow, or brown. You may have to use a scrub pad, or in some cases even fine-grit sandpaper to gently remove the undesired layer, until the white layer shows through. After getting them clean again, don’t forget to apply the dressing.
The Test
We naturally had to try these products ourselves, and the patient this time was a sad old whitewall slick that has been left outside for many years. There were no cracks on the whitewall, but many scuff marks and it was noticeable yellow.
Half of the tire was cleaned with Cokers Wide White Whitewall Cleaner. We sprayed the wet tire with the product and let it sit for 5 minutes. There was no immediate reaction to the grime and dust. After 5 minutes we gently scrubbed the whitewall before rinsing it off. There were still visible scuff marks and shades of yellow.
The other half of the tire was cleaned with the Detail King Tire White Wall Cleaning & Dressing Car Care Value Kit. Only 30 seconds after applying the cleaner, the dirt literally started pouring right off the tire. We gently swiped over the whitewall before rinsing off the tire. After that, we also used the tire dressing included in the package on the whole tire. Our conclusion is that Detail King was far superior to the other product. No one was bad, but the Detail King Tire White Wall Cleaning & Dressing Car Care Value Kit was outstanding. The tire dressing gave the tire a wet look and the end result was very pleasing.
How do you keep white walls clean?
Pay attention to them. Rinse them off if they get dirty, wipe them down if you see a spot. Make sure the tires are cool to the touch and then give them a pre-rinse with clean water. Spray the whitewall with your cleaner. It helps break down tough brake dust & road grime while whitening even the dullest whitewalls. Be aware of where and how you park. Scratching the white walls against a curb is not what you want to do.
How do I make my white walls white again?
Always start with a quality cleaner such as the ones in this article, designed specifically for whitewalls. Don't try to use a harsh household cleaning product or bleach. They will dry out your whitewall and ruin them. (Remember, whitewall tires are expensive, and cleaning them is a lot cheaper). Spray the entire whitewall with your cleaner, as it will break down dust and road grime. Let it sit for a while before rinsing off the entire wheel.
Why do my white walls turn yellow?
They usually turn yellow due to age, UV damage, heat, road grime or oils from the black rubber leaching through to the surface of the whitewall.
What is the best cleaner for whitewall tires?
We listed our own favorites in this article, after doing some thorough research. There are a plethora of products, and everyone has their own favorite method. Even baking soda mixed with water has a good cleaning effect. Do you have a favorite cleaner or product? Please get in touch with us as we're always looking for new and better products to use.
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