How to Clean Car Wheels for Beginners

When you think of cleaning your car or car detailing in general, you need to know how to clean car wheels. This overlooked portion of your ride is not only satisfying but also important! At Toyota of Orlando, we’re “ Making it Simple™” and breaking down how to do it right, products you’ll need and more!

Why Clean Your Wheels?

These are the shoes of your Orlando Toyota; they take on the dirt, grime, and even brake dust. Every time you hit those brakes, there are tiny particles that come off your brake pad,s and the dust sticks to your wheels. Over time, the brake dust can corrode the finish and damage your wheels. In addition, you want to consider safety! If there’s excessive dirt, it can cover up any damage or cracks on your wheels. Car detailing comes in handy when you’re thinking of resale value, especially with an Orlando Toyota! If you regularly clean your ride, this prevents any permanent stains or corrosion. 

Car Detailing Supplies You Need

Before we get into how to clean car wheels, you’ll need a few car detailing supplies. First, you’ll need wheel cleaner specifically for your type of wheels, such as alloy, chrome, painted, and more. If you’re unsure what kind of wheels you have, check the owner’s manual in your Orlando ride. Now, you’ll need a wheel brush with soft bristles to avoid scratching and a microfiber towel for drying and buffing. In addition, don’t forget a bucket of water for rinsing and a hose or pressure washer for tougher grime and dirt. You can even add tire cleaner and tire shine for a shiny touch. 

The Process

Now that you have all the supplies, you’re ready to get into how to clean car wheels and car wash basics! Pro tip from our Toyota of Orlando parts specialists: make sure you always start with your wheels first. You don’t want any dirt and grime splashing on your paint. Here’s what you’ll need to do:

1. Rinse: Using a hose or pressure washer, rinse away any dirt and brake dust. This will help avoid any scratches. 

2. Spray Cleaner: You need to get cleaner all over the wheel; let it sit for one to two minutes, or be sure to follow the instructions on the product! Don’t let the product dry! Something important to note on how to clean car wheels: don’t use harsh home cleaners or degreasers. 

3. Scrub: Grab your brush and dip it into your bucket with clean water, and then you can start scrubbing. Now, an important how to clean car wheels tip: be sure to get the face, between the spokes and around the lug nuts. 

4. Rinse Again: Be sure to rinse off all the product and make sure there is no dirt left behind. 

5. Dry: Using your microfiber towel, dry your wheels. Be sure to keep this microfiber towel specifically for your tires to avoid cross-contamination of chemicals on your Orlando Toyota.

We talked about the optional tire spray for a shine once you’ve cleaned everything. Go ahead and spray your tires. This can really make your Orlando Toyota sparkle! 

Tips and Tricks on How to Clean Car Wheels

When wondering how to clean car wheels, you might want to know what the experts think. Our Toyota of Orlando team recommends the following:

• Clean your wheels regularly.

• Never clean your wheels immediately after driving; this can damage the finish, and the cleaner can dry fast!

• Be sure to use separate tools. A key on how to clean car wheels is using different tools. This will help you avoid scratching your ride or chemically damaging your paint. 

• Protect your wheels. After learning how to clean car wheels, you’ve put in the work! You can use wheel wax or a seal to make cleaning easier and even help repel brake dust. 

These tips and tricks are just a few things that can help you answer how to clean car wheels.

Wheel Cleaning Products

Now, what products should you be using? Whether you’re shopping in person at Toyota of Orlando or online, there are a few beginner-friendly products that have some great reviews.

• Meguiar’s Hot Rims Wheel Cleaner

• Chemical Guys Diablo Gel

• Sonax Wheel Cleaner Plus

• Mother's Wheel Brush

• Chemical Guys Tire and Rubber Cleaner

These products are typically great for regular maintenance, changing colors, and being tough on grime and they can get your tires looking like new. You’ll want to go through the reviews and see which works best for your ride. If you aren’t sure, you can always contact our Toyota of Orlando parts specialists for more information and help. 

Get Your Detailing Products at Toyota of Orlando

Now you know how to answer how to clean car wheels and what you need. If you’re looking for guidance or products, you can come on down to Toyota of Orlando. We’re just off the I-4 across from the Mall at Millenia or you can give us a call at (407) 298-4500 today.

A Guide to the Best Service Center for You

Whether you go to your local Toyota Service Center or find a private shop, you need to know what to look for. Our trusted team at Toyota of Orlando is “Making it Simple™” and breaking down what to look for, what to ask and more! 

Types of Auto Service Centers 

There’s different types of Auto service centers; there’s two major options to know. Whether you choose a Toyota service center or another option, it’s important to know what’s out there! Now this is also dependent on the car you have and what service you need. Here are the differences:

• Dealerships: A dealership service department, like a Toyota service center, is familiar with the cars they sell. They’ll know common issues, have the latest equipment and have access to any special service advisories from the automaker. 

• Independents: While these shops may be cheaper, the quality can vary and they may not have the tools or expertise to work on your car. 

Searching for a Auto Service Center 

When you’re looking for a trusted mechanic, you need to look at online reviews, how they respond to reviews and how long they have been in business. Once you’re ready to visit the Toyota service center in person, you need to look for a few more details. We’re talking;

• Appearance and amenities: A clean and well-organized shop shows attention to detail and an effort to their image. You’ll also want to look for a comfortable waiting area and clean bathrooms. Some places will even offer a courtesy shuttle service, like at Toyota of Orlando! Our courtesy shuttle service takes you within five miles of the dealership while you wait for service. 

• Technicians: Look for any certifications or service training; this could be advertised in the shop or online. If you don’t see any, be sure to ask your service advisor or an employee. Our Orlando Toyota service center has 40 certified technicians working on your vehicle! 

• Warranty: You’ll want to ask about a 12-month/12,000-mile parts and labor warranty on the work provided. Our Orlando Toyota service center repairs are backed by this warranty and we’ll even send you reminder emails about your recommended maintenance schedule. 

What to Ask at Your Orlando Auto Service Center

When you’re getting service done on your car, you should be asking questions. Now, before you start asking questions, be sure to describe any issues you’re having with your car. An important question you should ask your Toyota service center tech what they believe the issue can be. You’ll also want to ask other questions like

• How long will repairs take?

• How will you communicate with me regarding any updates?

• What’s included in my service?

• Do you specialize in my make and model?
  

A trusted Toyota service center technician will be able to answer these questions. Our Toyota of Orlando team is able to help answer these questions and any others you might come across. 

Get your Service Today at Toyota of Orlando

You want to service your car with a trusted team who knows the ins and outs of your ride. That’s why our Orlando Toyota Service Center technicians are here to help. Schedule your service online or come on down; we’re at 3575 Vineland Road or you can give us a call at (407) 298-0001.

Best Car Maintenance Tips for Beginners

You’ve just got a new car—how exciting! Let’s talk about car maintenance tips for beginners; this will help your car last longer and maintain it’s value. We’re “Making it Simple™” for you at Toyota of Orlando and breaking down everything you need to know. 

6 Car Maintenance Tips for Beginners

Before we get into it, let’s talk about your maintenance schedule. Our Toyota of Orlando service techs recommend you schedule appointments based on your mileage. This means getting an oil change every 3,000 miles and getting that tire rotation every 30,000 miles. If you aren’t sure, you can always consult your owner’s manual. Now, what are the car maintenance tips for beginners? Our Toyota of Orlando experts recommend the following: 

1. Check your oil. Your car oil keeps the engine from overheating and breaking down! Most Orlando Toyotas will tell you when you have low oil or if there’s any engine problems. It’s important to get regular oil changes and have your oil topped off. You’ll want to check this at least once a month and before taking a long trip. 

2. Keep an eye on your car battery. Make sure your battery isn’t swollen, leaking or has any gunk. It’s important to make sure it’s free and clear! You’ll also want to keep jumper cables in your car just in case. This is important to remember out of all the car maintenance tips for beginners. 

3. Check your tire pressure. With the TPMS (tire pressure monitoring system) in Orlando Toyotas, this is easy. Your ride will alert you to low tire pressure and, in some models, even tell you which tire! To be sure you’re filling all your tires up with the right amount of air, consult your owner’s manual. The PSI or amount of air pressure your tires need, depends on the model. For example, the Toyota Highlander tire pressure is recommended for 36 PSI. 

4. Check your windshield wipers and wiper fluid. It’s easy to tell when your wipers are wearing out. They’ll stop working as efficiently and when your fluid is low, they can stop spraying altogether. Make sure you’re switching out your wipers correctly and timely to avoid any possible accidents. 

5. Inspect your brakes. Now this might be harder to do, but you can always consult with an Orlando Toyota tech! If you notice it’s taking longer to brake, your foot is going lower than usual, or you even hear screeching - it’s time! This is one of the top car maintenance tips for beginners. 

6. Keep an eye out for warning lights. This is the easiest way to maintain your Orlando ride. You’ll notice warning lights pop up for all kinds of things like your engine, oil, tire pressure and more. If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to get that service done as soon as possible. That’s why these car maintenance tips for beginners are so important! 

Schedule Your Car Maintenance at Toyota of Orlando 

Now that you have top car maintenance tips for beginners, come on down! Our team at Toyota of Orlando is ready to help you. We’re just off the I-4 across from the Mall at Millenia or you can give us a call at (407) 298-0001.