Remove dirt without attacking the material
Road grime and brake dust can obscure the tyre and wheel. Water, a suitable brush and a mild cleaner intended for the job provide a gentle approach. Read the instructions for the tyre and wheel finish separately. A product suitable for a particular wheel coating is not automatically intended for the sidewall.
Allow wheels to cool and use an appropriate washing location. Aggressive solvents, fuel and unidentified household chemicals do not belong on tyres. A quick cosmetic result does not justify risking the rubber compound. Keep products away from tread and braking components unless explicitly intended for those surfaces.
Avoid a concentrated jet on the sidewall
A pressure washer can damage material when misused. Follow its distance and nozzle instructions together with the vehicle guidance. In particular, do not direct a concentrated jet at close range onto a tyre. If dirt remains, gentle soaking is preferable to increasing pressure repeatedly at the same spot.
Do not scrape tread grooves with sharp tools. Loose stones can be removed carefully, but an embedded nail or screw needs professional assessment. Extracting it can accelerate a previously slow leak. Cleaning and repairing are separate tasks. Rinse away cleaner residue as directed by its instructions and check that all valve caps remain in place. Keep the brush used on dirty wheels separate from tools used on painted bodywork.
Use the clean surface for inspection
After rinsing, cracks, cuts and unusual distortions can be easier to see. Inspect accessible areas without treating that as a complete approval of the tyre. The inner sidewall and internal damage may remain hidden. A bulge or substantial injury means stopping use and obtaining assistance.
Dry tyres and wheels fully before storage. No glossy coating is necessary for storage; Continental explains that dressing does not automatically improve preservation. A clean, dry tyre with recorded condition is a better starting point. Note abnormalities before the set disappears from view for several months.
