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How to Polish Aluminum Wheels

Posted by Flitz International on 16th Mar 2015

As winter is winding down, giving your car a fresh wash to clean off the winter grime is the first thing many car owners want to do.  

During the winter season our cars are faced with salt corrosion, brake dust, and dirt and can cause aluminum wheels to lose their shine. 

Fortunately, we have a step by step guide on how to polish aluminum wheels when the winter season has taken its toll!

Before polishing the wheels however, you should start by cleaning them with soap and water:


What you’ll need:

Hose with spray attachment

Microfiber cloth

Soft bristled wheel brush

Non-acidic aluminum wheel cleaner

Step 1: Rinse wheels to remove loose dirt and brake dust.

Step 2: Spray wheels one at a time with aluminum cleaner. Then brush each wheel with a soft bristled wheel brush to work the aluminum cleaner into the wheels. Keep wheels wet while brushing them to prevent wheel cleaner from drying and spotting the finish.

Step 3: Rinse each wheel off one at a time and wipe dry with a microfiber cloth.

Now that your wheels have been cleaned, let’s walk through how to polish aluminum wheels:


What you’ll need:

Microfiber towel

Cotton towel

Hose with spray attachment

Flat file

400-grit sandpaper

Aluminum brightening cleaner

Toothbrush

Aluminum wheel polish

Step 1: Check aluminum rims for any scrapes from rubbing against the curb and file scrapes down with a flat file.

Step 2: Remove pitting on the wheel by rubbing sandpaper on it.

Step 3: Rinse the wheel and wipe dry with a microfiber towel.

Step 4: Apply aluminum brightener to wheels and wipe dry with microfiber towel.

Step 5: Apply polish and work into wheel with microfiber cloth. Use a toothbrush to polish hard-to-reach areas on the wheel.

Step 6: rub finishing polish into wheel with a microfiber cloth until you can wipe rim dry with a cotton cloth without soiling the cloth.

For a shine that lasts, try Flitz’s wheel restoration kit that will clean, polish and protect your wheels! Flitz’s wheel restoration kit is safe and easy to use on your aluminum wheels to remove brake dust, oxidation, salt corrosion and more.

That's all you need to know when learning how to polish aluminum wheels for your car, truck, motorcyle, or ATV.

Did you try this method or have your own method that you’d like to share? Let us know!

Are you looking to deep clean your car? Check out our blog post on How to Polish Your Car .