Difference between revisions of "Remove Brake Dust from Aluminum Wheels"
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| − | Brake dust accumulates on wheels and hubcaps as a normal part of stop-and-start driving. The pressure of the brake rotors causes minuscule particles to be shaved off of the brake pads as the driver presses on the vehicle's brakes. While brake dust is often just an eyesore, if left untreated, it can eventually cause etching and staining on aluminum wheels that can't easily be fixed. In addition, inhaling some types of brake dust over long periods of time is thought to contribute to cancer, though rarely.<ref>http://annhyg.oxfordjournals.org/content/47/4/325.long</ref> To maintain your wheels (and, possibly, your health), make cleaning your wheels a regular part of your vehicle's maintenance. | + | Brake dust accumulates on wheels and hubcaps as a normal part of stop-and-start driving. The pressure of the brake rotors causes minuscule particles to be shaved off of the brake pads as the driver presses on the vehicle's brakes. While brake dust is often just an eyesore, if left untreated, it can eventually cause etching and staining on aluminum wheels that can't easily be fixed. In addition, inhaling some types of brake dust over long periods of time is thought to contribute to cancer, though rarely.<ref name="rf1">http://annhyg.oxfordjournals.org/content/47/4/325.long</ref> To maintain your wheels (and, possibly, your health), make cleaning your wheels a regular part of your vehicle's maintenance. |
[[Category:Car Brakes]] | [[Category:Car Brakes]] | ||
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#* Since you'll be using soap or commercial wheel cleaners for this method, you won't want to park somewhere where your rinse water will run into a storm drain. Instead, try parking on your lawn — the grass will absorb the water and chemicals without polluting your area's water supply. | #* Since you'll be using soap or commercial wheel cleaners for this method, you won't want to park somewhere where your rinse water will run into a storm drain. Instead, try parking on your lawn — the grass will absorb the water and chemicals without polluting your area's water supply. | ||
#Remove the hubcaps from your vehicle's wheels. | #Remove the hubcaps from your vehicle's wheels. | ||
| − | #* Most modern hubcaps can be removed by prying them off with your fingers or a wide-tipped removal tool.<ref>http://www.hubcaps.org/videos/remove-hubcaps.html</ref> However, some select types of hubcaps are secured by lug nuts or plastic screws. If you're unsure which type of hub caps you have, consult your owner's manual. Trying to pry off bolted-on lug nuts can break or crack them. | + | #* Most modern hubcaps can be removed by prying them off with your fingers or a wide-tipped removal tool.<ref name="rf2">http://www.hubcaps.org/videos/remove-hubcaps.html</ref> However, some select types of hubcaps are secured by lug nuts or plastic screws. If you're unsure which type of hub caps you have, consult your owner's manual. Trying to pry off bolted-on lug nuts can break or crack them. |
#* The hubcaps can (and should) be washed, rinsed and dried separately from the aluminum wheels. Don't forget to wash the insides of the hubcaps — brake dust also settles here. | #* The hubcaps can (and should) be washed, rinsed and dried separately from the aluminum wheels. Don't forget to wash the insides of the hubcaps — brake dust also settles here. | ||
#Make sure the wheels are cool before beginning. | #Make sure the wheels are cool before beginning. | ||
#* The process of braking generates intense friction between the brake pad and the disc (or rotor). After heavy braking, this can cause the disc or other parts of the wheel to become quite hot. If you've just driven your vehicle, give your wheels a chance to cool off and prevent painful burns. | #* The process of braking generates intense friction between the brake pad and the disc (or rotor). After heavy braking, this can cause the disc or other parts of the wheel to become quite hot. If you've just driven your vehicle, give your wheels a chance to cool off and prevent painful burns. | ||
#* To determine whether or not your wheels are hot, carefully move the back of one hand toward the wheel once the hub caps are off. Back off and give your vehicle a few minutes to cool down if you feel any radiating heat. | #* To determine whether or not your wheels are hot, carefully move the back of one hand toward the wheel once the hub caps are off. Back off and give your vehicle a few minutes to cool down if you feel any radiating heat. | ||
| − | #* Note that excessive heat after driving can be a sign of problems with your breaks.<ref>http://auto.howstuffworks.com/auto-parts/brakes/brake-parts/brake-pads6.htm</ref> Consider having your brake pads examined if you notice major heat radiating off of the wheel. | + | #* Note that excessive heat after driving can be a sign of problems with your breaks.<ref name="rf3">http://auto.howstuffworks.com/auto-parts/brakes/brake-parts/brake-pads6.htm</ref> Consider having your brake pads examined if you notice major heat radiating off of the wheel. |
#Consider putting on a face mask and gloves when working around brake dust. | #Consider putting on a face mask and gloves when working around brake dust. | ||
| − | #* It's important to note that there is some evidence that, over time, exposure to brake dust can contribute to a type of cancer called mesothelioma.<ref>http://survivingmesothelioma.com/net-of-evidence-supports-brake-dustmesothelioma-link/</ref> However, the link is not yet well-understood and it is thought that the cancer-causing effects may be limited to asbestos-containing brake pads. | + | #* It's important to note that there is some evidence that, over time, exposure to brake dust can contribute to a type of cancer called mesothelioma.<ref name="rf4">http://survivingmesothelioma.com/net-of-evidence-supports-brake-dustmesothelioma-link/</ref> However, the link is not yet well-understood and it is thought that the cancer-causing effects may be limited to asbestos-containing brake pads. |
#* To be safe, you may want to consider wearing a basic surgeon's mask and protective gloves whenever you're working with brake dust. However, no matter which precautions you take (or do not take), a single exposure to brake dust is very unlikely to lead to cancer. | #* To be safe, you may want to consider wearing a basic surgeon's mask and protective gloves whenever you're working with brake dust. However, no matter which precautions you take (or do not take), a single exposure to brake dust is very unlikely to lead to cancer. | ||
=== Cleaning Your Wheels === | === Cleaning Your Wheels === | ||
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#Consider using a washing mitt. | #Consider using a washing mitt. | ||
#* One cleaning accessory you may want to consider to make your job easier is called a washing mitt. This looks like a rubber mitten with a brush attached to the fingers. Some vehicle maintenance experts claim these make it easier to clean in wheels' hard-to-reach cracks, while others prefer traditional brushes. | #* One cleaning accessory you may want to consider to make your job easier is called a washing mitt. This looks like a rubber mitten with a brush attached to the fingers. Some vehicle maintenance experts claim these make it easier to clean in wheels' hard-to-reach cracks, while others prefer traditional brushes. | ||
| − | #* If you're looking to experiment, cleaning mitts are usually available for quite cheap at auto repair stores — usually not much more than $10 or so.<ref>http://www.autopia-carcare.com/wool-wash-mitt.html?productid=wool-wash-mitt</ref> | + | #* If you're looking to experiment, cleaning mitts are usually available for quite cheap at auto repair stores — usually not much more than $10 or so.<ref name="rf5">http://www.autopia-carcare.com/wool-wash-mitt.html?productid=wool-wash-mitt</ref> |
#Rinse each wheel, removing all soap residue. | #Rinse each wheel, removing all soap residue. | ||
#* When you've given your vehicle a good scrubbing, hit it with the hose to remove the dust and any soap suds. | #* When you've given your vehicle a good scrubbing, hit it with the hose to remove the dust and any soap suds. | ||
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==== Using Cleaning Fluid ==== | ==== Using Cleaning Fluid ==== | ||
#Grab a can of a suitable wheel cleaner. | #Grab a can of a suitable wheel cleaner. | ||
| − | #* Commercial wheel-cleaning fluids (usually sold for less than $10)<ref>http://consumerreports.org/cro/magazine/2012/11/best-wheel-cleaners/index.htm</ref> work well for removing accumulated brake dust. However, before you buy a can of wheel cleaner, be sure to read the label — some cleaners are formulated only for wheels made of certain types of metal and can actually damage the finish if used incorrectly. | + | #* Commercial wheel-cleaning fluids (usually sold for less than $10)<ref name="rf6">http://consumerreports.org/cro/magazine/2012/11/best-wheel-cleaners/index.htm</ref> work well for removing accumulated brake dust. However, before you buy a can of wheel cleaner, be sure to read the label — some cleaners are formulated only for wheels made of certain types of metal and can actually damage the finish if used incorrectly. |
| − | #* In a study, Consumer Reports found that Eagle One, Meguiars, and Mothers brand products were among the most effective at cleaning wheels. However, the same study noted that Zep Industrial Purple Cleaner & Degreaser (an all-purpose cleaner) worked even better.<ref | + | #* In a study, Consumer Reports found that Eagle One, Meguiars, and Mothers brand products were among the most effective at cleaning wheels. However, the same study noted that Zep Industrial Purple Cleaner & Degreaser (an all-purpose cleaner) worked even better.<ref name="rf6" /> |
#Spray the cleaner directly onto the wheel. | #Spray the cleaner directly onto the wheel. | ||
#* Spray your wheel cleaner onto the wheel (or apply as directed). Be sure to cover all areas of the wheel that you wish to clean. | #* Spray your wheel cleaner onto the wheel (or apply as directed). Be sure to cover all areas of the wheel that you wish to clean. | ||
#* Note that certain types of wheel-cleaning fluid will advise you to wear eye, mouth, and hand protection and not to breathe in the product's fumes. If you are unsure whether you are adequately protected, consult your product's label. | #* Note that certain types of wheel-cleaning fluid will advise you to wear eye, mouth, and hand protection and not to breathe in the product's fumes. If you are unsure whether you are adequately protected, consult your product's label. | ||
#Consider using oven cleaner. | #Consider using oven cleaner. | ||
| − | #* If you don't want to spend the money on wheel cleaning fluid or you simply can't find a product that's right for your vehicle's wheels, you may want to consider using oven cleaner. According to some amateur sources, oven cleaner is comparable to commercial cleaners in terms of its ability to remove built-up grime and brake dust from wheels.<ref>http://www.instructables.com/id/Cleaning-Alloy-wheels-with-oven-cleaner/step2/Clean-your-wheels/</ref> | + | #* If you don't want to spend the money on wheel cleaning fluid or you simply can't find a product that's right for your vehicle's wheels, you may want to consider using oven cleaner. According to some amateur sources, oven cleaner is comparable to commercial cleaners in terms of its ability to remove built-up grime and brake dust from wheels.<ref name="rf7">http://www.instructables.com/id/Cleaning-Alloy-wheels-with-oven-cleaner/step2/Clean-your-wheels/</ref> |
#* Note, however, that oven cleaner is not specifically designed to be used on metal wheels. Thus, it's ''possible'' that using oven cleaner may have negative effects on your wheels' finish, so use caution if you're especially concerned about your wheels' appearance. | #* Note, however, that oven cleaner is not specifically designed to be used on metal wheels. Thus, it's ''possible'' that using oven cleaner may have negative effects on your wheels' finish, so use caution if you're especially concerned about your wheels' appearance. | ||
#Allow the cleaner to "soak in"'''.''' | #Allow the cleaner to "soak in"'''.''' | ||
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#Dry each wheel immediately. | #Dry each wheel immediately. | ||
#* Once you're happy with the way your wheels look, don't wait to dry them off. If you do, small water droplets may dry on them, giving them an unappealing, spotty appearance. You've just worked hard to get your wheels looking great, so don't forget this crucial step! | #* Once you're happy with the way your wheels look, don't wait to dry them off. If you do, small water droplets may dry on them, giving them an unappealing, spotty appearance. You've just worked hard to get your wheels looking great, so don't forget this crucial step! | ||
| − | #* The best towels for this job are older, worn-out terry cloth towels or all-purpose cleaning wipes.<ref>http://www.superiorcarcare.net/how-to-wash-car.html#.VCyhmBazmBE</ref> You want a soft towel so that you don't leave swirl marks, but high-quality towels (like those made from microfiber) can be ruined by using them on wheels, even after they're clean. | + | #* The best towels for this job are older, worn-out terry cloth towels or all-purpose cleaning wipes.<ref name="rf8">http://www.superiorcarcare.net/how-to-wash-car.html#.VCyhmBazmBE</ref> You want a soft towel so that you don't leave swirl marks, but high-quality towels (like those made from microfiber) can be ruined by using them on wheels, even after they're clean. |
#Consider applying a wax for long-term protection. | #Consider applying a wax for long-term protection. | ||
#* A high-quality paste wax can help keep your wheels in tip-top shape by preventing brake dust from building up and causing pitting in the future. Before you replace your hubcaps, consider waxing your wheels — it doesn't take long and it's a good long-term investment. | #* A high-quality paste wax can help keep your wheels in tip-top shape by preventing brake dust from building up and causing pitting in the future. Before you replace your hubcaps, consider waxing your wheels — it doesn't take long and it's a good long-term investment. | ||
| − | #* For maximum protection, re-wax your wheels every six months as part of their regular maintenance.<ref>http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/o/article-best-way-to-clean-brake-dust</ref> | + | #* For maximum protection, re-wax your wheels every six months as part of their regular maintenance.<ref name="rf9">http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/o/article-best-way-to-clean-brake-dust</ref> |
#Replace each hubcap. | #Replace each hubcap. | ||
#* After you have finished washing, rinsing and drying the wheels, you're more or less done. Replace your vehicle's hub caps (which you may want to soak and clean separately) to finish this job. | #* After you have finished washing, rinsing and drying the wheels, you're more or less done. Replace your vehicle's hub caps (which you may want to soak and clean separately) to finish this job. | ||
