There\u2019s an entire auto subculture dedicated to<\/span> custom rim design<\/a><\/strong> and care, so it\u2019s no wonder folks want to show them off. Even if you\u2019ve got factory standards on, knowing how to polish your rims can make a strong statement as you cruise along. And while it\u2019s a nice lazy afternoon project, there is a right and wrong way to go about it.<\/span><\/p>\n Here\u2019s a primer on how to polish your rims.<\/span><\/p>\n The very first thing you want to do is double-check what kind of rims you\u2019re working with and determine whether there is a clear coat on them. Rims must be treated differently according to their coating (if any) and metal type. Using the wrong products, processes or chemicals can damage a clear coat and cause aging and corrosion to aluminum. In addition, before you begin, gather plenty of rags and sponges \u2014 you\u2019ll need to use a new one for each step.<\/span><\/p>\n Use water and a soap, that is approved as safe for cars, to remove as much gunk as possible from the rims. You\u2019ll be up against regular road grime and a layer of corrosive brake dust that forms naturally over time as brake pads wear. You can use a high-powered hose for a first pass, then a terrycloth rag or non-abrasive sponge.<\/span><\/p>\n If there\u2019s still remaining grime and your rims don\u2019t have a clear coat, use a non-acidic aluminum wheel cleaner on a new rag. If you do have clear coat, use a soft bristled brush to work the surface over. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a new rag before continuing.<\/span><\/p>\n After soap and water, you can use wheel detailing clay for deeply embedded grime. Spray the wheel with a lubricant and rub clay over the surface, removing any resulting residue with the lubricant and a new rag after.<\/span><\/p>\n Check out the surface of the rims. If they are pitted and don\u2019t have a clear coat, use 400-600 grit sandpaper to lightly smooth the surface and eliminate scratches using even strokes, always moving in the same direction. If starting with a more abrasive paper, follow up with a finer grit to even out the surface. Clear-coated rims should skip this step altogether. Rinse and dry and apply a pass of aluminum brightener to help prevent oxidization and then wipe off with a new cloth.<\/span><\/p>\n Choose your<\/span> polish<\/a><\/strong> based on the surface\u2014 specified safe for clear-coats if you have one, otherwise use a polish compatible with aluminum. You should polish by hand with a rag in even, circular strokes (changing the rag after each pass), or you can pop on a non-abrasive buffer to a polishing tool and work it through that way. Use a toothbrush to get into hard to reach areas. Go over once more with an ultra-fine finishing polish to really get that mirror shine. Buff off all polish with a clean towel. Apply a coat of wax, again paying attention to the finish in order to pick the proper one. This will lock in the shine and keep it for longer.<\/span><\/p>\n As you can see, getting your rims gleaming is a multi-step but basically straightforward project, so long as you\u2019re paying attention to using the proper chemicals, choosing your process wisely and taking your time. It\u2019s worth it for that eye-catching detail and the silent nod from fellow rim-aficionados who understand all the love and care that goes into your shine.<\/span><\/p>\n For more information on how to polish your rims, chat with a knowledgeable expert at your local<\/span> NAPA AUTO PARTS store<\/a><\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n This article has been reproduced with the permission of the copyright holder, National Automotive Parts Association. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Click here for more<\/span>\u00a0<\/i>automotive tips and stories<\/a><\/i><\/strong>\u00a0from NAPA, or here for more information on<\/span> the next Pomona Swap Meet & Classic Car Show<\/a><\/strong>.\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/i><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":null,"protected":false},"author":98,"featured_media":8983,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[805],"tags":[4948,3056,4152,4958,4949,1100,1455,4953,4954,4956,4957,3491,3037,3026,4955,4950,4951,2137,4952],"class_list":["post-8978","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-classic-tips","tag-alloy-wheels","tag-automotive-diy","tag-blair-lampe","tag-brake-dust","tag-buffing","tag-car-wash","tag-car-wash-tips","tag-clear-coated-rims","tag-custom-rims","tag-how-to-polish-your-wheels","tag-how-to-wash-your-wheels","tag-napa","tag-napa-auto-parts","tag-napa-know-how","tag-polish-your-rims","tag-polishing","tag-racing-wheels","tag-rims","tag-washing-your-wheels"],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\tPrep<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Clean<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Smooth<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Shine<\/strong><\/h3>\n