How To Clean Brake Dust Off Rims?

Brake dust is a typical problem that many car owners confront. It not only degrades your rims' aesthetic but can also reduce their longevity and performance. In this post from the experts at HydroSilex, we will review the best ways to clean brake dust off rims successfully.

What is Brake Dust?

Brake dust is a combination of various particles that are produced due to friction when the brake pads make contact with the rotors. It comprises tiny metal shavings, carbon fibers, adhesives, and other debris. Brake dust is typically dark gray or black and can accumulate on the rims over time.

What is the source of brake dust?

Several factors contribute to brake dust formation. Among the primary factors are:

Friction Material Composition

The amount of dust produced by different brake pad formulations varies. Traditional semi-metallic brake pads have more dust than ceramic or low-dust brake pads.

Driving Habits 

Aggressive driving, frequent braking, and quick stops can increase the collection of brake dust on the rims.

Vehicle Weight 

Due to the increased strain on the brake system, heavier vehicles produce more brake dust.

Why is Cleaning Brake Dust Important?

Cleaning brake dust off your rims is not just about maintaining their appearance. There are two key reasons why it is important to regularly clean brake dust:

It has the potential to harm alloy wheels 

Brake dust contains metallic particles that, if left uncleaned, can corrode and damage the surface of alloy wheels. Over time, this can lead to pitting and even permanent damage.

It can impact braking effectiveness

Excessive brake dust buildup can hinder the performance of your brakes. When brake dust accumulates on the brake rotors, it can reduce braking effectiveness and increase stopping distances, compromising your safety on the road.

Read more:

8 Steps how to clean rims and tires

Tools and products for cleaning wheels and tires 

How To Remove Brake Dust From Rims?

Now that we've established the significance of cleaning brake dust off rims let's look at the most effective methods for doing so:

Choose the Best Cleaning Solution

Begin by selecting a wheel cleaner specifically intended to remove brake dust. Avoid using acidic or strong cleaners since these might harm the finish of your rims. The HydroSilex Wheel Cleaner is an excellent choice because it is designed to remove brake dust and filth while causing no harm properly.

Prepare the Cleaning Equipment 

A soft-bristle brush or a wheel brush, a microfiber cloth or sponge, and a pail of water are all required. It is critical to use non-abrasive instruments to avoid scratching the rims' surface.

Rinse the Rims 

Clean the rims with water to remove any loose dirt or debris. This aids in the removal of brake dust and facilitates the cleaning process.

Apply the Wheel Cleaner 

Liberally spray the wheel cleaner onto the rims, providing total coverage. Allow the cleaner to sit for a few minutes, but do not allow it to dry on the surface.

Scrub the Rims

Gently scrub the rims with the soft-bristle brush or wheel brush, focusing on regions with excessive brake dust buildup. Work in small portions, taking special care of crevices and spokes. To avoid scratching the rims, avoid exerting too much pressure.

Brake Dust Cleaning products From Hydrosilex

Wheel Cleaner

HydroSilex Wheel Cleaner is an innovative mixture designed to be efficient and safe for all wheels, eliminating persistent brake pollution such as metallic dust, filth, iron particles, and heavy buildup. The purple hue indicates that the device is actively cleaning your wheels. Spray it on, let it soak for about two to three minutes, scrub the surface and rinse.

• Compatible with a factory clear coated, powder coated, and painted wheels, as well as high-performance brakes (Do NOT apply to cars with Carbon Ceramic Brakes)
• A powerful cleanser that eliminates iron and metallic deposits on wheels.
• Dissolves brake dust
• Made in the USA
• Spray on - Rub wheel surface - Rinse for a flawless polish.

All Purpose Cleaner

HydroSilex All-Purpose Cleaner is a technologically superior all-purpose cleaner with a safe foundation for all surfaces. This innovative combination enables you to depend on HydroSilex All-Purpose Cleaner for most cleaning activities around the car, RV, or boat. Our recipe is ready-to-use, making it simple to use directly from the bottle on demand.

• Use this potent degreaser on engine bays, wheel wells, exhaust tips, door jambs, and other soiled locations.
• An excellent choice for clearing tire grime ( instantly dissolves brown marks on your tires)
• Non-corrosive to paint, plastics, and metals.
• Cleans, degreases, and decontaminates
• Use when something more vital than vehicle wash soap is required.
• Made in the USA

High Quality Microfiber Towers

Professional quality microfibre towels have several uses

HydroSilex microfiber towels are intended for use on any surface and are of professional quality. Our microfiber's superior quality is excellent for avoiding scratches. It implies that our towels are great for cleaning and sanitizing premium surfaces, such as costly furniture, complex appliances, computer displays, televisions, and similar surfaces, without leaving any marks.

HydroSilex microfiber cloths were designed for use in detailing premium vehicles. HydroSilex microfiber towels are the preferred choice of auto detailers worldwide. 

Tire Shine And Conditioner

HydroSilex Tire Shine is an innovative tire conditioning and shine product. Hydrosilex Slick provides a long-lasting, rich sheen and a silky shine without the typical mess and sling. HydroSilex Slick's innovative color-matching technology makes worn tires seem like new.

• Simple to employ
• Designed with no sling technology
• Silica-infused, durable formulation
• Provides a deep and black finish that is not too shiny, giving your tires a clean appearance.
• Quick-drying

HydroSilex has been around for over 25 years and has always endeavored to provide customers with superior goods. HydroSilex is one of the most cost-effective brands because we have always been conscientious with the pricing we ask our consumers to pay.

Our solutions for wheel cleaning have acquired widespread recognition in the United States and other countries. Visit HydroSilex at www.hydrosilex.com to get the best product for car wheel cleaning.