Car Detailing Calgary: Guide to Cleaning and Dressing Car Tires

While tires might not be the first thing you detail on your car, they are the interface between you and the ground. Properly maintained tires will not only look better but also improve performance and extend the life of your tires. Here is our guide on how to clean your tires properly, Calgary style!

Why Tire Care Matters

In Calgary, the temperature swings from sticky, dusty summers to wintery, snow-covered roads. Regular cleanings remove harmful contaminants such as road grime, brake dust and salt that can break down the rubber over time. A tire shine also adds that final touch to your freshly detailed car.

Step 1: Gathering Your Supplies

Before you begin, make sure you have:

• Tire cleaner or all-purpose cleaner

• Stiff brush

• Microfiber towels

• Water source (hose or pressure washer)

• Tire dressing

• Applicator pad

We use professional-grade products at Calgary Car Detail, but many great options are available to DIY enthusiasts.

Step 2: Initial Rinse

Wash your tires first by removing accumulated dirt and debris with water. This prevents scratching the tire’s surface while cleaning.

Step 3: Apply Cleaner

Generously spray the tire surface with tire cleaner. For moderate or heavy buildup, let the cleaner stand for one minute to penetrate. Do not allow the cleaner to dry on the tire.

Step 4: Scrub

With your hard brush, scrub the tire with lots of vigor. Brush the sidewalls, between the treads, and other areas that usually collect dirt. If you drive in Calgary, this is where you’ll want to remove all that salt and grime from the winter months.

Step 5: Rinse

Rinse the tires thoroughly, and make sure that the cleaner and loosened dirt is washed away. You can use a pressure washer for this step.

Step 6: Dry

Dry the tires with a microfiber towel. This helps to ensure the shiny effect from the tire dressing doesn’t streak as it dries.

Step 7: Apply Tire Dressing

Using an applicator pad, apply tire dressing as directed and wipe the sidewall. Apply a thin coat to start—you can always add more if needed. Do not get dressing on the tire tread, as it will affect traction.

Step 8: Buff (Optional)

If you prefer a more natural satin finish, you can lightly buff the tire with a clean microfiber towel once the dressing is applied.

Choosing the Right Products

We at Calgary Car Detail recommend water-based dressings for car detailing in Calgary, as they are less likely to fling themselves onto your car’s painted surfaces in the wet and less likely to attract dust in dry weather. UV protection (which will help the clear coat resist cracking and fading) is worth looking for, especially if your vehicle sees lots of sunshine, as Calgary cars do.

Maintenance Tips

• Clean your tires every time you wash your car to prevent buildup

• Reapply tire dressing every 2-3 weeks for best results.

• Avoid driving immediately after applying dressing – give it time to set.

• Keep your wheels, especially in winter, free of salt residue that can promote corrosion.

Professional Touch

While a do-it-yourself tire care service can provide good results, nothing beats the professional equipment and products used by experts. Our technicians at Calgary Car Detail have been trained to give your tires the appropriate service and ensure they look great and last longer.

The Final Word

Whether heading out for a weekend drive through the Rockies or simply making sure that your daily commuter is the best-looking car on the road, proper tire care is a must. By following these steps, your tires will look better, perform better, and last longer.

Remember, for those moments when you desire a showroom-bright appearance, swing by our car wash Calgary for top-notch detailing services.