One of the things that many car owners don't realize is that brake pads release dust every time they're used. The dust is very fine, so it can be hard to spot until it starts to build up on surfaces. Brake dust building up on your wheels can leave them looking dingy and dirty. If left to accumulate further, it can scratch and damage the finish on your wheels. This can lead to costly refinishing or replacement. You can avoid much of this risk by being proactive about keeping brake dust off the wheels. Here are a few things that might help.
Swap Out Your Brake Pads
Although the production of some dust is unavoidable, you can minimize it by replacing your standard brake pads with low-dust models like ceramic pads. Ceramic brake pads produce very little dust compared to standard brake pads. In addition, the dust that the ceramic pads do produce doesn't stick to wheels as easily as the standard models do.
Become A Regular At The Car Wash
Another good way to keep brake dust at a minimum is to wash your car often. Visit the local car wash so you can make use of the high-pressure wash nozzles. Spray the rims down so they are rinsed, then use a sponge soaked in a mixture of gentle cleanser with some warm water. The sponge will wipe away any residual dust that's on the rims. When you choose your cleanser, opt for something like a standard dishwashing detergent or a mild rim-cleaning product. Avoid anything harsh so that you don't damage the finish.
After you clean the wheels, rinse them completely with the high-pressure hose. Then, with a lint-free cloth, wipe them completely dry. That way, you don't encourage additional sticking due to moisture. Doing this weekly can have a significant effect on the amount of dust you find on your wheels. You can even treat the rims with auto wax to help minimize sticking.
Shield Your Wheels
Although most cars are fitted with brake dust shields during production, the shield that is applied in the factory is often too small to effectively prevent dust transfer. Your local auto parts specialist can help you find larger dust shields for your car. You'll have to remove the tire and wheel to install it, and you'll need to be able to get underneath the car, so if you aren't comfortable doing this kind of work, your mechanic can take care of it.
For more information, contact Godfrey Brake Service & Supply or a similar company.
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