How to Clean Wheel Wells and Lower Panels After Winter

How to Clean Wheel Wells and Lower Panels After Winter

Wheel wells and lower body panels collect some of the heaviest contamination on a vehicle through a Michigan winter. Salt spray, sand, slush and road grime can build up where routine washes may not focus enough attention.

Work From Heavy Contamination to Final Wash

  1. Rinse wheel wells and lower panels thoroughly.
  2. Use the appropriate cleaner for the surface and contamination, following the product label.
  3. Agitate with dedicated brushes where necessary.
  4. Rinse before moving to cleaner paint areas.
  5. Wash the rest of the vehicle with clean wash media.
  6. Dry with clean microfiber.

Keep Dedicated Tools for Dirty Areas

Do not use the same dirty brush or towel on delicate paint after cleaning wheel wells. Browse detailing brushes and tools and microfiber towels.

Finish the Wheels and Tires

For wheel and tire cleaning products, visit Wheels & Tires. For wash products, browse Car Wash & Auto Detailing Supplies.

Michigan Spring Cleanup

A detailed lower-body cleanup after winter is a useful time to inspect wash tools and remove heavily contaminated towels from cleaner paint and finishing roles. Continue with How to Remove Road Salt From Your Car After a Michigan Winter or browse all Auto Detailing Guides.

Eligible Southeast Michigan customers can review free local delivery on qualifying orders of $50 or more.