If you have a Certified or Pre-Owned Used Mercedes-Benz Vehicle, you probably want to keep it clean and sparkling. But many people stop after washing the body of the car which leaves tires still looking dirty and taking attention away from the beauty and cleanliness of the vehicle itself. You haven’t finished washing your Mercedes until the tires are clean, too.

Here are some steps to follow to add that finishing touch and get your tires looking as sparkly as the car.

• Degreaser is the first and most effective tool when cleaning your tires. Spray it on the tires and the rims, too. Let it set for a few minutes so it can work and break down the dirt particles on the tires.
• After letting the degreaser set for a while, spray the tires with a high-pressure nozzle. Get close to the tires because that creates a stronger pressure to wash off more dirt and grease.
• Use a tire brush to apply soap to the tires. You can use the same soap you used to wash the car. Scrub the tire thoroughly with the brush and soap.
• Rinse the tire again with the garden hose. Inspect the tire carefully for any spots you have missed or for areas that need more scrubbing. Repeat scrubbing until all of the dirt and grease is gone.
• Dry the tires and rims off with a soft towel. Use a different towel for each tire if you can as it will become rather dirty from the excess dirt and grease.
• Apply a tire preservative to your tires. This will keep them looking new and protect them as well. Follow the directions on the bottle to ensure you apply it properly.
• Make sure you use a cleaner and degreaser appropriate for your wheels, as some types will harm certain wheels. Read the packaging carefully and know what your rims are made of so you don’t damage them when you clean them. If you’re not sure, use a cleaner that is safe for all types of rims.
• Be sure to rinse the cleaning products off your tires quickly. In fact, do one tire at a time so the products don’t set. If you wait too long before rinsing, the products could create a buildup and you’ll just need to scrub them again.
• If you have whitewalls on your tires, use a sponge to scrub them. There are also specialty cleaners you can use to make them even whiter. Bleach is a good product, but there are safer ones that are better for the environment and your health.
• Store the tire cleaners in a cool, dry place that children can’t reach.

Cleaning your tires properly and regularly is important, and not just for appearance’s sake. When you take the time to clean your tires, you can also check for tread wear and other things that could cause a problem as you drive down the road.