Shopping For A New Car

Brake dust buildup on your wheels can be a nuisance. It can make alloy rims look dirty and dingy, leaving a layer of grime stuck to the rim. And, if left on the wheels too long, it can even damage the finish on the wheels. This can mean needing to refinish the wheels, which can be expensive. Understanding how to keep brake dust from building up is the first line of defense. The more proactive you are about it, the less brake dust will be left on your wheels over time. Here are some tips to help you prevent brake dust accumulation in your car.

Opt for Low-Dust Pads

All brake pads will produce some amount of brake dust. That part is essentially unavoidable. By investing in low-dust pads such as ceramic pads, you'll reduce the amount of dust that the pads produce. Ceramic brake pads can hold up to the heat better, which means that they produce less dust than traditional brake pads. While they still produce some dust, the ceramic brake dust doesn't adhere to your wheels as easily.

Keep Your Wheels Clean

Cleaning your wheels regularly is another important step to keep the brake dust from building up excessively. Use a warm, soapy water solution with a soft cloth or sponge. Hose the rims down, then wipe them with a sponge soaked in the soap mixture. Rinse them completely after you've cleaned them, then dry them with a lint-free cloth. Opt for a gentle dish washing detergent or car wash solution, but don't use harsh chemicals. Some harsh cleaning products can be damaging to alloy wheels. Wash them once a week to help keep the dust at bay. You might even be able to reduce the dust buildup over time by treating your rims with an automotive wax. The wax will help keep the dust from adhering to your rims.

Invest in Brake Dust Shields

Most cars come equipped with small brake dust shields from the factory, but those shields are often insufficient for blocking all of the dust transfer. You can invest in larger brake dust shields from an aftermarket supplier or your brake mechanic. You'll have to lift the car and remove the wheel to install the shield, so if you're not comfortable with doing the work yourself, you'll want to have your mechanic install them.

The more attentive you are to your car's brakes, the easier it is to keep dust buildup from damaging your wheels. Talk to your mechanic, like Auto Team Car Care Center LLC, about which of these measures is best for your car.