Wheel and Tire Package
- Proven cleaners: Brake Buster for wheels and tires, Wise Guy for deep resets, and Tarminator for stubborn film.
- The Right tools: EZ Detail Brushes, lambskin mitts, and tire brushes to hit every surface.
- Proper finish: Atom-Mac to stop rotor rust, P21S Polishing Soap for exhaust tips, and OG Tire Dressing for that clean matte look.
I understand the struggle firsthand, so I meticulously assembled a lineup of tools and chemicals I call Ultimate Wheel and Tire Package to make this not just manageable but surprisingly satisfying.
Let's begin with the wheel and tire cleaners in my cabinet - P&S Brake Buster and Shine Supply Wise Guy. Brake Buster is versatile and can be applied to both tires and wheels. I prefer using it in a Pressol, which you can add on, for a more concentrated application on tires, and my Griots Foam Cannon for full wheel coverage. I typically reach for Wise Guy when I notice that the tire dressing isn't sticking to the tire surface as effectively anymore or if I've neglected my wheels and tires for an extended period and need to reset my tire's rubber to its factory-like appearance ...cough...Raptor...cough. These products are formulated to eliminate stubborn brake dust and road grime with minimal effort.
Additionally, I always keep Stoner Tarminator Tar & Sap Remover on hand. This stuff tackles tar and sap but works wonders on tire film, which is common with new tires, ensuring they have a clean surface ready for dressing. More on that later.
But effective cleaning isn't just about the right chemicals – it's also about having the right tools: brushes, and mitts designed for the intricate shapes and tight spaces of wheels. I love using the EZ Detail Brushes in my inner wheel barrels and around the wells. There are 2 sizes in this Package, so you are covered, no matter what your wheel and brake situation may be. One combo in particular that I really like is the Detail Factory Tire Brush, combined with the Lambskin Wheel Mitt, which ensures every corner is reached for a thorough cleaning.
Once you've finished cleaning your wheels and tires, tou might have noticed that your steel rotors have taken on an orange hue - that's rust, or as I jokingly call it, "Cheeto dust." You can do a couple of things, like gently driving back and forth in your driveway 5-6 times to remove the water from your pads and rotors, or consider upgrading to carbon ceramic brakes if you have $15,000 lying around. It can be frustrating if you don't have fancy brakes but don't worry, that's where Bilt Hamber Atom-Mac comes in. After washing your wheels, spray a few squirts on your rotor surface to prevent them from rusting over. I still use this method on my EVO 8 since it has steel rotors.
If you thought wheels were fun to clean, let's address that dirty exhaust tip(s).
P21S Polishing Soap: It gets the job done. It's versatile and works on any metal exhaust and even on your cooktop at home; your wife will love that. You'll need to roll up your sleeves for that really baked-on soot. This is a requirement for you guys, and that 1 girl reading this that runs a catless exhaust.
What's next?
Enter Obsessed Garage Tire Dressing. Unlike traditional tire dressings in that holiday Armor-All bucket kit you received for Christmas from your grandmother, they tend to leave tires super shiny, gross, and prone to slinging all over your clean car. OG Tire Dressing offers a deep, matte appearance. It enhances the look of your tires without the unwanted glossiness or mess. Apply it with either a RaceGlaze Detailing Brush XL or my new favorite, the Detail Factory Curveball Brush, and you have a winning combo.
Uncle Matty Tip: Apply Tire Dressing liberally on the tires. Leave it for 15-20 minutes to soak in, and gently wipe it with a Wheel & Tire Towel 3.0 for a nice clean, matte appearance.
The Key Products
P&S Brake Buster Wheel & Tire Cleaner
- Use: Wheel and tire cleaning
- Sizes: 32oz, 1G, 5G
- Foaming: High lubricity and lather
- Safe On: Wheels, barrels, and tires
- Bonus: Replaces need for separate tire cleaner
- Works Well With: EZ Detail and Detail Factory brushes
Obsessed Garage Tire Dressing
- Type: Water-based tire dressing
- Finish: Dark satin, uniform appearance
- Sizes Available: 32 oz or 1 gallon
- Longevity: Longer lasting than PERL
- Prep Required: Minimal surface prep needed
- Application Method: Brush application, towel leveling
- Reapplication: Optional for added gloss
Bilt Hamber Atom-Mac
- Type: Corrosion inhibitor
- Dilution: 2-5% in water (5% for cars, 1-2% for bikes/motorcycles)
- Usage: Spray on rotors, brakes, vehicle undersides, voids
- Protection: Migratory vapor phase corrosion inhibitor
- Packaging: Concentrate (dilute before use)
- Safe on painted surfaces
Stoner Tarminator Tar & Sap Remover
- Use: Tire prep and tar/sap removal
- Application: With Wheel & Tire Towel
- Purpose: Removes mold release, oils, mounting soap residue
- Size: Single bottle
- Benefit: Preps tires for dressing and cleans tough spots
P21S Polishing Soap
- Type: Water-based polishing soap
- Size: 300g
- Use: Exhaust tips, stainless, aluminum, glass
- Features: Biodegradable, non-toxic
- Application: Easy, non-greasy, no residue
- Effectiveness: Cleans with minimal effort
Wheel & Tire Towel 3.0
- 900 GSM
- 12 X 12
- 70% Polyester / 30% Polyamide
- Black ButterSoft™ 70/30 Microfiber Suede Edge
- 100% Korean Split Microfiber (Hybrid Twist Loop)
- No Tags = No Scratches
- Extremely Durable - Ability to Withstand Hundreds of Washings Getting Softer Each Time
- Meets and Exceeds the Toughest Detailer Standards

