The Best Car Wheel Brushes
Having a squeaky-clean car is one of the best feelings in the world. But you can't remove dirt solely with soap and water, especially if you're trying to get your wheels as clean as possible. Using a brush that's specifically designed to clean your wheels is a must-have if you want to really clear out the dirt and debris that builds up in hard-to-reach places. A car wheel brush is one that's made with tough-yet-gentle bristles so that it doesn't scratch up your car. It allows for optimal scrubbing and cleaning of even the tiniest, tightest nooks and crannies. We've rounded up all the best car wheel brushes for you here, so all you have to do is select from the products on this list, and you'll be on your way to sparkly, shiny wheels in no time.
The Brush Hero Car Wheel Brush
Scrubs and cleans like no other
Superior on nearly all counts, the Brush Hero car wheel brush is the ideal brush for several reasons. For starters, it comes with two powerful, interchangeable brushes — one with tough bristles, one with soft bristles — so that you can customize your cleaning experience based on how sensitive the surfaces of your wheels are. This water-powered brush set also features super-strong torque, which is handy for cutting through deep layers of grime and dust; plus, it will hammer away even when you jam it into super-tight spaces. And conveniently, this set doesn’t require electricity or batteries; just a little water pressure is all you need to make your wheels look brand new.
Pros:
- Comes with two interchangeable brushes (a soft black brush and tough-bristled white brush)
- Extra-strong torque provides the ultimate in scrubbing power
- Cuts through even the deepest layers of muck and grime
- No batteries or electricity required; all you have to do is connect this brush to a garden hose
Cons:
- Definitely on the expensive end
Chemical Guys Long Handle Wheel Brush
Elbow grease
Simplicity is the name of the game with this brush from Chemical Guys. Aside from being durable enough to last for years, this brush is also as easy to use as you could possibly ask for. With just water, soap, and a little elbow grease, you can use this brush to slough off that old grease and grime that has caked up on your wheels. And speaking of elbow grease, thanks to the heavy-duty, non-slip handle, you can really put some muscle behind this brush without worrying about it slipping out of your hands.
Pros:
- All you need to thoroughly clean your wheels is this brush and a bucket of water and soap
- Angled head makes it easy to maneuver awkward angles
- Also available in a short-handled version
Cons:
- Perhaps a bit overpriced considering it’s only a single brush
Mothers Long Handle Wheel Brush
I can handle it
To brush off truly stubborn grime, you’ll always need a short-handled brush that will enable you to put your full force behind your brushstrokes. But if you don’t also have a long-handled brush like this one in your arsenal, you’re going to have a tough time reaching those deeper crevices, which is often where the real grime collects. Designed to help make that task easier, this brush from Mothers also provides another benefit: it means you don’t have to bend down as often to brush the rest of the wheel since its handle is so long.
Pros:
- High-quality construction, so it will last a while
- Produced by a highly trusted company in the automotive accessories industry
- Great for older folks, as it can reduce their need to bend down while cleaning their wheels
Cons:
- Might be too large to use on compact sport cars
Takavu Master Wheel Brush
Brushin' on a budget
Shopping for wheel brushes on a budget? Don’t stress; just get the Takavu Master wheel brush. This nifty little gadget may be modestly priced, but it’s just as effective as other brushes twice its price. It sports an ergonomic grip handle and extra-soft, synthetic bristles that work to thoroughly clean all parts of the wheel, including the spokes, inside the wheel, and in other tough-to-reach places, all without scratching up your car. It’s also multi-purpose, so you can use it for a wide variety of vehicles. Talk about efficiency.
Pros:
- Excellent value buy
- Reaches all the nooks and crannies imaginable; slips easily through spokes
- Crafted with soft, synthetic bristles that don’t scratch up your car
- Multi-purpose use; this brush works great on cars, trucks, motorcycles, and bikes
Cons:
- Can start to lose its effectiveness after a few dozen uses
Lucklyjone Wheel & Tire Brush Kit (7-Piece)
You've got to be kit-ing me
This kit from Lucklyjone comes with everything you need to give your car’s wheels a super-thorough cleaning, including five detailing brushes of various sizes. We love that these brushes can be used not just for the wheels, but also to brush clean other parts of your cars, such as the AC vents. You can even keep these brushes within arm’s reach in the garage thanks to their handle-hanging holes. Considering the cost, this kit is hard to beat.
Pros:
- Comes equipped with five different-sized detailing brushes for keeping both the exterior and interior clean
- Also includes a wheel brush and a wheel barrel brush
- Excellent value
Cons:
- Some may prefer pure boar hair bristles over synthetic
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some key features to look for in a tire cleaning brush?
A good wheel brush should have sturdy, tough-yet-soft bristles, a slip-proof handle, and the ability to bend and wrap into tight crevices (for cleaning hard-to-reach spots).
What are the benefits of using a car wheel brush?
Brushes that are specifically made for cleaning cars allow you to more effectively remove dirt and debris from your wheels, helping you to target spots that may otherwise be difficult to reach. A trusty wheel brush can also help prevent damage to your car and protect your car’s paint job, since these types of brushes are designed to gently (yet thoroughly) get rid of dirt without causing scratches.
Will a car wheel brush scratch my car or car rims?
This depends largely on the bristles used and the amount of pressure you apply when cleaning. Obviously, softer bristles, like those of boar’s hair, won’t scratch your rims, but they’re also unlikely to remove the real sticky gunk without a little extra force. That’s why we recommend starting out by hosing everything down and brushing gently. That way, you’ll loosen up the gritty dirt without scratching your shiny rims.
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