Should You Always Clean Wheels First? Does It Matter?

[@car3030]

Great video! Good to see someone with LOGIC in their videos, because some KZbinrs make up these nonsensical theories about logical simple things in the world! Great Job!

[@MirandaDetailing]

Thanks! I know right!? I do find it funny sometimes, but man it can cause so much confusion for new detailers. 🤣😎👍🏼

[@car3030]

Right on!

[@Tigerbergslim]

Thank You !! It all depends on the circumstances. I have done wheels first , I have done wheels last and got the same results.

[@MirandaDetailing]

Right on! Exactly!

[@aureliandumitru8382]

Due to the fact i live in apartment im forced to use self wash services. I wash my wheels and tires last due to the economical logic. After i apply the shampoo on the car with mitt , i let it do its job for a couple of minutes while i go and clean wheels and tires, so when i rinse, i rinse entire car including wheels and tires. You gotta work smart and economical!

[@MirandaDetailing]

Great info! Thanks for sharing!

[@marklittleton1309]

Your method makes perfect sense for the two of you, Phil! Thanks for giving us a bit of the "why" behind the "what." Very helpful for folks like me who aren't pro detailers, but still have a passion for detailing! 👍

[@MirandaDetailing]

Thanks sir!!😎👍🏼

[@jeffmason4559]

I always do the wheels first, because they are a massive pain in the backside. It’s a joy when they’re done and all sparkling, it’s just the getting there that’s the drudge.

[@MirandaDetailing]

Thanks for sharing!! 😎👍🏼

[@matsudakodo]

My wheels are painted gloss black. Since there's no way for me to prevent them from spotting while doing the car, I'll do them last. There's not as much over spray from doing wheels as you think. Not as much as the over spray your wheels get while cleaning the body.

[@nextleveldetailingplus7063]

Yes I clean wheels first because that’s the most tedious part of the exterior it to be cleaned I do it when I wash my vehicles

[@aldaley3537]

Totally agree with you that wheels first doesn’t matter. I do whatever method works best at the time. BTW, I notice that you still 303 Tire Balm. Love it for affordability and ease of use.

[@MirandaDetailing]

Exactly! Yes we do! We bought like 5 bottles!

[@lreid1457]

I do wheels and tires last at the self-car wash so I don't get dirt on my wash mitt for the body wash. I use a bucket, mitt and the car wash foam brush (to apply foam all around car for mitt). No tire shine spray near the car, just onto a cloth then wipe the tires.

[@MirandaDetailing]

Thanks for sharing. 😎👍🏼

[@shealaking8557]

Always enjoy watching Miranda videos, Phil. You and Jess always seem to be relaxed and enjoying your work. Seems cozy for you being at home as well. Anyway, thanks as always for the pointers!😎

[@MirandaDetailing]

Thanks so much!! 😎👍🏼

[@daringlisson9353]

I appreciate the tip about foaming the wheel bucket to help keep the “kickback” from those wheel brushes. Also, as it heats up here in Texas, I’ll start doing wheels after so I can get the vehicle washed and dried while it’s cooler. I think people are more concerned about being negative or nitpicking things rather than trying to understand the “why”. That tire cleaner did some work!

[@MirandaDetailing]

Thanks man!

[@Eurogloss]

100% agree!!!

[@272eddie]

Another great video guys. Miranda detailing is becoming my new daily fix. ❤️ keep it up guys.

[@MirandaDetailing]

Thanks man!! 😎👍🏼

[@CaliforniaCasey]

one rule, have Coffee first. 🎉

[@txdeedee7783]

Yes! ☕

[@MirandaDetailing]

Ok….now that is a rule I can understand the logic behind 💯

[@keithcurley6760]

Hey Phil, I have been in the detailing business for 19 years and I always have done the wheels first. It's just the way I do them, like you said there is no right or wrong. I have noticed many Detailer's detail the outside of the vehicle first, i think I might be the only one that does the interior first then work my way to the outside, just the way I have always done it. keep up the great info. Phil :)

[@MirandaDetailing]

Thanks for sharing

[@jeffreyrobert9460]

I always do wheels first simply because it takes the most effort to get them squeaky clean. If I did paint first , then I’d probably lose steam and not do the most effective job on the wheels.

[@MirandaDetailing]

Yeah I totally understand! Thanks for sharing!

[@clock99times]

If I had a spot free system and it wasn’t 100 degrees outside I would do it your way. Thanks man for the tip.

[@MirandaDetailing]

Cool. Yeah man, which ever way works for you in your environment and process. 😎👍🏼

[@ddautodetailing]

Awesome video! I usually start with wheels just for sake of getting them knocked out of the way and I can't get around the whole car fast enough before the soap/water would dry on the vehicle.

[@MirandaDetailing]

Thanks for sharing man!

[@GlennSherwood]

I use to do the wheels and tire last because I like the water and soap running off onto them while I was washing the car. It felt like it was easier to do them after I was finished with the paint. Now I do them first but idc which one I start with just as long as the end result is the same and the customer is happy.

[@MirandaDetailing]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@raflinaldo9267]

me too 👍

[@completeturnarounddetailin3536]

I usually do the wheels first just because I like to get it out of the way… Also, I usually do a chemical decon when polishing just because to me, it comes out cheaper to spend money on the product instead of spending time and energy claying however if its really bad I will still clay bar also. (especially when TW has a “glitch” in their website and I can get iron decon for $10 a gallon)

[@MirandaDetailing]

Thanks for sharing! Yeah I saw that!!! 😁👍🏼

[@big-redsdetailingcliffords2379]

Good morning Phil and Jess! Been waiting on this highly anticipated video.

[@tlynch580]

Awsome video... Doing this for 3 years as a business... It's all situational... The fleet that take care of consist of 23 vehicles of which 12 are back and we are in direct sunlight. The sun dictates what gets done first.

[@MirandaDetailing]

Exactly! Thanks for sharing!

[@declanflaherty8958]

I do them first because if you do them last you need to be quick if you don’t towel dry the car in direct sun. Don’t want water spots. This means it’s easier to dry the whole car down in one go when wheels are done first and then move on to next step.

[@MirandaDetailing]

Cool! Thanks for sharing!

[@J1Z06]

I always clean wheels and tires first.... after they've cooled off. I'm going to try an ONR spray as we have hard water. I've read You can add a little ONR to the car wash soap as well?

[@MirandaDetailing]

Thanks for sharing man! Yes you can totally add ONR to your shampoo foam!

[@JamieTheCleaner]

Wheels first cause it’s all downhill for the ol knees and back gotta do em when everything is 100% at the beginning 🤣

[@MirandaDetailing]

🤣 I hear ya! That’s why we got rolling chairs! My knees and back are shot also!!

[@cartailincautodetailing5465]

I got lids on my wash buckets so I’ll sit down on one of them while washing tha wheels but wheels first is the best way to start an exterior wash in my opinion

[@kevinsbiscuitsnjelly8193]

Lol! My knees still good (28 yrs) but yah it's starting 😆😂

[@mag1vl]

Hello Phil + Jess from Australia 🙃I saw you both in the background on Jay Leno's Garage Weekend Wash😄 I haven't commented much lately but I am always watching your posts..

[@MirandaDetailing]

Hi! Yeah man! We tagged along with them! It was a blast!! We have videos coming soon also!!

[@mag1vl]

@@MirandaDetailing Cool see ya soon 🙃

[@AntLive29]

I always clean wheels 1st

[@tedlym.3390]

Good morning. Good presentation. If I'm doing a car with heavily brake dust coated wheels and will use a strong cleaner, I do them first. If I'm doing a maintenance wash and the car's wheels are not too soiled I do them last with car shampoo. Thank you for the video.

[@MirandaDetailing]

Thanks for sharing!

[@adrianlawrence7224]

Make no difference to me. Car cleaning to me is a pleasue, my enjoyment, my me-time. So my car wash may mean all day Saturday, and seriously, all Sunday too. I do it my way. I don't harm any surface and I don't care if I lengthen the overall process. All that matters is that I'm in my garage with my car and my wife is somewhere else.

[@NickVetter]

The apc pre-rinse can get the majority of the dirt off the wheels also so I havent had an issue. I still do them first usually

[@MirandaDetailing]

Thanks for sharing!

[@RaldasDetails]

Great video brother! As always 👍🏼👍🏼

[@MirandaDetailing]

Thanks Bro!

[@Irish-caddy]

Top video 📹 👌 priceless information for the keyboard detailers. Keep up the good work 👏 🇮🇪🇺🇲

[@MirandaDetailing]

Thanks sir!

[@davidjarrell6159]

I watch your videos and I always learn something!!! Always looking forward to your videos sir!!! Keep it up!!!

[@MirandaDetailing]

Thanks man!!

[@neilwalker5041]

Back in the 80’s was taught to always clean the wheels and tires first. Personally I have zero quality difference between doing the wheels first or last because wheels and tires take the same amount of time. I use the one bucket and multiple mitts method myself which means the wash bucket has to be rinsed and refilled with fresh water and more soap if I wash the wheels first. Washing the wheels last means I use the same bucket of water and soap. This saves water, soap, and time which means more money.

[@MirandaDetailing]

Thanks for sharing!! 😎👍🏼

[@danielsautodetailing4790]

Fantastic video! I agree with you that it is not just one way to do things. is all about to find the proper method for the specific project. And you do a great job demystifying the art of detailing! lol...sounds like a title for a video.. Thanks again for always bring great content.

[@MirandaDetailing]

Thanks! Yes! That’s an awesome title! Maybe a good name for a series!🤔

[@Mdetailing]

It doesn't matter... wherever works for everyones scenario...not all world is the same.... Lets take example your washing process 1. It works for you 2. If you was... mobile on texas with blasting sun and hot smoking panel...the above method will not work 3. If you are in California you cant even use running water 4. If you are on Alaska with tons of salt you have to change the wash method again 5. You wash the cars before you enter to garage.....if you had shop with water drain.. maybe you wash differently.... Whatever it works for every one is different..... Keep up.bro...... Dont apologize

[@MirandaDetailing]

Exactly! I thought this was kind of a funny topic. Anything “controversial” in detailing is usually just a method that depends on the scenario and not a rule like detailers think. People always ask me questions and I always tell them “it depends on the situation” thanks man.

[@Mdetailing]

@@MirandaDetailing thats the only true answer.... it depends. I have many similar questions on my channel. I always say, and it is true, i cannot answer yes/no straightforward....it always...depends.

[@MirandaDetailing]

Exactly! Problem solving is also a big part of detailing. I think that will also be a subject I talk about next.

[@Mdetailing]

@@MirandaDetailing 95% of problems...are fixed.....the first time you actual...go to the garage and just DO it try it.....the rest is knowledge of the chemicals, the technology, reading articles, workshops and training.........

[@MirandaDetailing]

Well said my friend!!

[@timblackwell3196]

Excellent video today. Common method you see is wheels first. Never thought it mattered either. Just depends on what you want to do.

[@MirandaDetailing]

Thanks man! I want people to think outside their box!! 🤣😁😎👍🏼

[@NickVetter]

My SPTA polisher is schemed to arrive tomorrow!

[@MirandaDetailing]

Yay!!!

[@prophinishnyc31]

I’ve been saying this for past few years. I use deionized water and, for my regular customers; we usually coat the wheels with sonax polymer Netshield or Gyeon Can coat. This helps with the cleaning of the wheels. It saves us money to foam the car entirely and do the body first and wheels last. Carry a diluted version of Malco fastshot to help with cleaning the tires. Not the wheels. By the time we(4) are done, quickly rinse and blow dry.

[@MirandaDetailing]

Thanks for sharing your methods!! 😎👍🏼

[@prophinishnyc31]

@@MirandaDetailing if you ever get to try Malco Fastshot Dilute it 1:1-1:4 Strong and effective With a turbo nozzle and protected wheels It just rinsed off without agitation unless the tire is super dirty.

[@Gnetbird]

Tires first, I don't want the water to dry on paint.

[@greymark420]

The trouble i have is when i clean my car at home, the water is very hard and leaves water spots even when its cool. Water softener is not practical for me. Is there anything that could be added to the bucket to soften the water ? I also think Phil that having the benefit of two people is a huge advantage.

[@MirandaDetailing]

Ah yeah that can be a challenge. So you could do a rinse with ONR in a separate pump bottles becasue if that dries on the paint it’s not an issue. It has water stabilizers in it.

[@greymark420]

@@MirandaDetailing Thanks Phil i will certainly try that. Really appreciate, that you reply even to us guys who do not run a business.

[@MirandaDetailing]

Totally man! 😎👍🏼

use formula 4 spray wax by superior products spray on car, wheels and windows before final rinse and it helps with preventing water spots. you can also add it to your wash bucket.

[@marcusbarnes5929]

Interior, engine bay, wheels, body panels, glass.

[@barrycook8116]

Hey Phil not sure if you ever hydrate weather tech mats but P&S has a product called natural finish. It’s self levels and does wonders on the mats with a nice matte finish and no slickness or mess. I just spray one or two light sprays and either leave it for 20 mins soaking in the mat is bad and better looking mats I wipe right way. Most detailers just clean and put them back. Syndi from P&S came up with this.

[@MirandaDetailing]

Hey man! That’s awesome! We will usually use stoners trim shine and then let it soak and wipe it down really well and that works great. But I’ll have to pick up some of the Natural Shine and try it out! Thanks for the tip!!

[@barrycook8116]

@@MirandaDetailing of course sir. It also works amazing on interiors. P&S have stepped up their game. Thank you for all the content you guys do a great job!

[@Rcd710]

Ive always liked doing wheels first. My exception is when i just got back from driving it and the brakes are really hot i like to let them cool down to avoid potential warping. I wash the car and completely dry it and when i do the wheels im careful to not spray water all over the car and any water that does get on the paint i simply wipe it after i finish the wheel with my drying towel. Great videos thank you for the insight!

[@MirandaDetailing]

Thanks for sharing!

[@1stfrompuertorico568]

That's exactly what I do when Phil asked about it on Instagram 2 days ago 😄👌👍 one thing I do on cars customers is that I put 4 fans each directly on the wheels to cool them faster avoiding warping the rotors with water because brakes are hot

[@TripleGAutoDetailing]

..."you just rinse it!" 💦 🤣 #genius

[@stevem5840]

Phil, love the common sense which is missing in a lot of people. Smart, quick and effecient. The way to make money

[@MirandaDetailing]

Thanks man! 😎👍🏼

[@hartlanddetailer5670]

In my shop, if I am doing a full detail, I will wash & decon the wheels, tires, barrels, etc., 2nd. I will first clean the engine bay. If I am doing an ONR wash, I wheel do the tires, wheels, etc., last.

[@MirandaDetailing]

Thanks for sharing!

[@chrissemsch8781]

The German in me says “zee veels must be done first”. Can the wheels be done last? NINE!!! You must do Zee veels first.

[@MirandaDetailing]

🤣🤣🤣

[@chrissemsch8781]

Update. On this job that I’m doing now the wheels are being done last. Doesn’t feel right.

[@MirandaDetailing]

🤣 Sen clean zee veels first!

[@chrissemsch8781]

@@MirandaDetailing 😂yavol

[@fireball7671]

I'm really weird, I do tires, wheel barrels and fender wells first then wash the vehicle. I do just the wheels last and use my car wash bucket. I know it's going around it twice but it's the way I have been doing it for years. If I'm not using my DI water I mist the paint with the pressure washer. It takes a long time to dry with the mist on it so I don't have to worry about water spots.

[@MirandaDetailing]

Cool! Thanks for sharing man! 😎👍🏼

[@joshpeck443]

My logic is based on fatigue...doing the tires and wheels makes my feet and knees ache a little so I do them first while i feel a little fresher and then move to the rest of the vehicle where there is less fatigue for me.

[@MirandaDetailing]

Great point! Thanks for sharing!

[@michelmosser4842]

14.28 made my afternoon🤣

[@MirandaDetailing]

🤣 I wish there was an emoji for that!!

[@rogermendez7266]

Woody real Life 😮

[@iadubber]

What pressure washer hose do you use? The one I have is always coiling on itself making washing miserable sometimes to just get the those workable.

[@MirandaDetailing]

H. This is the hose we use bit.ly/3JpSt7r Also having a swivel pressure washer gun helps, bit.ly/3vZX25l

[@nextleveldetailingplus7063]

Yes I agree what you said and Detailing a vehicle is very flexible depending on the vehicles condition you don’t have to do wheels first but I am a single owner and technician so I do start wheels first it depends on the vehicles condition maybe I’ll do twist some things up or just start doing the interior first then go ahead and start doing the wheels vice versa

[@hamiorakaiwai]

I drive a little faster in the rain to get the overall shine.

[@drewv5119]

I do my wheels after I wash my car to avoid the grit and grime from road destroying/scratching paint.

[@MirandaDetailing]

Thanks for sharing!

[@J1Z06]

Is an APC rinse necessary on every wash? Is it reserved for filthy vehicles? Cars that'll be enhanced/corrected then coated(I don't really like wax any longer after seeing the longevity of coating.. especially CSL) Thank You... I forgot to ask that in the previous comment.

[@MirandaDetailing]

Great question. I’ll be doing another video on pre washing and apc rinsing. We only do apc rinsing on initial details that we haven’t cleaned or haven’t seen in a while. We don’t use it on protected vehicles with sealants or coatings. 😎👍🏼

[@J1Z06]

@@MirandaDetailing Thanks! I appreciate Your prompt replies! I'm glad You thought it was a good question. I look forward to every one of Your videos! Keep them coming.

[@kevincampbell8298]

I watched a video yesterday with Jason CAP talking to the guys behind Jay Leno’s products. Great story! The detailing Gods will kill you if you don’t follow a certain order. LOL 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻✌🏼✌🏼✌🏼

[@MirandaDetailing]

Yes!! We tagged along for that trip! It was awesome!! 😎👍🏼

[@ECXTD]

Does using a sprayer instead of a foamer for a apc rinse still do well or is it imperative to use a foamer for this process?

[@MirandaDetailing]

Hi. We have used both foam and spray and find they work equally well for us.

[@ECXTD]

@@MirandaDetailing Thanks! Thought that the foam would work better.

[@MirandaDetailing]

The foam is great if working in direct sun because it takes longer to dry, so each has their place. Give both a try and see what works for you. 😎👍🏼

[@pj9241]

Love apc in pump sprayer. Typically I fill the bottle up from my wash bucket and then add the apc. I never fill my spray up more then 3/4 the more room for air the more pressure you can get out of the sprayer

[@brianhunt914]

I do wheels first as the ground is dryer so as a home detail I can kneel on my mat and not be in a ton of foam and water.

[@MirandaDetailing]

Good point!! Thanks for sharing!

[@brianhunt914]

@@MirandaDetailing I thought so lol

[@dave2166]

always wheels first they are the dirtiest part of any car. why clean the car then cover them in wheel dirt.... it's time efficient surely...

[@MirandaDetailing]

Hi. Thanks for sharing! Did you watch the entire video yet?

[@dave2166]

@@MirandaDetailing Phil... you should know me by now... shoot first and ask questions last in the UK as a driveway warrior I just find it works for me on my own. always done them first as my wheels get mullered with brake dust weekly so for me wheels can take 10 mins each to get that washed off.... so when my energy is highest and my motivation is higher.... start with the toughest and least liked element first

[@MirandaDetailing]

🤣😁👍🏼. See now that makes! That method works for you for very logical and valid reasons!

[@dave2166]

@@MirandaDetailing I'm blessed ..or cursed ..with a driveway that get sun from sunrise to early pm so in the spring and summer I have to adapt and wash and rinse the sunny side to avoid chemical drying. I've also started doing my shampoo stage via the foam lance which is waaaayyyyy faster and you've got so much more suds and slippiness to play with....

[@Legendsneverdie877]

Good video. I’ve watched enough videos from enough different detailers to know that there is a (very deep) rabbit hole that you can go down if you allow yourself. Two buckets and one or two wash mitts or one wash bucket and 10 wash mitts? Pressure washer or garden hose? Wheels and tires first or last? Dry with or without a drying aid? Open cell or closed cell foam pads? Wax or sealant? APC on interiors or material specific cleaners? Rotary or dual action? Water based or solvent based dressings? Steam or extract? Waterless wash or rinseless? 75% correction or 100% correction? Graphene or ceramic? It’s enough to give a person a headache, really. In the end, you really just have to ask, “Is what I’m doing both effective and efficient?” Whether you’re working for a paying customer or just as a hobbyist like myself, you have to make sure that what you’re doing accomplishes whatever you’re trying to accomplish without creating more work for yourself or shortchanging yourself/the customer. I could tell you literally 15 different ways to wash a car, but in the end I’m going to do what I find works best for me and that I’m most comfortable with. Thanks again for your great videos! There are too many people out there who like to act like they’ve done it all, seen it all, and know it all. I appreciate your willingness to share knowledge and information. God bless!

[@mmane257]

i like it 👍🏿

[@brianbrooks6974]

I do wheels and tires first to ensure of the chemical does not need diluted it has full effect

[@MirandaDetailing]

Thanks for sharing.

[@brianbrooks6974]

Anytime, bummed I missed the class in Pa

[@MirandaDetailing]

Maybe next time!!

[@richardseem7948]

Awesome video and content good friend. Bingo. Great point addressed .sad u need 2 Emphasize ur words and actions so haters and trolls don't chime in with negative bs.b well good friend

[@phonedrn8]

Also wheel and tires are hotter then the body paint... here in the desert 80-110 degrees, doing the body wash then wheels and tires.

[@MirandaDetailing]

Good point!! Thanks for sharing!

[@nextleveldetailingplus7063]

Good morning everybody this is Joe from Fort Mill Carwash in Mobile Detailing was nextleveldetailingplus but it’s changed and I’m working on a Mercedes E3 50 right now

[@quintinreynolds8126]

🎯🎯

[@MirandaDetailing]

🏹🏹

[@kimnewling5728]

Apparently you have enough folks bickering about how to do a procedure. I'm sorry to hear that. I was not aware there was that much controversy. I guess for me I try to follow common sense stuff. Like here in Wisconsin I try to rinse a little later on. If I do it earlier water freezes. Hot panels from the sun? I wish!!!! Now when summer comes I have to adjust once again. So on and so forth. You are absolutely right, in that you have to do what works for yourself. Great talk. I learn alot watching. Hi wife!

[@MirandaDetailing]

Yeah it’s funny! We get all sorts of funny things “rule making” detailers that challenge out methods and even go as far as arguing aggressively! So these videos will settle the issues once and for all one a logical, and somewhat comical way.

[@kimnewling5728]

@@MirandaDetailing good. It will be fun to watch!

[@p8rdm]

Then there’s the other one, exterior or interior first 😂😜

[@MirandaDetailing]

That’s a good one!

[@chrissemsch8781]

And,,,, do you clean/polish glass first?

[@MirandaDetailing]

🤣😎👍🏼

[@nextleveldetailingplus7063]

What’s your coffee of choice Phil?

[@MirandaDetailing]

Anything dark roast!☕️😎👍🏼

[@nextleveldetailingplus7063]

I dreamed dark rose but in the morning time I drank a very strong espresso

[@MirandaDetailing]

Yum!!!

[@txdeedee7783]

I can't live in a world without rules.

[@MirandaDetailing]

I can’t live in a world without principles!

[@thso6529]

Of course it matters! Wheels always first. There is no option here.

[@MirandaDetailing]

🤣🤣🤣

[@thso6529]

@@MirandaDetailing Btw i'm serious!! Doing the wheels last will ruin the the clean paint and your nerves as well!

[@MirandaDetailing]

Oh really! I thought you wrote this as a joke? Did you watch the entire video?

[@thso6529]

@@MirandaDetailing To be honest not yet but i will and YOU WILL NOT CHANGE MY STUBBORN MIND!

[@MirandaDetailing]

It’s totally cool man! If that’s your method totally stick with it! However it’s not a rule, never was, never will be. There are re options and variables that each detailer must consider when determining which processes or methods should be applied in any given circumstance. Keep doing what you’re doing! The video is NOT about which way it better or correct! You will see, and probably laugh a little also. 😎👍🏼

[@1974gladiateur]

The only reason why you always clean the wheels first it’s because when you spray your product on the wheels and the product finds his way to the paint that you just cleaned. Plus you rinse your wheel after you already clean your paint it doesn’t make any sense logically. It as nothing to do with spots on the paint. Your product you spray doesn’t only go on your wheel the wind brings it all around the vehicle and in your face so that’s why you need protection for your face when you use these products.

[@MirandaDetailing]

🤦🏻‍♂️