Logistical Question...

[Lexi65]

I don't understand the logic/practicality of doing tires/cleaning wheels/applying tire dressing, etc. first. Can't believe that the car soap, rinsing, etc. doesn't ruin the tires. And yes I confess i haven't washed a car for more than 20 years.

Feed back please

 

[SuperiorAutoLLC]

You clean the tires and wheels first because if you cleaned the paint first, you'd get water spots on the paint because the water would dry as you're washing the tires. Make sense?

You don't apply the tire dressing until you've washed the tires and the paint dried everything.

 

[neat e34]

I also do it so that if I get any overspray on the paint from harsh wheel cleaners it will be quickly removed when I wash.

Plus if I'm getting fussy cleaning my wheels I may sit or kneel down while cleaning them.
That's no fun when the ground is wet from having just washed your car

 

[BobbyG]

Many car owners have never washed their cars..........they take it to a quality detailer...rops:

Washing

I've washed them both before and after and the real issue in my mind is the rinse water splatter or overspray. Tire and wheel chemicals are much more aggressive and the rinse water can carry them to the paint leaving spots and possible etching behind.

* Some wheel cleaners are acid based and extra care should be exercised.

Protection

The application of wheel sealants and tire dressings are done last. These are generally applied once the job is in the final stages and never done prior to general washing.

 

[vet]

I do the tires last if I'm doing a no-rinse, first if a regular wash.

Like Bobby says, put the wheel and tire dressing on last. In my opinion, it gives them the chance to drain/dry more completely.