In the field of bicycle modification and high-performance pursuit, carbon fiber rims have become the upgrade parts that many fans and owners dream of with their many incomparable advantages.

The most significant advantage of carbon fiber rims is lightweight. Compared with traditional aluminum alloy rims, the weight of carbon fiber rims can be reduced by 30%-50%, which is like unloading a heavy burden from the vehicle. When the vehicle is driving, every 1kg reduction in unsprung mass is equivalent to a 5kg weight reduction, which greatly improves the acceleration performance of the vehicle and significantly improves fuel efficiency, allowing you to feel the pleasure of driving.

Maintenance is essential for carbon fiber rims. Through proper maintenance, you can extend its service life and avoid damage caused by improper maintenance, thereby saving the cost of replacing rims. Regular cleaning and maintenance can also maintain the performance of carbon fiber rims, ensuring that they are always in the best condition, so that the vehicle's handling, stability and safety are guaranteed. If you do not pay attention to maintenance, the rims may have problems such as wear, corrosion, and cracks, which will not only affect the appearance, but also threaten driving safety.

How to Clean Carbon Fiber Wheels the Right Way

Use Mild Soap And A Soft Microfiber Cloth

Some harsh cleaners may seem strong, but carbon fiber is tough on the road, not in the sink. Stick to mild dish soap or a bike-specific cleaner, and always use a clean, soft microfiber cloth. This protects the clearcoat and resin coating from minor scratches, keeping your rims shiny and aerodynamic.

Avoid Pressure Washers And Harsh Chemicals

High-pressure water jets can force water into spoke holes, the hub, or the rim cavity—places you don’t want water hiding. Likewise, acids or degreasers can dull the finish or damage the resin over time. Rinsing gently and using a gentle touch will yield better results.

Tips For Cleaning Brake Rims And Spokes

Gently scrub the brake rims and around the spoke intersections using a soft-bristle brush or a dedicated hub cleaning tool. Brake dust, road grit, and salt can wear down the performance and appearance of your rims if left unchecked.

Inspecting Your Carbon Wheels For Damage

Common Signs Of Cracks, Delamination, Or Rim Wear

Don’t wait for a failure to notice the warning signs. Look for hairline cracks near spoke holes, rim lips, or brake tracks. Bulging, soft spots, or cloudy patches in the carbon layup can signal delamination — a hidden but serious issue. Rim wear from brake pads (in rim brake wheels) often shows up as uneven surfaces or fading grooves.

Visual Inspection Vs. Tap Test

A good inspection starts with your eyes — examine both sides of the rim under bright light. Then, do the “tap test”: gently tap the rim with a plastic tool or coin. A healthy wheel rings consistently; dull or dead spots may indicate internal damage.

What To Do If You Find Damage

Stop riding immediately. Carbon failure can be catastrophic. Contact a professional bike mechanic or the manufacturer for assessment. Some issues are repairable — others may require a full replacement. When in doubt, don’t risk it.

Essential Tools And Products For Carbon Fiber Wheel Care

Essential Cleaning Products (Soap, Alcohol, Degreaser)

Use a mild dishwashing liquid or a bicycle-specific cleaner for general cleaning. For brake rim buildup or stubborn grime, isopropyl alcohol (70% or higher) is safe and effective. If you’re dealing with oily residue or drivetrain splatter, use a bicycle-specific degreaser (not engine degreaser!) for effective cleaning without damaging the resin.

Recommended Brushes, Wipes, And Spoke Tools

Soft-bristle brushes are great for cleaning where spokes meet and behind the hub flange. A toothbrush-sized detail brush can get into tight corners, while a microfiber wiper helps polish surfaces without scratching them. If you’re doing a more in-depth inspection, keep a spoke tension gauge handy.

Products To Avoid (Abrasive Polishes, Acidic Cleaners)

Avoid using any harsh, acidic, or solvent-heavy products. This includes car polish, rust removers, or sprays with bleach. These substances can eat away at the resin, discolor the paint, or even worse — compromise the integrity of the wheel over time.

If the wheel rim is seriously damaged, such as large cracks, deformation or breakage, it is difficult to repair it by yourself, and it is difficult to ensure safety after repair. At this time, you must send the wheel rim to a professional repair center for repair. Professional repair centers have professional equipment and technicians, and they will use advanced technology and materials to repair the wheel rim. Or contact the manufacturer for consultation, whether to replace the wheel rim or return it to the factory for processing, giving your wheel rim a brand new look.

The maintenance and cleaning of carbon fiber rims requires us to pay attention to every detail. From careful preparation before cleaning, to the meticulous operation of the cleaning steps, to the precautions for daily maintenance and timely repair and protection after damage, each step is related to the performance, life and appearance of the rims. I hope everyone can become a caring guardian of the carbon fiber rims of their cars, so that they can always be in the best condition.