You weren’t just about to clean your wheel alignment targets with a dirty rag and a can of brake cleaner were you? While you might not realise it, doing so can cause more harm than good.
How you clean your targets matters, regardless of the brand, which is why we’ve put together this guide to cleaning them the right way in a bid to save you a hefty repair bill.
Before we dive into the nitty gritty, or rather, cleaning the nitty gritty, it’s important to understand what happens when targets are cleaned incorrectly.
The problem
One of the main issues we’ve come across as a result of dirty or damaged targets is that figures on the wheel aligner’s screen start jumping around like no tomorrow, or there’s no reading whatsoever.
Targets can be damaged with the use of harsh chemical cleaners, like brake cleaner, as well as abrasive or contaminated cleaning equipment, such as an oily cloth. Using either of these can take a toll on the target decal or plate (depending on the type of wheel aligner you have), with the latter costing $1,000 or more to replace.
What to clean targets with
You’ve probably guessed it by now, but using a soft clean rag combined with a gentle cleaning solution is the safest way to clean your targets.
As for what kind of cleaning solution to use, Stocks recommends Simple Green® Ready-To-Use All-Purpose Cleaner, a non-toxic biodegradable solution that’s strong enough for heavy cleaning without eating away at the surface underneath. And no, we’re not being paid to say that.
How to clean your targets
- Step One: Grab a clean rag and a bottle of Simple Green® Ready-To-Use All-Purpose Cleaner.
- Step Two: Spray cleaning solution onto the target and wipe dirt and grease stains away with mild pressure.
- Step Three: Soak up any remaining cleaning solution residue with a clean cloth and you’re ready to start aligning again.