[ecko]

Just wanted to get some recommendations on what to use to clean my wheels...They have some pretty hard to reach areas and I can tell brake dust is going to be a problem...Just want something that isn't harsh or abrasive...What ya'll use?????

 

[Goose]

For something like wheels, I usually buy whatever is on special at my local auto parts store. The main things to consider are: stick with one of the big names (Meguiars, Eagle One, Mothers, etc) and be sure to get a product that says it's safe for all wheel types (most are these days).

 

[tcope]

Depends on what type of wheels you have.... aluminum, clear coated alloy, etc.

Get a good brush and use it with each washing of the vehicle. Use a synthetic sealer on the wheels. You may need to clay them first in order to get a good bond.

 

[duncanville1]

I use whatever looks good also at the store. I normally buy the ones "safe for all wheels".

 

[99_XC600]

Honestly, they all seem to be the same. I have yet to come across a single wheel cleaner that didn't require some type of manual interaction to get the wheels clean.

Don't spend too much money on specialty wheel brushes either. They're always either too big or too stiff to get into the cracks and crevices. What I use is an cheap 4" chiseled tip paint brush. This will allow you too really get into the depth's of the wheel and get it clean.

 

[AZMX5]

I use a toilet scrubber. The bristles are sturdy enough to scrub with but it won't harm the finish. This was bought new BTW. Don't use old ones - you don't want toilet cleaner chemicals on your wheels.

 

[tcope]

I use a toilet scrubber. The bristles are sturdy enough to scrub with but it won't harm the finish. This was bought new BTW. Don't use old ones - you don't want toilet cleaner chemicals on your wheels.

Question... would you use one of these to scrub the paint on the rest of your car? If so, I'm worried.

If not, consider this... many wheels are clear coated just like the paint on your car. So you'd be doing the same kind of damage to the wheel.

Honestly, they all seem to be the same. I have yet to come across a single wheel cleaner that didn't require some type of manual interaction to get the wheels clean.

Certainly wheels _are_ easy to damage if the wrong cleaner is used. One type of wheel that fits this area is non-coated aluminum. Using an acid based cleaner can etch the aluminum very easily. If nothing else the aluminum can be dulled over time.

 

[99_XC600]

Question... would you use one of these to scrub the paint on the rest of your car? If so, I'm worried.

If not, consider this... many wheels are clear coated just like the paint on your car. So you'd be doing the same kind of damage to the wheel.

Certainly wheels _are_ easy to damage if the wrong cleaner is used. One type of wheel that fits this area is non-coated aluminum. Using an acid based cleaner can etch the aluminum very easily. If nothing else the aluminum can be dulled over time.

This is absolutely correct. However, I don't think too many people are running polished aluminum rim's out there. For the most part, your going to see either clear coated, anodized and painted wheels.

 

[CorsaKoup]

My friend has a 2005 Infiniti G with polished aluminum wheels. After one winter in Ohio, 3 of them have dark, permanent stains from salt and other chemicals. The 4th wheel isn't stained because it was replaced after she moved back to TX because of a crack. Her wheels pretty much put me off of ever having non-clearcoated wheels.

I guess the wheels I've had on my cars never had a chance to get so dirty that I had to use anything stronger than soap & water to get them clean. Simple Green works well on my Sport Trac wheels when they've been neglected for a while. (combination clearcoated aluminum & painted aluminum).

 

[99_XC600]

I picked up some Eagle One A2Z wheel cleaner yesterday since I decided to detail my wife's 2006 Liberty and my 2005 Grand Prix GT over the long weekend. (Currently looking for a replacement for the Pontiac.)

This worked great on my Aluminum Clear Coated wheels on the Pontiac. I had some heavy tarnishing in the corners and this cleaner took it right off with no problems. I did use a tooth brush to get some of the worst of it. At the end, I spent about 10 minutes on each wheel. But it did work very well.

$5.00 at Walmart


and Yes I know I need tires. They will be going on next weekend.

A2Z™ All Wheel & Tire Cleaner[/url

 

[noodile]

For my SX rims (2010), i found that the best cleaner is Rain-X 2in1. with microfiber towel, and some patience.

then i shine the tires with meguiars endurance gel. (PS: for best results, clean the tires with purple power and power wash it, then rub the gel in good. re-apply after 30 minutes, and remove any excess)