Wheeling cleaning

[Myclk55amg]

What's the best thing for cleaning alloy wheels? , I currently use wheel acid wonder wheels but I'm starting to think that wheel acid doesn't do the paint on the alloy wheels any good

 

[markwibbs]

You are correct.

Try something like this - safe, and magic - you can actually see how good a job you've done. I've used this exclusively for the last 2 years.

Kenotek Wheel Cleaner Ultra (1 litre) KEN-Ultra

 

[Forsh]

It's ok to use if they are bad but not for every wash

Once they are clean seal or wax them for easy maintenance washes

 

[jtotheb]

I use this. Perfectly happy with it

Auto-wheel | Water-based Alloy Wheel Cleaner - Bilt Hamber

 

[Abb]

Bilberry wheel cleaner is my choice.

 

[MarkII]

Acid wheel cleaners are just horrible and in the long run actually make the surface more difficult to keep clean - what you want is a really slick surface that's protected from the corrosive effects of brake dust and road salt.

Provided the paint on your wheels is still in good nick (and hasn't gone misty, cracked or chipped yet) and you want something that's wheel friendly & long lasting, then I'd recommend Gtechniq nano.
Of course if the paint has deteriorated then your only real solution is to get a refurb (full strip, repair & powder coat preferably at c£50 a corner) and never use acid cleaner again!!

1. For best results, I'd recommend removing the wheels and thoroughly washing them inside and out with a good quality PH neutral car shampoo or G-wash.
2. Use Gtechniq Iron & Fallout Remover (c£5.95 depending on size), to remove brake dust and iron residues.
3. Use Gtechniq W2 Universal Cleaner (c£3.60), diluted as per instructions - to remove any wax/grease residue.
4. Use Gtechniq C5 Alloy Wheel Armour (c£22.50), to seal the surface and provide protection - for best results use a cotton applicator pad to apply, buff off with a microfibre and then leave for 12 hrs before applying a second thin coat (you only need a tiny amount of C5).

Don't expose the car to rain or water for 12hrs afterwards.

Result: Wheels that look great and are easy to wash clean for 6 - 12 months - just use a normal PH neutral shampoo or Gwash.

HTH Mark

 

[whitenemesis]

I used Collinite 915 wax to protect my AMG wheels. Brake dust simply rinses off. I also use Wheel Woolies to clean the insides without having to remove the wheels each time.

 

[Chrishazle]

I take the wheels off and pressure wash them first, then Iron X to remove the brake dust and Tardis to remove the tar spots (in the fresh air, it stinks, I think it's trichlorethylene based, nasty stuff for people!). Then a good coat of wax - I use Rimwax, but whatever you use on the bodywork will be good.

 

[Forsh]

Wheel Woolies

^^^WHS^^^

Buy Wheel Woolies Pack Of Three 3 - 'B' Kit | Brushes | Slim's Detailing

 

[Alex225]

As said Wheel Wooolies if you want to get right through the wheels and do the inside too.

I personally just use a microfibre mitt and normal car shampoo to wash my wheels.

I have sealed them with Chemical Guys Wheel Guard and I wash them every two weeks max so dirt doesn't end up ingrained.

 

[merc85]

Wheels off everytime, also gives you chance to do the the Arch liners and Shocks etc

 

[Yugguy]

mr muscle oven cleaner

 

[Alex225]

Wheels off everytime, also gives you chance to do the the Arch liners and Shocks etc

Every time you wash the car??

 

[merc85]

Every time you wash the car??

If its been out in the Rain, or dirty roads yes dohh.....

 

[markwibbs]

The Gtechniq and similar products are perhaps rather expensive and also have a reputation as being somewhat temperamental, susceptible to atmospheric moisture content and temperature at application.

As a super easy product, and the one I use myself, agreeing with the comment above that once wheels are clean, sealing them makes future maintenance far easier and removes the need to actually use a cleaning chemical, is Race Glaze Nano Wheel Sealant. My £9.99 bottle must be 2 years old and isn't even half empty yet - and we have 5 cars.

Plenty of good reviews too, I dont think you can wrong with it, did all our CLK wheels in less than 10 minutes including curing time, you'd never manage that with Gtechniq stuff.

Race Glaze Nano Wheel Sealant (250ml) RG-SS-WS-250

 

[Alex225]

If its been out in the Rain, or dirty roads yes dohh.....

Fair play. One of the reasons why my CLS doesn't go out in the rain or winter weather haha.

I should get the wheels off my E at some point but new wheels first I think.