Wheel Cleaning ?

[Basho]

My stock NA6 OE 14" wheels are rather grubby , a bit more than just a good wash grubby , the owners manual cautions against using alloy wheel cleaning solvents as it is likely they will damage the OE protective coating.

The wheels have a rough surface finish .

Any pointers on products that are safe to use or cleaning tips would be gratefully recieved.

[CHRISTolo]

Brake dust?

[hks_kansei]

Power Wheel Cleaner from Final Inspection.

I use it all the time, it's safe for all wheels. It's even safe for paint (but not recommended)

It's made from natural ingredients, I think oxalic acid (from Rhubarb or something?)


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QyfikqllhtY

[JBT]

There is a fair chance that OE coating has had it by now anyway.

Wheel Cleaning Recipe = elbow grease + cleaning agents + brushes. Take the wheel off and go to it, not forgetting the inner part, with household detergents and an assortment of stiff bristle brushes (excluding the wire type).

Google wheel cleaning to see what the professional detailers do.

[Apu]

If a mild degreaser and warm soapy solution can't do the job...the OE coating is pretty much buggered is my guess. Time for more drastic cleaning and repair!

[green_comet]

If you're after a tough wheel cleaner that's a little on the acidic side get yourself some Poorboys Spran n Rinse wheel cleaner, if you're after something more pH neutral go with a bottle of Iron X, I use both products on my clients cars and both work great. I would probably recommend the more acidic cleaner as your wheels are quite old and probably have a decent amount of baked on brake dust, you might want to look at getting yourself a decent wheel brush too.


Here are a couple before and after photos using these products.

Before


After


Before


After

[project.r.racing]

Those OZRacing wheels make me horny!!!

[Okibi]

I love seeing how well you transform cars to look like new!

[ralt]

Hi.
An old but effective cleaner is kerosene, laundry detergent mixed 70/30 usually cleans very well and it is cheap. You can introduce to the mix very hot water which should work well on wheels using a brush.

[Basho]

Thanks for the replys everyone , plenty of good tips , spoilt for choice now

[BadBong]

If you're after a tough wheel cleaner that's a little on the acidic side get yourself some Poorboys Spran n Rinse wheel cleaner, if you're after something more pH neutral go with a bottle of Iron X, I use both products on my clients cars and both work great. I would probably recommend the more acidic cleaner as your wheels are quite old and probably have a decent amount of baked on brake dust, you might want to look at getting yourself a decent wheel brush too.


Here are a couple before and after photos using these products.

Before


After


Before


After

Jesus GC, can you come and clean my wheels?

By "a good wheel brush", what did you mean by that...?

[green_comet]

By "a good wheel brush", what did you mean by that...?

I mean don't use a cheap brush to clean your wheels as they are usually crap, have cheap bristles that don't last long and don't clean effectively. Like anything you get what you pay for, if you spend the money the first time you will have a decent brush that will last you for years. That's how I look at it.

I have these brushes at home, they all have very good quality handles/bristles and will last for years.

Vikan Short Handle Wheel Brush
Vikan Multi Purpose Brush
Daytona Wheel Brush
Concours Short Handled Wheel Brush

[Mr_Q]

And once they're clean, give them a coat of wax like you would on the rest of the car. That'll help keep them clean.

[Wivvix]

Those OZRacing wheels make me horny!!!

This times a thousand.