cleaning aluminum wheels

[Mr Mustang]

Is this the correct process for cleaning a polished aluminum wheel? rinse, clean with an alum. cleaner, alum. polish, then wax?

What if it's clearcoated?
sorry if it's a noob question

[Murr1525]

Re: cleaning aluminum wheels

Well, its kind of a noob question.. but its also compliated. There are many kinds of aluminum, different coatings, uncoated, polsihed, etc, do you know what you will be working on?

[roushstage2]

Re: cleaning aluminum wheels

For polished aluminum, your process will work fine. I like to wash with soap and water though. The milder the wash, the longer the shine will last. I haven't waxed mine either, but I am sure you could.

If it has a C/C, treat it like paint.

[Mr Mustang]

Re: cleaning aluminum wheels

so use the deep crystal system with a C/C?

Im not sure if the wheels are clearcoated or not

[Jeepster04]

Re: cleaning aluminum wheels

so use the deep crystal system with a C/C?

Im not sure if the wheels are clearcoated or not

Yes.

If your towel turns black when you polish it then its not C/C.

[Mike Phillips]

Re: cleaning aluminum wheels

so use the deep crystal system with a C/C?

Im not sure if the wheels are clearcoated or not

Do a search using the word

Blackish


Here you go...

http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=25072&highlight=blackish

And...


Quote:

Originally Posted by MrWaxer I assume they are. This may sound crazy, but how can you tell!!

Rub a little paint cleaner that's whitish in color, like ScratchX or Deep Crystal Paint Cleaner, using a clean white cloth to a clean rim for a few seconds and then turn the cloth over and inspect. If you see a dark grayish or blackish color then you have uncoated aluminum wheels. If the cloth mostly remains white then you have clear coated rims or anodized rims.

[Mr Mustang]

Re: cleaning aluminum wheels

thanks mike!