Wheel Brightener

[Jeff120]

So I just placed my first order @ADS, and picked up the wheel brightener. Ive seen posts where this is good, very strong stuff. I know soap is the best wheel cleaner and plan to use this for the stubborn stuff. My question is this safe on factory wheels. Ill be using these on aluminum alloy wheels on my brand new Altima, and on my truck, probably alloy as well, with plastic wheel centers. Probably dillute 10:1-7:1 to test it out.

Thanks

[C30-Mike]

Re: Wheel Brightener

APC 4:1 ratio would do fine in most cases.
You can use it on factory wheels as long as you do not let the chemicals dry. Rinse off all residues.
Plus wear gloves and resparator mask. You do not want to get this stuff inside you. REALLY nasty stuff.

[Scoobie]

Re: Wheel Brightener



I just looked on the back of the container and it says:

DO NOT USE ON POLISHED ALUMINUM OR ANODIZED WHEELS


I have used this stuff on my aluminum wheels. First off, I diluted it 5:1 Before this stuff touched my wheels, I made sure they were wet with water. I then sprayed the 5:1 solution onto my wheels, let it sit for no more than 2-3 minutes, then immediately rinsed well.

The wheels became very clean without any scrubbing/aggitation whatsoever. You may want to go 6:1, or reconsider using this on polished aluminum altogether, as I think, this stuff could permanently damage polished aluminum.

I have only used it once so far, so I can't give a more precise hypothesis.

[ColonelCash]

Re: Wheel Brightener

APC or APC+ would work fine...but since you have WB on order I'd suggest finding out if your wheels are clearcoated or not.

A simple test would be to take some metal polish and rub it on the wheel with a terry towel. If the towel turns BLACK, you know it's uncoated. If that is the case, I'd stay away from WB since it is an acid and could etch your wheels. If your towel comes back clean, then you should be able to use WB @ 10:1.

Might want to wear some safety glasses as well.

[Scoobie]

Re: Wheel Brightener


My wheels are clear coated, but still, this is some pretty gnarly stuff.

I'll prolly go 7:1 next time. Just make sure the wheels are not dry when this stuff touches them.

[Scoobie]

Re: Wheel Brightener

wear gloves and respirator mask. You do not want to get this stuff inside you. REALLY nasty stuff.

Might want to wear some safety glasses as well.

Will do, thanks for the tip

[imacarnut]

Re: Wheel Brightener

If you use WB and the wheels are sealed w/ protection, plan on re-applying everytime you use it.

[ColonelCash]

Re: Wheel Brightener

Also, don't leave WB in a container with a sprayer, it will destroy the sprayer pretty quickly. Best thing to do is remove the sprayer and then flush it with clean water before storing it. Put a cap on the bottle with WB in it.

[BlackScreaminMachine]

Re: Wheel Brightener

I went to the local meguair's retailer and no APC there. I will have to get it online. I am bad though. I totally use Bleech White to do my tires if they are especially nasty. I rinse with water. Spray, scrub and rinse again. Dry.

[Jeff120]

Re: Wheel Brightener

Wow this sounds nasty! Ill be sure to be careful and mix it a little weaker. My wheels look they they are painted then clear coated to me. Ill do the metal polish test.

[Calais]

Re: Wheel Brightener

The stuff is so strong, I go 10:1 and less and it is still effective.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Wheel Brightener

With proper dilution ratio and when working on just one wheel at a time, start to finish, Wheel Brightener is fine on factory OEM wheels. Bare, high polished aluminum and anodized finishes (think "black chrome") are not suitable surfaces for this product.

[WAXDOCTOR]

Re: Wheel Brightener

I use WB on my chrome factory Z06 wheels,they are painted on the inside with a machined surface which the brake dust builds up on and sticks pretty good. I use the WB 4:1 with a 8" wheel brush like they show in the new wheel cleaning video,my wheels are spotless and you can read the printing on my brake pads.It's really a good product as long as you are mindfull of what you're putting it on.

[cnfowler]

Re: Wheel Brightener

For maintained wheels, I'll use it 10:1. For really nasty, neglected, brake dust encrusted wheels, I'll use it 4:1. It is caustic acid so be mindful when using it.

If you keep up with cleaning your wheels, soap and water should be all you need. If you wash your car every week or two, you shouldn't ever need WB stronger than 10:1.

Colin

[ColonelCash]

Re: Wheel Brightener

I use WB on my chrome factory Z06 wheels,they are painted on the inside with a machined surface which the brake dust builds up on and sticks pretty good. I use the WB 4:1 with a 8" wheel brush like they show in the new wheel cleaning video,my wheels are spotless and you can read the printing on my brake pads.It's really a good product as long as you are mindfull of what you're putting it on.

4:1 is really strong...especially on chrome.