Wheel Cleaning Question

[ducatiti]

Sorry if this has been mentioned before but I have always had this question answered on the back of my head. Actually, it didn't apply to prior to because I always had factory finished rims with clear coat.

But now, I plan to purchase these machined finish wheels...I have a bunch of Mequiar's cleaning agents but I'm not sure if Wheel Brightener and Wheel & Tire Cleaner would be safe. Don't want to try only to find out that the acid will ruin it. I also have APC and Super Degreaser if needed. Please advise and thank you in advance.

[The Guz]

Re: Wheel Cleaning Question

If they are not clear coated I would shy away from any of those products. The aluminum wheel cleaner is the most gentle of the wheel cleaners. As always it's best to follow the directions. Soap and water works well if you wash the car routinely.

You may want to consider getting a wheel coating on them to make cleaning easier.

[Nick Winn]

Re: Wheel Cleaning Question

We would recommend seeing if you can get more details on the wheels, specifically if the wheels are raw machined/polished metal. If indeed the wheels have a raw, un - coated finish, the products you have mentioned all would be too strong and could potentially stain the finish. Meguiar's Hot Rims Aluminum Wheel Cleaner, Dub Wheel Cleaner (developed by Meguiar's), or any of our car washes would be OK to use.

[ducatiti]

Re: Wheel Cleaning Question

Thanks guys. It says "Machined Silver Finish". Does that mean that it's painted?

[The Guz]

Re: Wheel Cleaning Question

You could take a little metal polish and in a small are apply it. If the towel turns black it's bare metal. If it does not then it's clear coated.

[Eldorado2k]

Re: Wheel Cleaning Question

Bare aluminum.