new rims, how to properly clean and maintain

[George_V28]

Hey guys, I'm still a amature to the deatiling game and was wondering if you can send me in the right direction as far as properly detailing the new rims I just got for my Tahoe. Thier KMC dime rims, the problem is I don't know what metal thier made of and I'm afrad of damaging them. Any advice will be greatly apreciated. Here are some pics of the rims:

[miahjohn]

Re: new rims, how to properly clean and maintain

nice rims. those babies are going to require a lot of maintance!! regular NXT all metal polish should do the trick. you should buy a wash mitt dedicated for the rims only and keep em clean.

[George_V28]

Re: new rims, how to properly clean and maintain

Thats what I was thinking, just wanted to make sure. Thanks!

[3Fitty]

Re: new rims, how to properly clean and maintain

NOTHING better for keeping your wheels in good shape than simple diligence.

Get a bunch of "tools of the trade" that you use ONLY for your rims. Like miahjohn said, get a wash mit for the rims exclusively, although I think you could probably even use a grout sponge for them.

Get a wheel cleaning brush like this...



and just use some warm water with a good car wash soap (like NXT). Wash your wheels regularly (in good weather I do mine at least once a week and even on days when I'm not washing the rest of the car).

The last thing you can do is put a synthetic sealant like NXT 2.0 on the wheels (this is kind of a big job because it requires removing the tires from the car).

Don't go out and buy any of those specialized "wheel sealants" as there is no such thing as "special" product for wheels. If and LSP looks and lasts on your paint, it will work okay on your wheels but probably won't last as long on account of more severe conditions.

My wheel arsenal includes:

Spoke brush (like above).
Wheel well brush
Grout Sponge
Wash mit
Lug nut brush
Second wheel brush

[miahjohn]

Re: new rims, how to properly clean and maintain

I use NXT 2.0 on my rims and they become so bright and reflective I cant even look at them in the sun.
If you get a brush make sure its baby bottom soft so you dont scratch the black paint.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: new rims, how to properly clean and maintain

Not all chrome wheels are created equal, unfortunately, so a call to the manufacturer is always the best bet to see what they recommend. Often you will void the manufacturers warranty if you use something they deem too harsh.

[Mike Phillips]

Re: new rims, how to properly clean and maintain

If the outer rim portion is un-coated, polished aluminum then any of our metal polishes will work to maintain the clarity and shine. If it's chrome, then our Chrome Polish and our any of our metal polishes can be used.

The center spokes look like some type of black paint or coating, (powder coating?), if so then you treat these area like paint, that is you can use any paint care products on them;

Wash
Clay if needed
Wax


Be sure to use a safe wheel cleaner or just use your car wash solution to wash them. If the outer rim section is polished aluminum then use this something non-acid and safe for aluminum which means it will be safe for anything.

Hot Rims® Aluminum Wheel Cleaner

[George_V28]

Re: new rims, how to properly clean and maintain

Thanks for all the replies, great advice. Just one more question, instead of using the Nxt wax, could I use the Gold Class series? It is the wax I use and had exelent results on all my car trucks and bikes that I used it on.

[Mike Phillips]

Re: new rims, how to properly clean and maintain

Thanks for all the replies, great advice. Just one more question, instead of using the Nxt wax, could I use the Gold Class series?

Sure. Any wax made for car paint could be used on painted wheels.

[Golden]

Re: new rims, how to properly clean and maintain

Looks nice. It would look sweet with a 2 inch drop. Nice wheels.

Definitely keep upon the maintenance. Especially on the polished part.