Wheel Cleaning Advice

[G_S_DB]

I want to get the grit out of my wheels and want some advice from the peanut gallery...

First a picture of the wheels, followed by the question. These are the standard painted alloy wheels that came Civic HX.















Here is the question and it is in two parts:
Assuming this is baked in brake dust, what product(s), techniques, and tools would you use to clean the wheels on my '98 Civic.
A. Based on all available solutions, and
B. Only the things in my storage cabinet - M105, M205, M83, M80, Original ScratchX, Cleaner/Wax, DC1

Now don't forget the tools part, I am sure the correct applicator would make all the difference.

Thanks!!!

[Murr1525]

Re: Wheel Cleaning Advice

I would wash, clay, and #105, doing as much of the wheel as possible that way.

[CieraSL]

Re: Wheel Cleaning Advice

I'd go with some degreaser and a very fine grade of steel wool. I've used that combo a number of times to clean pitted wheels and they came out almost like new without doing any damage to the wheels. Just make sure you use plenty of degreaser as "lube". Those wheels I'd say are coated, so you're not going to hurt anything. After that you can clay the wheels and seal them up with NXT 2.0 or something like that.

[Eddie6th]

Re: Wheel Cleaning Advice

If you get them cleaned up good,you'll need to clean them more often,otherwise the same will happen again.

I noticed your inside rims were pretty black.I just started using the Gold Class wheel brush(spoke).It makes life a lot easier.If you can get one of those,that'll help you in maintaining them in the future.

[Murr1525]

Re: Wheel Cleaning Advice

Yeah, good point. The inside of the rims arent exactly clean either. Those you may not be able to get as well with the clay/cleaner, but still should be able to wash them pretty well.

[G_S_DB]

Re: Wheel Cleaning Advice

If you get them cleaned up good,you'll need to clean them more often,otherwise the same will happen again.

I noticed your inside rims were pretty black.I just started using the Gold Class wheel brush(spoke).It makes life a lot easier.If you can get one of those,that'll help you in maintaining them in the future.

Pretty bad, I know. But, I guess I could make my next wheel rotation day into a wheel cleaning marathon. It's just seems a little obsessive to take the wheels off just to clean behind them.

I hear a lot about these wheel brushes, are they that hard to find?

[Murr1525]

Re: Wheel Cleaning Advice

The Meguiars ones are hard to find, but other companies make ones that are useable.

Look into like Mothers, Black Magic, Turtle wax/Carrand/Mr. Clean, Daytona Brush, etc. You'll find something similar and useable.

Between those and a toothbrush and a towel for behind the spokes, you'll get most of the gunk off with some good All Wheel Cleaner, etc. Then clay what yo ucan reach, and use the paint cleaner on what you can reach.

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: Wheel Cleaning Advice

Then when you get them all cleaned up. I would use quik wheel detailer on them whenever you qd the paint.

[Eddie6th]

Re: Wheel Cleaning Advice

Pretty bad, I know. But, I guess I could make my next wheel rotation day into a wheel cleaning marathon. It's just seems a little obsessive to take the wheels off just to clean behind them.

I hear a lot about these wheel brushes, are they that hard to find?

I do this a couple of times a year.It would only be obsessive if you did it every detail.

The key is not to let them get too dirty in the first place.

That would be a good time to do it,when you're doing your tire rotation.

[ricks778]

Re: Wheel Cleaning Advice

I would really like to know myself what gets those spots. I have some that look exactly the same.
I know mine come from neglect and I do the above mentioned Maguire’s wheel and spoke brush but it is too soft.
I am going to try a few things myself this weekend.
2002 Toyota Tacoma Prerunner
Factory painted wheels

[Murr1525]

Re: Wheel Cleaning Advice

I would really like to know myself what gets those spots. I have some that look exactly the same.
I know mine come from neglect and I do the above mentioned Maguire’s wheel and spoke brush but it is too soft.
I am going to try a few things myself this weekend.
2002 Toyota Tacoma Prerunner
Factory painted wheels

You mean gets those spots off?

Read above answers....

[ricks778]

Re: Wheel Cleaning Advice

You mean gets those spots off?

Yes Im sorry get the spots off.

[itself]

Re: Wheel Cleaning Advice

So, what can you apply to make the cleaning easier each time? Is there a "wax" for rims?

Lisa

[jfelbab]

Re: Wheel Cleaning Advice

I'd use Hot Rims All Wheel Cleaner and apply, agitate with a soft bristle brush, let it dwell for a couple minutes and thoroughly rinse. Repeat if necessary. Don't let any wheel cleaner dry on the wheel and always rinse thoroughly.

Once clean, I'd apply a polish like #205 then a couple coats of a sealant like NXT 2.0. I personally think a sealant works better than a wax on wheels. I believe sealants handle the heat better.

To maintain my wheels, my favorite product is Quik Wheel Detailer. This product will keep the wheels very slick/slippery so brake dust and dirt wash off easily.

[itself]

Re: Wheel Cleaning Advice

Great advice, that's what I was looking for, and yes, I meant a sealant. That sounds like a good regimen.

Lisa