OEM Alloy Wheels

[keeick]

Hi,

Those OEM alloy wheels (Ford Ranger) are clear coated or polished?
Would NXT Metal Polish or Hot Rims Polish damage them?


Thanks!

[Michael Stoops]

Re: OEM Alloy Wheels

If they are OEM then odds are they have a clear coat on them. Bare, high polished aluminum is a very high upkeep material, and extremely delicate - warranty claims would likely be through the roof if the OEMs regularly supplied this finish.

A metal polish is not the best choice since they are designed to be used on metal, and your top surface here is clear paint. Best to stick with a paint cleaner like SwirlX to brighten them up a bit. Since they have a clear coat on them they will never shine like bare aluminum can, but you should be able to get rid of the swirls. Just make sure to thoroughly wash and dry the wheels before getting started.

On the extreme off chance that they are bare aluminum, as soon as you start using SwirlX on them your applicator will turn black as soot. Not just dirty, but full black. SwirlX won't hurt in that case, but you could then switch to a proper metal polish. But again, we highly doubt this will be the case.

[keeick]

Re: OEM Alloy Wheels

Thanks Michael!


And what about heavy dirt that doesn't to go away with a simple wash using All Wheel Cleaner, what product would you suggest to help without spending long time brushing?

[Michael Stoops]

Re: OEM Alloy Wheels

After cleaning with All Wheel Cleaner and a soft brush, you may find that a combination of clay and a liquid paint cleaner will remove the stubborn stuff that the wheel cleaner couldn't. Remember, you're basically working on paint here, so treat it like you would the rest of the paint on the car.

[Murr1525]

Re: OEM Alloy Wheels

I find a soft brush and wheel cleaner to be best, and it gets rid of most everything easily. Doesnt take a lot of brushing.

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: OEM Alloy Wheels

clear coated are just about the easiest to maintain. imho. I like using apc and a good brush to keep them looking good.