2012 Acura MDX aluminum alloy factory rims

[2012AcuraMDX]

Below is a picture of the rims on my 2012 Acura MDX. What product should I use to clean the rims? I don't know if they are painted, clear coated, etc? I can't find the answer in the manual and need some suggestions. Also, should I polish them? If so, which polish should I use?

[Murr1525]

Re: 2012 Acura MDX aluminum alloy factory rims

Well, those look to be painted, so you have a few options to pick from...

You could go with something like the Hot Rims Aluminum Wheel Wash, or even the All Wheel Wash for cleaning, and some soft brushes, etc for general cleaning.

If you want a deeper/stronger cleaning, you can look at using the regular paint care products. The Ult. Compound is usually a good choice for wheels. Can also look at something like T.R.I.X. first for more cleaning, esp with tar or break dust.

I did that back in the summer, and followed up with the Brake Dust Barrier. Seemed to work well, and I have just been using regular car wash soap and brushes to clean them since, and seems to come clean pretty well.

[Detailing by M]

Acid to clean them properly. Than break dust barrier to protect them.

[2012AcuraMDX]

Re: 2012 Acura MDX aluminum alloy factory rims

Thanks for the info.

[smack]

Re: 2012 Acura MDX aluminum alloy factory rims

Acid to clean them properly. Than break dust barrier to protect them.

Acid?? You have to be kidding me. Which Acid do you have in mind?

[Detailing by M]

Re: 2012 Acura MDX aluminum alloy factory rims

all wheel clearner or hot rims. I myself use Wheel Brightener.

[smack]

Re: 2012 Acura MDX aluminum alloy factory rims

all wheel clearner or hot rims. I myself use Wheel Brightener.

Ok good. Didnt want to see any bad advice given.

[Detailing by M]

Re: 2012 Acura MDX aluminum alloy factory rims

yea my advice is straight forward and more on the pro side of things so I just get to the point. Sometimes I should elaborate.

[2012AcuraMDX]

Re: 2012 Acura MDX aluminum alloy factory rims

Any advice on polishing these rims? Should I even bother polishing or just use Brake Dust Barrier?

[GoZoner]

Re: 2012 Acura MDX aluminum alloy factory rims

I used this: http://amzn.to/YqaRBH ("Safe for all wheels" - NO!) on these: http://bit.ly/Yqb6fS - no, NO, never again. Ate the flat, front facing surfaces; had to struggle to return them to their prior state (never succeeded). Now I use this: http://amzn.to/YqbqeE ("Specifically designed for all aluminum wheels, including uncoated, polished, anodized, and powder-coated aluminum wheels") which isn't caustic. Seems okay.

Here is what I get after using Brake Dust Barrier:

[Detailing by M]

Re: 2012 Acura MDX aluminum alloy factory rims

Any advice on polishing these rims? Should I even bother polishing or just use Brake Dust Barrier?

Sure, why not?
You don't really have to because there new and aren't scratched up.
Do a test spot and see how it looks.
BDB will put a shine on them so if your test spot doesn't improve them alot I wouldn't bother polishing them.

as far as what GoZoner said, any powder coated/Clear Coated rims will withstand any acidic cleaners. I've washed 1000's of rims with Wheel Brightener which is on of the most caustic/aggressive acidic cleaners out there and I haven't had a problem yet. So All Wheel/Hot Rims is a very safe product for your rims.
Of course you can't put acid on bare aluminum it will etch them.