Wheel cleaner and bug removal recommendations?

[acribb]

I have a 2010 QX56 which I have neglected and have not washed or waxed for over a year. I just got finished spending about 3 hours carefully handwashing it and drying it and all door jambs.

I have several issues that still need to be taken care of prior to me putting a coat of wax on.

1. All the chrome on the wheels, grill, mirror and lower doors seems to be embedded with dirt and/or brake dust. I was able to wax the mirrors and the grill and got most of the embedded dirt off and it looks like i can do the same for the lower door chrome. Is there a product any of you can recommend for cleaning the chrome wheels easier? I scrubbed with Dawn and water on a hand mitt and these rims still need a lot of work as you can see from the attached photo.



2. The front bumper has a lot of hard bug residue. What can I use to remove it? Waxing this seems to have no effect.

Thanks in advance.

[acribb]

Re: Wheel cleaner and bug removal recommendations?

Is a clay bar the normal prescription for the bug tar and dirty rims?

[Murr1525]

I like Ironx and Tarx for paint, and esp wheels for a deep cleaning.

For bugs.. a wet fabric softener sheet is great.

[The Guz]

Re: Wheel cleaner and bug removal recommendations?

Pick up some Megiar's DUB wheel cleaner. It's a great product and is safe to use on your wheels.

Good review on it here.

http://www.meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?61206-DUB-Wheel-Cleaner

I also recommend you get a nice set of wheel brushes to make life easier on you. These are some of my personal favorites. Seeing as you are in Florida check out Autogeek or Autopia Car Care. They have a nice selection of brushes. Some favorite of mine are the speed master, wheel woolies and the entire line of brushes from Mothers.

Most OEM wheels are clear coated. Treat them like paint. Clay is always a good idea. Be sure that if you do use a clay bar on them, then dedicate this bar only for wheels. You don't want cross contamination to the paint. If they are clear coated a typical compound or polish will be all you need to clean them up. You can add a coat of wax preferably a synthetic as it is more durable for the heat the wheels are put through. You could also use some Brake Dust Barrier to protect even longer.

If these are real chrome wheels then you can use one of the chrome polishes. Locally you can fine Hot Rims Chrome Polish and DUB Metal Polish. The Fine Metal Polish would be another good one. You will have to verify if the wheels are chrome or clear coated.

As far as bugs you can do what Murr suggested or this. Meguiar's also sells sponges for bug removal. I have seen them locally.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/tricks-tips-techniques/52910-tips-tricks-how-remove-dried-bug-spatter-bug-guts.html

[acribb]

Re: Wheel cleaner and bug removal recommendations?

Thanks for the tips. I'll have to try the wet fabric sheet. I never heard of that.

Hiw ow can I tell if they are "real" chrome rims? They are OEM from a 2010 QX56. I do know that the center piece that covers up the lugs is "chrome" coated plastic.

What are your thoughts on WD-40 for the bug removal, followed up by clay and then wax?

What are your thoughts on 000 steel wool to clean the rims (I saw a detailer on YouTube doing this)?

[acribb]

Re: Wheel cleaner and bug removal recommendations?

I'd also like to add that when I knock on the rim with my knuckles, it feels solid and not like a plastic coating (except on the lug cover).

[The Guz]

Re: Wheel cleaner and bug removal recommendations?

I would use a compound and/or polish after thoroughly cleaning the wheels.

I personally have used 0000 steel wool before and had good results but be sure to use lots of lubrication (soap & water). As always test in a inconspicuous spot to see that it doesn't scratch the surface.

I'm not sure about WD-40. I prefer to use something dedicated to paint.

[Eldorado2k]

I always use cleaner wax as lubrication for #00 steel wool. As long as you're working on real metal it'll polish without scratching.
For example, It will leave fine scratches on plastic chrome.

[DAC17]

Re: Wheel cleaner and bug removal recommendations?

Another wheel cleaner choice for badly neglected wheels is Sonax Full Effect cleaner. Works really well on German car wheels with lots of brake dust.

[acribb]

Re: Wheel cleaner and bug removal recommendations?

Update -

I bought some Hot Rims Chrone Wheel Cleaner and that seems like it is going to work quite well judging by the test area results. I'll wait to use it fully until my next car wash. I spent a lot of time washing, drying and waxing/quik waxing the vehicle. Any ideas on how to clean my rims Post wash without getting water, or chrome cleaner or dirt on the paint? I imagine some sort of shield would work, but all I have is cardboard boxes I could cut up. May just wait until the next wash.

Bugs- I was unable to remove these hard dried on bugs. It's almost as if they are melded into the plastic bumper. I tried a wet towel hold on it for 5 minutes, WD-40, Goo-Gone, waxing, and clay on a small section and it barely did anything. Any other ideas?

[Eldorado2k]

As far as cleaning your rims post wash: How about cleaning your rims Pre wash instead? I've seen a set of wheel covers for sale at Harbor Freight that are worth checking out. This way you get your wheels perfect, then completely wash the car without getting the rims all wet again.

As far as mid week, in between wash cleaning of the rims? Pick up some Ultimate Quik Detailer. That should do the trick. Good luck!

[Eldorado2k]

The wheel covers are like little car covers for each wheel that fit around the whole tire. They have a canvas type outer shell, and I'm pretty sure they're waterproof.

[The Guz]

Re: Wheel cleaner and bug removal recommendations?

Update -

I bought some Hot Rims Chrone Wheel Cleaner and that seems like it is going to work quite well judging by the test area results. I'll wait to use it fully until my next car wash. I spent a lot of time washing, drying and waxing/quik waxing the vehicle. Any ideas on how to clean my rims Post wash without getting water, or chrome cleaner or dirt on the paint? I imagine some sort of shield would work, but all I have is cardboard boxes I could cut up. May just wait until the next wash.

Bugs- I was unable to remove these hard dried on bugs. It's almost as if they are melded into the plastic bumper. I tried a wet towel hold on it for 5 minutes, WD-40, Goo-Gone, waxing, and clay on a small section and it barely did anything. Any other ideas?

It sounds like the bug guts may have etched into the paint. Do you have any photos of these areas?

As far as your wheels, just wash your wheels when you are going to wash the car. It's recommended to start by washing the wheels first. You avoid water splashing back on the paint. Save yourself some time by doing this. You should invest in some wheel and tire brushes as well. It will make it easier for you to clean up the caked on brake dust and grime. You can pick up a couple at your local auto parts store. If you have some all purpose cleaner you can clean the wheels and prep them for a nice tire dressing.

A good tip is to apply either a coat of a synthetic wax or some brake dust barrier to your wheels to make your next cleanings easier. If you do this then all you need is soap and water to clean your wheels.

The wheel covers are like little car covers for each wheel that fit around the whole tire. They have a canvas type outer shell, and I'm pretty sure they're waterproof.

I wonder how good these are.

[The Guz]

Re: Wheel cleaner and bug removal recommendations?

One thing I forgot to mention is that if you want to clean the wheels during the middle of the week, invest in a waterless wash or rinseless wash.

[Eldorado2k]

@Guz. Look into them. They seem legit. Less than $20.