Waxing Wheels

[Taco Cat]

Just finished using Ultimate Polish on my clear coated alloy wheels. I'm very satisfied with the results and now thinking about waxing them. But had a couple of questions:

1. Will it make much difference in the appearance?

2. I'm assuming it will provide a measure of protection, but will it help with the brake dust build up?

3. Is there a preferred wax to use on wheels or can I use any of the Megiars (I have several)?

[Murr1525]

Re: Waxing Wheels

Anymore, I feel like the best thing for brake dust is IronX or similar every so often.

[The Guz]

Re: Waxing Wheels

It will add protection and make your wheel cleaning regiment easier until the protection you choose needs to be reapplied. I would recommend a sealant (aka a synthetic wax). Even Ultimate Quik Wax/D156 after every wash or every other wash would help. Once you seal your wheels all you need is soap and water.

As much as I like Ironx, it is not a good wheel cleaner. It will remove embedded iron deposits.

I would consider investing in a wheel coating. It will provide even more protection and would be more durable than a sealant.

[Blueline]

Re: Waxing Wheels

I wax my wheels once a year when I take them off for the winter. It is much easier to do a full cleaning/wax when the wheels are sitting on a bench, than on the car. It is such a pain to wax them on the car - you can't get at the inner spokes - it is hard to see some places - so I just don't do it. I get very little, if any brake dust, (no build up) so maybe the ceramic pads has something to do with it, or that I clean them with soap and water a lot. While some may disagree, I do not feel that chrome wheels need a lot of protection, being that they are hard chrome and not painted/clearcoat. Anything that is big enough to put a scratch or dent in the chrome wheels will not be repelled by a coat of wax.

[Don]

Re: Waxing Wheels

I don't get much brake dust either, but I still use either D115 or Ultimate Quik Wax after every wash. Granted, like Michael said a coating would be best and D115/UQW are not the most durable products to be using on wheels, applying it after every wash (1 - 2 times a week) goes a long way in making the wheels easier to clean. I rarely have to use Meguiar's Hot Rims/All Wheel & Tire cleaner anymore, just soap & water.


Granted, they are just powder-coated steel wheels, but the frequent waxing keeps them glossy, easier to clean and perhaps helps with fading.

[Taco Cat]

Re: Waxing Wheels

I hadn't thought about a sealant, that's a great suggestion. I have a bottle of Blackfire Wet Diamond I could use until I pick up a specific wheel sealant. Thank to everyone for their input. Looking forward to making cleaning my wheels a little easier as it's by far my least favorite part of detailing.

I'm also uncomfortable using IronX on my wheels. It's my understanding it cannot be sprayed on the calipers. If correct, I'm happy using Meguiars Hot Rims All Wheel and Tire Cleaner.

[Top Gear]

Re: Waxing Wheels

Got inspired yesterday and did a full wash (4th or so this year) and then I decided to do a "correction" on the hyper-silver painted wheels (yes, blueline, it was a pain on car). I should have done it long ago. By hand with clean MF rags, I used M101 compound to scour, then a gentler wipe with D302 Detailer Polish, and then a quick waxing with D301 Detailer Finishing Wax. Of course, I failed to take pictures, and sweat out about a gallon in the heat, but the difference is night and day. Areas of the two stage hyper-silver that looked like a dull generic silver/grey now look like chrome or polished aluminum, and the gloss is beautiful. Thanks, Meguiar's