Cleaning uncoated, polished wheels

[Tuningfreak]

Sorry, I tried the search but there was no result matching my needs. So here is a "new" question:

I have 2-piece wheels with a polished lip (without coating) and a silver-coated "inside". At the beginning I used the All Wheel Claner but after month I got whitepoints, oxidations etc on the polished area. I stopped use of the Hot rims cleaner because I was afraid that these white points where a result of the cleaner. (Some people in germany told me that a wrong wheel cleaner COULD be the reason). So I cleaned my wheels with soup together with the wheel and wheel spoke brush but the result is not perfect. Also now I must change to my winter wheels and give my summer wheels a complete cleaning....

So my only questions are
1) Is the Hot Rims Wheel Cleaner SAVE also for uncoated, polished wheels?
2) Could it be that you get these white marks and oxidations away with a use of the NXT all metal polish (I tried without result... maybe I must use it more often???)

Thank for reply!

[Teak]

The best way to clean rims with polished metal is to use car wash and a dedicated mitt used just for wheels. In order to keep the polished parts shiny, a mild metal polish is needed. Follow the metal polish with a paint sealant such as #20 or NXT and this will help keep the polished parts looking good longer.

Eric

[thejazzguy]

The new Hot Rims Multi-Piece looks like a good option for cleaning your wheels because it's safe for polished aluminum. Link to Meguiars product info I've had good experience with Eagle One Aluminum Wash on uncoated aluminum. You could also try a 50/50 mix of Simple Green and water as recommended by Fikse. Fikse wheel cleaning instructions I agree with Eric that you could just use car wash solution too.

As for removing stains/polishing the lip, try either Meguiars M28 (All Metal Polish) which I really like, or the new NXT All Metal Polysh, which is supposed to work even better and provides protection to the polished surface.

[Teak]

Originally posted by thejazzguy
The new Hot Rims Multi-Piece looks like a good option for cleaning your wheels because it's safe for polished aluminum. Link to Meguiars product info I've had good experience with Eagle One Aluminum Wash on uncoated aluminum. You could also try a 50/50 mix of Simple Green and water as recommended by Fikse. Fikse wheel cleaning instructions I agree with Eric that you could just use car wash solution too.

Since Tuningfreak lives in Germany, there is difference in product line-up and availablity between the US, Canadian and German market. Some of the products you mentioned may not be available.

If you really need a wheel cleaner, you could try #36 Hi-Tech Wheel Cleaner which is approved by ADR wheels for use on their wheels. I am not sure if #36 is available iin Germany as I could not find #36 on the German Meguiar's website. Mike may know if #36 is available.

Which companies besides Meguiars do you have available in Germany? P21s, Einszett or Sonax?

Eric

[Tuningfreak]

Thanks for the replys.

@Teak: Right. At germany its much different to the states... bad thing! ;-) We have SONAX here, Armor All, P1 but the most of the regular parts are not really good... (Thats the reason why I´m a Meguiars dealer! *g*)

I also believe that this new Multi piece cleaner is the right stuff (think its mentioned in the product discription that its also for UNCOATED wheels...?) but as you know its a new product and not available (in germany) yet.

My problem is that only a part of the wheels is polished and uncoated, these areas are getting clean with the wheel brush and hard spots could be cleaned with the All Metal cleaner... BUT: What to do with other parts of the wheel? If I use the wheel cleaner it also sprays onto the uncoated area for sure. Maybe Mike can tell us here if I can use the Hot Trims cleaner or not... At least I need a solution because the brake-dust and dirt on the inner side of the wheel could not be cleaned only with wash soap etc...

[Jeff Smith]

Originally posted by Teak
The best way to clean rims with polished metal is to use car wash and a dedicated mitt used just for wheels. In order to keep the polished parts shiny, a mild metal polish is needed. Follow the metal polish with a paint sealant such as #20 or NXT and this will help keep the polished parts looking good longer.

Eric

I'll Echo Erics thoughts here. I did exactly as he said. With the exception that I use the brushes for cleaning. But I am considering switching to a mit. Figured I would wait unitl I rag my finish mitt out a little more then dedicate that to wheel work. New one is sitting in the wings.
To date on my "CHROME" wheels are"
NXT Metal Polysh
#7
#20 (x2)

The wheels look awesome





I find it very easy to clean them by using:
Versa-Angle Wheel Face Brush

Safety Tip Wheel Spoke Brush
Safety Tip Wheel Spoke Brush


I even maintain them by using any of the Qds as needed. Usually apply with one MF and remove with another.

I get alot of compliments on my wheels so I must be doing OK. I know these are not polished, like yours but I would think the method would be similar.

[Teak]

Originally posted by Tuningfreak
At least I need a solution because the brake-dust and dirt on the inner side of the wheel could not be cleaned only with wash soap etc...

Is the inside of the rim painted or polished?
If the inside of the rim is painted I would use hot rims and brush to clean.

Since you are taken the rims off for the winter I would clean the rims throughly. After cleaning I would polish the lip and protect the polished and painted parts of the rims with plenty of sealant thoughout the winter months. Once the wheels are protected come spring you should be able to clean using soap and water and touch up with Quik Detailer.

Since you are a Meguiar's dealer I will refrain suggesting other chemical companies.

Jeff,
Your rims look awesome.

Eric

[roushstage2]

I too have 2 piece wheels with the lip being uncoated, polished aluminum and I use Hot Rims w/o any problems on the aluminum.

[Tuningfreak]

The inside is painted for sure. I think I will try to avoid the polished areas. Maybe Mike can answer this question about the right wheel cleaner here - I think also that the defects are not a result of the cleaner...