What dilution ratio for Wheel Brightener?

[BenP]

Got my WB this morning and was wondering what dilution ratio people use, considering there are options on the bottle of 1:1, 2:1, 3:1 and 4:1. I'll mainly be using this for neglected wheels as I use #36 for ones that aren't in bad shape, so what do people recommend? Shall I just go for the strongest to make sure it's always got the best chance of getting the muck off?

Ben

[Mike Phillips]

What kind of finish is on the wheels?

Typically, you are better to use a wheel cleaner at the recommended dillution for the type of wheel you're working on but don't forget to also use a brush to aggitate the wheel cleaner as a little agitation really helps to break-loose built up road grime.

Did the Wheel Brightner come with any documents or instructions outside what's on the label?

[Mike Phillips]

Here's what's written on the most recent Technical Bulletin

WHEEL BRIGHTENER
Meguiar's Wheel Brightener is the product of choice for professionals looking for a powerful wheel cleaner that quickly and effectively removes tough brake dust. There is a thin line between effective cleaning and dangerous to use products; Wheel Brightener gives users the ultimate in flexibility, cleaning and safety with one product.

Packaging:
1 Gallon, part # D-14001
5 Gallon, part # D-14005
55 Gallon, part # D-14055

Features:
Safe on clear coated, factory painted, and chrome wheels
Easily removes brake dust
Concentrated formula @ 4:1


pH: 5.0
Paintable: Yes
Dilution: Up to 4:1
(Water : Product)

Application:
Dilute to required strength, spray on cool, dry wheel surface. Let sit for 30-45 seconds and rinse with water. Apply only to wheels that are cool to the touch. Clean and rinse one wheel at a time.

Warning: Not for use on anodized, magnesium or polished aluminum wheels

Pro Tips:
For severe accumulations of brake dust, use a wheel brush and agitate area during the application of Wheel Brightener.


Health rating:
Health: 3
Fire: 0
Reactivity: 0
Specific Hazard: 0

[BenP]

Mike,

The only information I have is on the gallon bottle and also on the 946ml Wheel Brightener bottle. It's going to be used primarily on factory clear coated wheels (in fact I don't think any of my clients have anything but this type of wheel), and on ones that we'd class as neglected.

The only reason for the "confusion" is that it can be diluted "up to 4:1". As it'll be used on really mucky wheels, I don't want to dilute it 4:1 and find it too weak for the purpose intended.

I'm not adverse to agitating the solution either, in fact I do this regardless of how dorty the wheel may appear, but I need a chemical that's strong enough that I don't have to agitate for hours on end.

Ben

[Mike Phillips]

Well the truth is cleaning wheels isn't any fun, at least there's no glory in it...

Best thing to do is to experiment and see what dilution works best for you, Meguiar's always teaches to use the least aggressive product to get the job done, so start at the weak end of the dilution spectrum and work your way to the stronger side of the dilution spectrum until you find what works best for you most of the time.

Another option would be to have 2-3 bottles, each with a different dilution level and mark this on the bottle and try to choose the strength you need as determined by how bad the wheel in question looks.

Best I can do....

[SpoiledMan]

Ben, I'd go for 4:1 for CC wheels. If it's a BMW wheel just spray it straight out of the gallon jug(JUST KIDDING).

[OctaneGuy]

I've had excellent results with 4:1 and a low power pressure washer--1400 psi--don't use it on high unless you think its safe on the paint finish. But I've found it only takes 10 seconds--about the time I can spray it on two wheels then rinse it off to cut through the deepest brake dust.

[BenP]

Thanks guys - I'll give it a go at 4:1 and see what happens!

Ben

[Glyn RS2]

Ben,

One thing I have found in the past is that wheel cleaners all seem to work better/faster in the summer when the ambient temperature is higher. As it is hovering just around freezing at the moment in the UK that may be one reason it is not working as well as it could. Just a thought.

[Tim Lingor]

Hey,

Trust me, I have used a lot of the Wheel Brightener and rarely do I have to go stronger than 4:1. Here is a link showing me using the WB is the middle of winter:

http://www.meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=4642&highlight=wheel+brightener

Remember, do not use on hot wheels; they need to be cool before using the WB.

Richard,

A 1400 psi pressure washer will not be a problem. Many professional detailers use a commercial pressure washer which is a lot stronger than that. The difference is in the spray heads. Low end washers use an adjustable spray pattern head that while is convienent, may not give consistent results compared to a dedicated spray head.

Tim

[BenP]

Originally posted by Glyn RS2
Ben,

One thing I have found in the past is that wheel cleaners all seem to work better/faster in the summer when the ambient temperature is higher. As it is hovering just around freezing at the moment in the UK that may be one reason it is not working as well as it could. Just a thought.

I haven't used it yet! I was just asking what dolution people use so I know what to mix it up as in the bottle!

Ben

[everglo]

If Wheel Brightener is not to be used on Anodized, Magnesium, or polished Alum then is there a detailer line product specifically for those types? No, right? A one-4-all product would be great to see. Never having tried it I know that HOT RIMS ALL WHEEL CLEANER exists but I'm in need of bulk size.

I know Mike did a survey on wheel care recently. Has Megs come up with a solution to this particular issue?

[Tim Lingor]

Hey everglo

In the Detailer Series, Wheel Brightener is the only wheel cleaner being offered. There are several new consumer wheel cleaners for specfic types of wheels that were just introduced, but they do not come in bulk sizes. Perhaps you should post that request in the New Products Suggestions as people from Meguiar's read the threads. But I agree, other bulk wheel cleaners for other types of wheels would be helpful

Tim

[belcherm58]

Wheel Brightner

I bought a gallon of this a couple weeks ago. I was using the
Hot Rims with good results. I wanted a concentrated wheel
cleaner that would be more economical. I am mixing at 4:1 and
the results are are great on coated aftermarket wheels. I can
get 16 32oz bottles out of a gallon. That works out to about
$1.06 per 32oz bottle. You cannot beat that for a product like
Meguiars. I hear a lot of people talking about the smell of the
products they use. This is not something you should be smelling.
I work in industrial manufacturing and know to read the MSDS
and follow directions for any chemical use. If you do this with
any of the porfessional products, you will be fine.