Can Scratch X remove stubborn brake dust?

[adreed24]

I have a Honda Element with aluminum wheels that have a protective, factory coating on them. I was told by the dealership, to clean them only with car wash soap, or dish-washing liquid (if the wheels are extra dirty).

I was told to never use a "wheel cleaner".

I washed the wheels today and they are 95% clean, except for some stubborn brake dust.

I was wondering if "Scratch X" could remove the brake dust, and yet, not hurt the wheels or coating? The tube says it can remove "bonded contaminants".

Thanks in advance!

[benhui86]

"I was told by the dealership, to clean them only with car wash soap, or dish-washing liquid"

after u hear the dishwashing part u should just stop listening....

go get some meguiars all wheel cleaner and spray it on and scrub a little with a soft brush or terry cloth and then rince it off and then if u like u can put a coat of whatever wax u like on there...

[adreed24]

Actually, Honda literature refers to dish-washing liquid for "extra dirty wheels"; that's where the dealership got that from.

I understand what you are saying about dish-washing liquid for a car. I never use it on the paint because of the wax-striping power.

As far as wheels & wheel cleaners go, I have heard that even some of the "acid-free" cleaners, do contain some amount of acid.
Acid is a "no-no" for these Honda wheels.

That's why I was interested in the "Scratch X".

[aaron33]

I used to use a diluted liquid laundry detergent solution to clean my wheels with a brush. Is the alkaline solution bad for rims?

[the other pc]

Originally posted by adreed24
…I was told by the dealership, to clean them only with car wash soap, or dish-washing liquid (if the wheels are extra dirty)…

Car wash soap and a gentle brush works well if you do it often enough that the crud doesn’t get stuck on. Making a habit of using dish soap is always a bad idea. Once or twice may or may not hurt.

Originally posted by adreed24
…I was told to never use a "wheel cleaner"…

That’s the way-way-way-oversimplified, really simpleminded dealer spiel. Some wheel cleaners can be too harsh for some wheels. All are too harsh if you don’t use them right (like using them immediately after hard driving when the brakes are cooking the wheels). Meguiar’s has several different cleaners. The ones that say “safe for all wheels”, like Hot Rims All Wheel Cleaner and Gold Class All Wheel Cleaner are just that, safe for all wheels (including yours).

Originally posted by adreed24
…I was wondering if "Scratch X" could remove the brake dust, and yet, not hurt the wheels or coating?…

Yes, ScratchX is safe for the coating and should be effective. If the dust is a fine film or stain go for it. If it’s gritty the ScratchX itself would be safe but rubbing on a gritty coating is likely to scratch. In that case claying first would be a good idea (and never use a piece of clay on your paint after you’ve used it on wheels).

Originally posted by adreed24
Actually, Honda literature refers to dish-washing liquid for "extra dirty wheels"; that's where the dealership got that from…

Again, oversimplified for the general public (who isn’t interested in specialized products).

Originally posted by aaron33
I used to use a diluted liquid laundry detergent solution to clean my wheels with a brush. Is the alkaline solution bad for rims?

It can be, especially uncoated aluminum.


PC.

[adreed24]

Thanks for the detailed answer to my question. I don't believe in using anything on your car, but approved "car products"; not anything else. They suggest "dish-washing liquid" for extra dirty wheels, because it is a bit stronger than car wash; but they stated in the literature to only use dish-washing liquid once in a while, not on a regular basis.

I was told not to use "wheel cleaners", because of the acid. I was told that over time, acid wheel cleaners can cause the center cap "H" to fade and turn white. I looked at the owner's manual again today, and it even warns against using wheel brushes that are too abrasive.

I think the Honda people are trying to keep owners from making the classic mistakes that many drivers have made in taking care of their cars.

BTW - Which of the Meguiar's wheel cleaners is the most effective, yet gentle?

[the other pc]

Originally posted by adreed24
...I was told not to use "wheel cleaners", because of the acid...

Like I said, they oversimply. Note that the description of Gold Class All Wheel Cleaner states "This pH-safe formula contains no strong acids, alkalines, solvents or harsh chemicals." Meguiar's has a philosophy of only making products that won't harm the surface. Some other company's wheel cleaning products are designed for minimum effort on the part of the consumer, not safety or quality.

Originally posted by adreed24
...I looked at the owner's manual again today, and it even warns against using wheel brushes that are too abrasive...

They have to write their copy for the lowest common denominator consumer that doesn't know the difference between a soft wheel brush and a welding slag removal wire brush.

Originally posted by adreed24
...I think the Honda people are trying to keep owners from making the classic mistakes that many drivers have made in taking care of their cars...

Yup, like using Comet and Brillo pads (don't laugh, people really do it).

Originally posted by adreed24
...BTW - Which of the Meguiar's wheel cleaners is the most effective, yet gentle?

I can't really say, I haven't tried them all, I usually get by with wash soap (and Meguiar's wheel brushes). If not, I use #36 Hi-Tech Wheel Cleaner.


PC.

[05PhillyStang]

After getting them clean, put a coat of wax on the wheels. It makes the cleaning process much easier for the next time