Keeping alloy wheels clean
Discussion
Hoping for some tips on the best way to keep alloy wheels in good condition
My wheels are always stained with black material that I guess is probably brake dust.
I can clean it off but it gets in all the corners and is really hard work.
Can I spray or wipe anything on the wheels to help prevent stuff sticking to them?
Just had the wheels refurbished so they look like new but I know it won't last long.
My wheels are always stained with black material that I guess is probably brake dust.
I can clean it off but it gets in all the corners and is really hard work.
Can I spray or wipe anything on the wheels to help prevent stuff sticking to them?
Just had the wheels refurbished so they look like new but I know it won't last long.
Neither the good lady or myself drive on the brakes so excess brake dust isn't really an issue, however the cars get washed most weeks or at least every other week by me and i make sure to wash the wheels properly every time, including pressure washing the wheels from all angles, not giving the muck a change to take hold.
Following recommendations on here i bought some of that Autoglym Polar Seal stuff (but forked out for the 5 litre bottle of Coat It, cheaper per litre), i used this on another family car that seldom gets washed and is driven harder, not only is the dirt not sticking anywhere near as much to the bodywork its also not sticking to the same extent to the wheels.
I tried poorboys wheel wax some years ago, underwhelming would best describe my experience, so was somewhat surprised at the effect of this Coat It stuff.
Be interesting to hear what the detailers suggest.
Following recommendations on here i bought some of that Autoglym Polar Seal stuff (but forked out for the 5 litre bottle of Coat It, cheaper per litre), i used this on another family car that seldom gets washed and is driven harder, not only is the dirt not sticking anywhere near as much to the bodywork its also not sticking to the same extent to the wheels.
I tried poorboys wheel wax some years ago, underwhelming would best describe my experience, so was somewhat surprised at the effect of this Coat It stuff.
Be interesting to hear what the detailers suggest.
Key is regular cleaning/washing and not leaving it long enough for the brake dust and road grime to accumulate and bake on. You don't even need anything specific to protect them and make it easier to clean. Any wax/ceramic spray will do. Better if you have some decent tools to make cleaning the wheels easier, small brush for bolt holes and badge, wheel barrel brush and something such as a cut down sponge for the wheel face and spokes.
Because I clean my cars fortnightly in rotation and I protect them with the same ceramic spray as the paint, I simply spray on car shampoo from a dispenser, and use the brushes. If you don't want to give the car a wash each week, just sprtiz the wheels.
Because I clean my cars fortnightly in rotation and I protect them with the same ceramic spray as the paint, I simply spray on car shampoo from a dispenser, and use the brushes. If you don't want to give the car a wash each week, just sprtiz the wheels.
A993LAD said:
Hoping for some tips on the best way to keep alloy wheels in good condition
My wheels are always stained with black material that I guess is probably brake dust.
I can clean it off but it gets in all the corners and is really hard work.
Can I spray or wipe anything on the wheels to help prevent stuff sticking to them?
Just had the wheels refurbished so they look like new but I know it won't last long.
How often do you clean your car?My wheels are always stained with black material that I guess is probably brake dust.
I can clean it off but it gets in all the corners and is really hard work.
Can I spray or wipe anything on the wheels to help prevent stuff sticking to them?
Just had the wheels refurbished so they look like new but I know it won't last long.
A good ceramic coating helps you protect and clean them but as said if you do it regularly ie once a week you won't get a build up.
Bilt hamber auto wheels is probably the best wheel cleaner out there for stubborn staining.
Something like gyeon wet coat is worth considering too or the polar seal suggested above.
Bilt hamber auto wheels is probably the best wheel cleaner out there for stubborn staining.
Something like gyeon wet coat is worth considering too or the polar seal suggested above.
Regular cleaning (weekly/bi-weekly) seems to be the only success I have found. I also only use regular car washing shampoo as heard the generic alloy wheel cleaners can be aggressive and ruin the wheel coating. Not sure how true but equally with my schedule I have no problems with regular car shampoo either.
Also get yourself some brushes to make the job easier. I have some long reach brushes that allow the inside of the rim to be cleaned, i start there, then use a microfibre to do the rear faces of the face (I don't take wheel off, that would be too much hassle). And then work my way to the faces and have a microfibre and some detailing brushes to get into the wheel bolt areas etc.
Also get yourself some brushes to make the job easier. I have some long reach brushes that allow the inside of the rim to be cleaned, i start there, then use a microfibre to do the rear faces of the face (I don't take wheel off, that would be too much hassle). And then work my way to the faces and have a microfibre and some detailing brushes to get into the wheel bolt areas etc.
Belle427 said:
A good ceramic coating helps you protect and clean them but as said if you do it regularly ie once a week you won't get a build up.
Bilt hamber auto wheels is probably the best wheel cleaner out there for stubborn staining.
Something like gyeon wet coat is worth considering too or the polar seal suggested above.
Wifey's friend had a seizing brake caliper on the back of her Mazda, the resulting staing i've tried two doses of Auto Wheel then pressure washer, even using a green non metal kitchen pad to agitate, yes its far better than before but don't think the ingrained coating on the wheels will ever fully come off.Bilt hamber auto wheels is probably the best wheel cleaner out there for stubborn staining.
Something like gyeon wet coat is worth considering too or the polar seal suggested above.
Only see things as bad before this on a hard driven Imprezza, combination of hot metal and friction material melted into the wheels.
Your choice of brake pads will also have a huge effect on the amount of brake dust they generate. The sportier the pads, the more dust they tend to make and the better the pedal feel. The ones that make less dust feel more wooden and seem to need more brake pressure to get the same stopping action but if you just pootle around and don't care about how the brakes feel, then go for it.
Smint said:
Belle427 said:
A good ceramic coating helps you protect and clean them but as said if you do it regularly ie once a week you won't get a build up.
Bilt hamber auto wheels is probably the best wheel cleaner out there for stubborn staining.
Something like gyeon wet coat is worth considering too or the polar seal suggested above.
Wifey's friend had a seizing brake caliper on the back of her Mazda, the resulting staing i've tried two doses of Auto Wheel then pressure washer, even using a green non metal kitchen pad to agitate, yes its far better than before but don't think the ingrained coating on the wheels will ever fully come off.Bilt hamber auto wheels is probably the best wheel cleaner out there for stubborn staining.
Something like gyeon wet coat is worth considering too or the polar seal suggested above.
Only see things as bad before this on a hard driven Imprezza, combination of hot metal and friction material melted into the wheels.
I have used Chemical Guys wheel guard on mine. Works great to stop the brake dust getting to the wheel.
on my https://chemicalguys.co.uk/collections/wheels-tire...
on my https://chemicalguys.co.uk/collections/wheels-tire...
Cotty said:
I have used Chemical Guys wheel guard on mine. Works great to stop the brake dust getting to the wheel.
on my https://chemicalguys.co.uk/collections/wheels-tire...
Thanks for the tip. Just ordered some of this and will give it a try.on my https://chemicalguys.co.uk/collections/wheels-tire...
I do try and clean the car regularly but the wheels are sport classics and just have so many edges and corners it's really tedious trying to clean them.
A993LAD said:
Thanks for the tip. Just ordered some of this and will give it a try.
I do try and clean the car regularly but the wheels are sport classics and just have so many edges and corners it's really tedious trying to clean them.
I know what you mean. Lots of people ran cross spoke wheels on the E30 BMW but they are a pain in the ass to clean. I went with Hartge straight spoke wheels, classy and easy to clean. Make sure you do the insides as well if you can. I do try and clean the car regularly but the wheels are sport classics and just have so many edges and corners it's really tedious trying to clean them.
Use a bit of brick and masonry cleaner. Gently agitate with a stiff alloy cleaning brush, let it soak for a minute, agitate again, rinse and repeat if necessary. Don’t splash it everywhere as it can be hard on plastics etc. Works every time for me. In fact, it’s the most effective alloy cleaner I have ever used, and I have cleaned plenty of alloys over the years. Take the wheel off the car, remove centre cap etc if your worried about splashes etc.
Contrary to popular belief, it won’t damage a decent 2k lacquer finish.
Contrary to popular belief, it won’t damage a decent 2k lacquer finish.
Gas1883 said:
Wheel design does make it easier though to keep clean
Indeed.I loved my old 3-spoke Saab wheels!
Moved up country to Volvo when they sadly stopped building cars….still not too tricky with the winter wheels….the original diamond cut wheels are another matter (awful things!)
The other thing to make it simple: get an electric car!
1 bucket of water does our Kona using the wheels - at 47k miles, the brakes are barely worn (all regen braking!), the wheels just need a regular cloth, virtually zero brake dust
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