Why use a wheel cleaner?

D

DJ Trackie

New member
Last month I got Meguiar's free sample of Hot Rims wheel cleaner. So I used it to clean some chrome rims.



It wasn't any magic formula, i mean.. i guess some dirt came off, but otherwise it still left a lot of dirt. Plus it made the brakes looks green/rusty orange.. and just plain ugly. It was because the overspray dried on the brakes. If came off later after driving, but it made the car look ugly.



So why use wheel cleaner when you can get some soap/water and a brush - and get even better results while being gentle on your rims (and hands!).
 
Ever clean any BMW mesh wheels? Yeah, do that with soap and water and then come back and we'll chat about the need for wheel cleaners.;)
 
I think it's important to be very careful when selecting and using a wheel cleaner, but as the pics above demonstrate, they can be a necessary item.



FWIW I'm a big fan of Four Star's Ultimate wheel cleaner gel. Very gentle from a pH perspective, but remarkably effective. I'm pretty good about maintaining the wheels on my vehicles, so I don't need it often, but it's ugly work trying to clean a filthy wheel that has a lot of nooks and crevices without a good cleaning product.
 
VroomVroom said:
I think it's important to be very careful when selecting and using a wheel cleaner, but as the pics above demonstrate, they can be a necessary item.



FWIW I'm a big fan of Four Star's Ultimate wheel cleaner gel. Very gentle from a pH perspective, but remarkably effective. I'm pretty good about maintaining the wheels on my vehicles, so I don't need it often, but it's ugly work trying to clean a filthy wheel that has a lot of nooks and crevices without a good cleaning product.
Click to expand...



I'm impressed with the 4* gel as well. With a little scrubbing, I cleaned some VERY neglected wheels on my neighbor's car. Wouldn't have wanted to try cleaning these with just soap and water.



Before 4*

WheelBefore.jpg






After 4*

WheelAfter.jpg
 
SpoiledMan said:
Ever clean any BMW mesh wheels? Yeah, do that with soap and water and then come back and we'll chat about the need for wheel cleaners.;)
Click to expand...



Every two weeks and I do it with Optimum No Rinse. I haven't used a wheel cleaner in probably 10-11 years now. Tried a couple but never thought they were worth the extra cost.
 
I see a 745Li every other week that would consume way too much time to clean in such a manner. I mention this one as the driver is rather aggressive in his driving. These wheels take on the look of needing cleaning 2 days after being cleaned. The nasty towels that come from cleaning with car what soap/solution and the added time lose hands down to spraying some Wheel Brightener, a little agitation and hosing off.
 
sevenrd said:
I'm impressed with the 4* gel as well. With a little scrubbing, I cleaned some VERY neglected wheels on my neighbor's car. Wouldn't have wanted to try cleaning these with just soap and water.
Click to expand...



For a little more than what the 4 Star costs in the 16 ounce bottle, you can get a gallon of Wheel Brightener that dilutes up to 4:1. It's safe on all but uncoated aluminum and anodized wheels when used properly.
 
SpoiledMan said:
you can get a gallon of Wheel Brightener that dilutes up to 4:1. It's safe on all but uncoated aluminum and anodized wheels when used properly.
Click to expand...



using it properly and safely is a MUST! i have a gallon of WB that was leaking, and some of it got on our tile flooring and left some white marks that will not go away. :mad:
 
imacarnut said:
using it properly and safely is a MUST! i have a gallon of WB that was leaking, and some of it got on our tile flooring and left some white marks that will not go away. :mad:
Click to expand...



Compound with PG, polish with IP and finish with 85RD and a coat of #16. That should restore it to new. :bolt :shocked :cooleek: :soscared:
 
DJ Trackie said:
Plus it made the brakes looks green/rusty orange.. and just plain ugly. It was because the overspray dried on the brakes. If came off later after driving, but it made the car look ugly.(and hands!).
Click to expand...





I don't use wheel cleaners, but aren't you supposed to rinse the cleaners off afterwards? Which should remove the overspray.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top