wheel/tire/interior cleaner quesiton

I

imported_Kyle

New member
Hello, I just replaced my rims/tires and searched around about all products. and I like to hear what's the good products to get.



1. Tire/wheel cleaner: First question I have is that if I should get tire cleaner and wheel cleaner separately or I can just use one for both? I like to try one of either product, A2Z ($3) or EFHI ($20).

I read many thread about both products and I'm sure they both are good. Is it worth spending $20 and get EFHI or just get A2Z from local shop?



2. Tire dressing/Interior: I like my tires to be clean and shinny but not too much. Also since I'm having my dash reflecting on the front glass right now (hard to drive), I'm looking for something less reflecting effect..After my research on autopia, I'm interested in trying on 303 ($20/32 oz). then I found about BM Semi-Gloss Dash protectant ($2-3) is similar product. That's big difference. However if the quality of 303 is superior, I'll go for 303. Has anybody tried both product before? comments?



3. Go back to my tire cleaner, I have

Westley Bleech-White (got it for free, I remember) on my previous tire. and it did turned my old tire brown. I understand that this product is non-favored on this board but I see some members use for tire cleaner. I was morelikely throw this away but what do you thinkg? Should I keep and use on my new tire or no?



4. Wheel/tire brush: I'm not sure what kind of brush I should get. I hear soemthing about OXO but is this brush or...could you provide me the picture and where I can get it?



Thank you for your help.
 
Here is what I have been using and the order of cleaning:



1. Tires: Eagle One Tire Cleaner...I stocked up on the stuff last fall at Sears Auto Center. It was on sale for around $1.10 per spray bottle. I use an OXO tire brush to scrub after application. I bought the brush from CMA



2. Wheels: P21S Wheel Cleaner. I am almost out of it and am considering trying Eagle One A2Z due to the expense of P21S (and the need to mail order it). I use an OXO wheel brush and a smaller wheel brush that I bought at Target. I bought the OXO wheel brush from a local Linen 'N Things store but CMA also sells it. I also use a 100% cotton towel on the inner areas of my aluminum wheels as neither brush is small enough to reach these spots.



3. Tire protectant: 303...it is has a rather matte appearance on the tires but I use it more for what is in it.



4. Wheel protectant: I have not had an opportunity to try it yet due to the very cold winter weather, but when it warms up I plan to use Zaino on my wheels.



Hope this helps!
 
If you want just one product to clean wheels and tires, EFHI is the best choice. For $20 you get a gallon of product and you can dilute it if you want to.



E1 Tire Cleaner is hard to find unless mail ordered. If you have some Mothers dealers around look for their Tire and Rubber Cleaner (check out Mothers.com for a dealer listing).



A2Z is a good wheel cleaner if a bit strong. $3/bottle is an excellent price, though and I would consider stocking up on it at that price. I usually see it for $5/bottle locally.



303 is too matte on tires for my tastes but great on interior trim. I like E1 Interior/Exterior Protectant, Vinylex, or Pinnacle Vinyl & Rubber Lotion for my tires; all give a little more shine than 303.



Oh, and dump the Westley's ASAP. It's worthless.







I use one of these for a wheel brush:

classic-motoring_1724_2782569




As for a tire brush (stiffer bristles) look at this one:

classic-motoring_1723_6669553




Or this one:

classic-motoring_1720_1850970
 
1. I've been using Meguiar's APC+ on my tires, it does a good job of cleaning them pretty well. For the rims, I used to use Meguiar's Hot Rim Cool Care All Wheel Cleaner. Now I just use regular car wash soap with a few brushes. I've only used A2Z once (sample bottle), it works pretty well.



2. Tire dressing, I tried Vinylex on my tires last week and love it so far. It has a REALLY nice shine that's just perfect and it's not greasy at all. I don't like Vinylex on my interior panels, it seems too glossy. 303 is a great product on the interior, it leaves the perfect finish and it's not greasy either. I've never tried 303 on tires before, so I can't comment on it.

3. I've never tried the bleech-white, and haven't heard good things about it either.



4. I have a viking wheel/fender brush for cleaning the outside of the rim, for the inside of the rims, I have 1 viking brake dust brush, 1 grip tech deluxe wheel brush and an E1 wheel scrubber. I use all of them to get my rims really clean. I use a viking tire brush to get my tires clean.
 
I have found that EFHI, diluted 1:1 with water, and scrubbed with a soft brush, is great for the tires...really leaves them clean looking. I have heard of people cleaning the tires, then 303'ing them for UV protection (because 303 apparently doesn't really have any cleaning properties - which is why they make 303 cleaner :D ), then using their favorite dressing (based on what gloss or satin finish you want). I have used just 303 after a wash, and the tires do look clean, but they do not have any kind of finish, they are just flat black.



EFHI as bretfraz said is good for the wheels too. Some have expressed concern about the possible acidity of the product, but I did not have a problem with it diluted at 1:1....I think that makes it more safe with regards to the acidity (at least more safe than Meg GC wheel cleaner - which by the way corrodes my brake disc:down :down ). I have recently been using Sonus Songel wheel cleaner, which I am very impressed with....it is 14.95 or so for 16 ounces, but just 3-4 sprays on the tire with a brush, and presto.....the wheels kick A$$!!!:xyxthumbs



For interior, I have been using both 303 and Klasse VLR - love VLR for the steering wheel as it is just a bit more shiny but not too glossy or greasy (like an Armorall or something like that)....again 303 is a little more flat looking, but leaves the vinyl interior or whatever else you use it on looking clean (NEW clean!)



So once my car has been all Klassed and SG'd, all I take to the coin op is my bucket, my GC Wash, my Sonus wheel cleaner, and my EFHI 1:1 spray bottle, two brushes, my MF towels, and a handful of quarters!!!!!!!!!!:xyxthumbs :xyxthumbs
 
MildSeven said:
1. Tire/wheel cleaner: First question I have is that if I should get tire cleaner and wheel cleaner separately or I can just use one for both? I like to try one of either product, A2Z ($3) or EFHI ($20).



I read many thread about both products and I'm sure they both are good. Is it worth spending $20 and get EFHI or just get A2Z from local shop?
Click to expand...



I personally use two products for tires and one for wheels. I've been using Pro's Non-Acid Wheel cleaner for wheels and Pro's Green Nitro for Tires. I'll soon be trying Stoner's All Purpose for both purposes just so I can eliminate one produce I have to carry around when I detail vehicles since I have so much stuff in the back of my truck already.



I haev used A2Z and it works great for brake dust. Brake dust just slides right off!







2. Tire dressing/Interior: I like my tires to be clean and shinny but not too much. Also since I'm having my dash reflecting on the front glass right now (hard to drive), I'm looking for something less reflecting effect..After my research on autopia, I'm interested in trying on 303 ($20/32 oz). then I found about BM Semi-Gloss Dash protectant ($2-3) is similar product. That's big difference. However if the quality of 303 is superior, I'll go for 303. Has anybody tried both product before? comments?
Click to expand...



303 does give a nice matte finish. I find that it is somewhat expensive though. I have been using Pro's Glosso. Straight up it gives a medium shine. More than 303. If you buff it down with a towel, then it'll reduce it some. If you dilute it some with water, then you can get it to the same shine as 303 and it lasts awhile. I applied some to my trucks interior after a month and I could barely tell a difference between where I had applied it and where it was left over from the last application.





3. Go back to my tire cleaner, I have

Westley Bleech-White (got it for free, I remember) on my previous tire. and it did turned my old tire brown. I understand that this product is non-favored on this board but I see some members use for tire cleaner. I was morelikely throw this away but what do you thinkg? Should I keep and use on my new tire or no?
Click to expand...



I've used Westley's Belche-Wite and it works great. As soon as it hits your tires it turns brown. Does an awesome job at white letters. From everyone I hear they changed formulas and it is safe. I've been using it on my tires for awhile and I haevn't had any problems.





4. Wheel/tire brush: I'm not sure what kind of brush I should get. I hear soemthing about OXO but is this brush or...could you provide me the picture and where I can get it?
Click to expand...



For wheels I have two. I have a small skinny one with nylon bristles for getting tight areas. I then have this foam fingered bottle brush you can get at a grocery stores. It is awesome for getting inside the wheel to clean. I believe David B. also uses one like it and in fact I believe he is the one who orignially suggested it to me.



For wheels I have a brass bristled brush for cleaning white letters, white walls, etc. I then have a nylon bristled bathroom scrub brush for the rest of the tire. It is wide and I can cover most tires with one swoop around.
 
Hey Intel:



How do you get the 303 to look shiny??? Maybe I am using it wrong. It seems that it certainly gives my tires a very clean NEW look, but I don't really think it is that shiny at all, just kind of flat....let's put it this way, if it was on another car, it wouldn't catch my eye. I basically just spray it on and wipe it off quickly. Should I leave it on longer or make it wetter, then wipe off???
 
bmw530i2003 said:
Hey Intel:



How do you get the 303 to look shiny??? Maybe I am using it wrong. It seems that it certainly gives my tires a very clean NEW look, but I don't really think it is that shiny at all, just kind of flat....let's put it this way, if it was on another car, it wouldn't catch my eye. I basically just spray it on and wipe it off quickly. Should I leave it on longer or make it wetter, then wipe off???
Click to expand...



I don't get 303 Shiny. I use Glosso for a interior dressing. Exterior I use Wipe-On Gloss
 
I use new alkaline A2Z on tires and it works very well. It is also a killer on brake dust but since I sealed my wheels with SG I don't use it on wheels anymore.



303 definetely is the product to use on interior since it leaves matte surface and that's what I prefer. No reflections on windshield and great UV protection. :up



If you like your tires a little more shiny give Vinylex or E1 Protectant a try. Protectant is a semi-gloss and Vinylex I would call glossy.



Just my $0.02.
 
Intel486 said:
I've used Westley's Belche-Wite and it works great.....From everyone I hear they changed formulas and it is safe. I've been using it on my tires for awhile and I haevn't had any problems.
Click to expand...



When did they change the formula? The last time that I used (from a bottle at least a year old), it, it turned my tires gray (E1 tire cleaner doesn't seem to do this). Does the new Bleche White not do this?
 
thanks for many responses :)



Another question, how often do you use tire/wheel cleaner? I remember some member claimed that EFHI is not for every car wash (let say once a week)? so I'm curious to know if the cleaner is that strong, how often do you use? if you use the cleaner all the time, do they turn the tire brown or damages?



'Cause 1 gallon HI seems to me alot. Maybe I only need 32oz spray..





Thanks again
 
I clean wheels and tires every wash. Non-acidic cleaners will not harm either wheels or tires so there's no problems with using them regularly. Some people don't like chemical cleaners when soap and water will do the trick; it's your call. My brakes generate a lot of dust so using cleaners is almost a must-do everytime. But use your best judgement.
 
thanks bretfraz.



I'm ready to order from CMA but is there any coupon at this time?



I think I decided to try following products:

- 303 16 oz. Spray ($10.95) - I dont think I need 32oz. I'll use this for my dash and tires. If I dont like it on tires, I'll consider another products.

- EFHI 32 oz. Spray ($8.95) - I got attacted by "multi-purpose"... again I dont think I need 1 gallon, but what do you think?

- Blue Smaller Microfiber Wash Mitt ($5.95) - does anyone have this? how's the quality?

- Eagle One Tire Swipes ($2.95)

- Foam Wax Applicators ($2.95)



and maybe OXO brushes - Do you think I need two brushes?(for each tire and wheel), I was thinking if I can get either one of brushes and use for tire & wheel..



Is there any cheaper alternatives I can get from other site/store?



p.s I'm sorry I ask too many questions :p
 
Look into sealing your wheels with quality synthetic sealant like Klasse, Zaino or Meguiar's No.20. Bmw brakes are known for creating a lot of dust but since I started sealing my wheels all I need to use is regular car shampoo. I use wheel cleaner on rims maybe every 6-8 weeks prior to sealing them again.



I clean my tires with cleaner every 3rd wash ( I wash car every week) or when I see any build up.

I noticed that most of the browning was caused by build up of oily tire dressings I used, like Endurance or E1 Wet Shine. I didn't have that problem anymore after I started using water based dressings.
 
MildSeven said:
thanks bretfraz.



I'm ready to order from CMA but is there any coupon at this time?



I think I decided to try following products:

- 303 16 oz. Spray ($10.95) - I dont think I need 32oz. I'll use this for my dash and tires. If I dont like it on tires, I'll consider another products.

- EFHI 32 oz. Spray ($8.95) - I got attacted by "multi-purpose"... again I dont think I need 1 gallon, but what do you think?

- Blue Smaller Microfiber Wash Mitt ($5.95) - does anyone have this? how's the quality?

- Eagle One Tire Swipes ($2.95)

- Foam Wax Applicators ($2.95)



and maybe OXO brushes - Do you think I need two brushes?(for each tire and wheel), I was thinking if I can get either one of brushes and use for tire & wheel..



Is there any cheaper alternatives I can get from other site/store?



p.s I'm sorry I ask too many questions :p
Click to expand...



I would go ahead and order 1 gallon of EFHI, it's good stuff with many other potential uses and trust me you'll love 303 so order bigger bottle. CMA price on these products is fair and you'll save on shipping by ordering bigger quantities now.



You will find Tire Swipes and Meguiar's foam wax applicators cheaper at your local Wal-Mart or Auto Zone.
 
$3 for A2Z really is great! :up It's probably one of the most powerful wheel cleaners out there. I use it and haven't found it to harm anything, but don't let it dry out! Also, I believe EFHI does not offer true "spray on, hose off" capability the way A2Z does. Also, A2Z now says you can use it on tires, although it's probably more powerful than you need for this.



I also clean my wheels and tires every wash and re-dress the tires.



Also remember that waxing/sealing wheels and using wheel cleaners on them are opposite philosophies. ;)



I've found I like my tire scrubbing brushes to have pretty fine bristles, almost like a paintbrush, as this lets them get in small crevices and the ribbed lettering tires can have. After a ton of searching I finally found a nice brush in a dollar store! :p



EDIT: I seem to like the word "also" way too much.... :p
 
As I showed in those pictures, I prefer a soft brush with feathered bristles for wheel cleaning, and a stiff bristled brush for tire scrubbing. Two different jobs needing two different tools. You can buy them from CMA or a local auto parts store.



Eagle One Tire Swipes are $1.97 at WalMart. I think Meguiar's foam apps are the same price there.



I agree with F1 that a gallon of EFHI is the better choice. I did the same as you are doing, bought the 32oz bottle thinking I may not like it. Turns out I love it and bought a gallon when I burned thru the first 32oz bottle. It's either $20/gallon or $36 for 4 bottles so you decide which is the better value.



BRIAN - note I did not use the word "also" in my post. See, it can be done.....;) ;)
 
I use a 6:1 mixture of Meguiar's APC+ to clean the dash, doors, console and any other interior vinyl/plastic when required. Then I use Eagle 1 Protectant Lotion on everything. It gives a nice shine (not a used-car-lot-Armor-All-shine), and isn't the least bit greasy.

pic_protect_ltn_16.gif




To clean the tires and wheels at the same time, I use Eagle 1 Aluminum Wash. The wheels on my Escape are painted silver w/clear coat, while the wheels on my Stang are raw polished aluminum. This does the job on both and gets the tires spotless and ready for dressing, which is the same Protectant Lotion that I use on the interior. It looks great and doesn't sling.

pic_alum_wash.gif
 
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