hey. any comments on the best wheel cleaner for 98se factory 16" wheels? i know some cleaners are supposedly too harsh for some metals and honestly I don't even know what exactly my wheels are made of. thanks.

 

You wheels are painted and clearcoated alloy. I use Eagle A2Z wheel cleaner.

 

You might want to simply try some Meguiars 26 on your alloy wheels. It is a pure wax. No need for harsh abrasive cleaners, the small amount of solvent in the 26 should be enough to clean up your wheels. I've used Meguiars 26 on my wheels as well as my car since day one and the wheels still look new. Clear coat is intact and clean and brake dust washes right off.

 

I would stay away from the Eagle products because I've heard that they are too harsh for the clear coat. I use Armor All all-wheel cleaner for my stock '99 se rims and they still look like new. I however only spray the stuff on the inside of the rims where the brake dust gathers up and not on the outside of the rim. You also shouldn't leave these rim cleaners on the clear coat for more than 1 minute or else the paint will fade or decolorize.

 

Try Purple Muscle or Simple Green Neither will hurt a painted surface, there strong, and cheaper then "wheel cleaners"