I wash my wheels by hand, using car wash and a rag. However, due to the inclement weather, I have not been able to "stay on top of it".

I tried cleaning my wheels this last time as I normally do, with car wash and a rag, but the brake dust won't come out. If you wash by hand regulary, about once per week, the brake dust and crud is not a problem. If it builds up, though, it becomes a problem.

I am asking what is a "safe", aftermarket cleaner for the wheels? I am not going to use Simple Green or an abrasive pad.

Any suggestions on products?

Thanks

 

You may have a look at this site:

http://www.griotsgarage.com/catalog....000&L2=L2_1002

My friend turned me on to some of the wheel cleaner from here and it did a very nice job on some brake dust on the inside part of the rim. Stuff's a bit pricey, but hey, it's worth it!

 

I've gone through a ton of different wheel cleaners, cheap through expensive. The best that I've found so far is diluted Simple Green. It's not toxic, doesn't kill the finish and cuts the buidup and brake dust with ease. Cheap too!!!

Be careful to use either a wheel brush or a separate rag regardless. The brake dust is an excellent abrasive that is hard to wash out. It does wonders to your clear coat!!!

Good luck,

Brad

 

MDEAL, I would not use any type of wheel cleaner. Every brand I have used dulled the finish of the wheel. If soap and water does not work, I agree with BLEW226 and would dilute Simple Green and use that.

Mark

 

I agree with Maximized, the Wheel Cleaner from Griot's Garage is excellent. I have used it on both a 96 and 00 SE's.

 

Thanks for the responses.

I should have been more clear by stating the dust is on the inside of the rim. The smooth, outside part of the rim is not a problem.

I've intentionally stayed away from Simple Green because I use that stuff on my bike chain, and if you leave it on too long, or don't get it all off, it weakens the metal chain and causes it to break. I don't want my rims weakened, if you know what I mean.

I'll try a dilluted version of Simple Green, or maybe some stuff from that website.

Thanks!

 

the wheel cleaner from griot's garage does a very good job at getting the brake dust off. and, it smells good too!

i have also been impressed by the rubber cleaner and the vinyl/rubber protectant that griot's sells. the protectant is not a "glossy" finish but rather a "satin" finish, and it seems to stay on the tire for a pretty long time. i had to use the rubber cleaner to get the silicone stuff that i had been using before (my tires were brownish in color).


dfwmax

 

Man pay $2 every two weeks and go to a "self-car-wash" and spray on the wheel cleaner, then turn to foaming brush, clean the wheels nice and good with it, then turn to high pressure wash, spray them clean, and if you wash has it turn to "spot-free rinse" and spray them with that so that you dont have to hand dry them.

Now if you good (like me, with experience), you can get all this done in the $2 (4mins) time allocated. Plus no back breaking hand scrubing or drying.

Dixit

 

armorol makes your tires look nyce =)

 

damn.. I miss the car wash near my old university... 4 dollars.. wash as long as you want.... even have doors that you can close(so you don't freeze your azz off in the winter) I usually wash for like 2 hours... yes I am cheap!

 

Holy shiet!! $4 for as long as u want?........... With doors that close? SHIEEEEEEEEEET

The cops would have to ask me to leave then, that is the only way I am coming out.

Dixit

 

Meguiars hot rims about $4 @ target, walmart (needs some brushing)

then afterwards a little meguiars quick wax

 

I can tell you from experience, ive tried all the other stuff and nothing came close to the P21S gel, or if its really bad the multi-surface finish restorer. Go to thier website and look around. http://www.p21s.com/

 

Maxima-Ness, I was about to suggest that.

But another suggestion is Eimann Fabrik's Hi-Intensity. The thing I like about this cleaner is that it can be used in a multitude of different ways. You can use it to clean your tires and the vinyl in your car (diluted for the vinyl). I use it to clean my wheels, wheel wells, tires, and vinyl/plastic pieces on the inside of my 3rd Gen. It's very effective on brake dust. Plus, you can buy 32 oz, 1 gallon, and 5 gallon sizes so you don't have to worry about running out often. You can buy this at:

www.properautocare.com
www.tacscar.com

I used to use the Espree Wheel Magic and Bleche-White for years until I got hold of the Hi-Intensity.

If you want protectants, I would use either of the following on your tires:

Lexol Vinylex
303 Protectant

Both are water based and will give you a nice matte finish. If you are looking for the "Ghetto Shine" then I would look at Eagle One Tire Wet. Just make sure you have some Eagle One Tire Swipes.

 

Griot's garage does make one of the best wheel cleaners out there, and it is endorsed by BBS Wheels. It's non toxic and contains only natural ingredents. Try their Undercarraige spray also to make wheelwheels look new again. It's not like Silicone Products and stays on all week. As a Hint......buy the gallon of each as its cheaper, and use your own spray bottle.

 

I've been eyeing the Eimann-Fabrik cleaner. I have heard good things about the Griots product; however, PS21 pleases me too well at the moment.