I have a brand new set of (alloy, bright silver finish) rims I'm putting on tomorrow. Should I wax them with anything first? Can I use car wax or do you have to use a special wheel wax?

Any recommended products for keeping rims clean and looking good?

 

For alloy rims, you don't want a cleaner that is too acidic. The reason for that is many rims are clearcoated just like the paint on your car is. If you use a cleaner that is too strong on them, you are risking the chance of stripping the clear coat off and exposing the rim to the elements which will lead to corrosion.

Eagle One A2Z is a good choice if you are looking for an OTC product. In my personal stable, I use an all purpose cleaner (EF HI) which serves as my tire and wheel cleaner.

If you are concerned about protection before you install the rims on your car, I'd suggest using a product like Wheel Wax or (my preference) Klasse Sealant Glaze to give the rims another layer of protection.

I used Klasse All In One and Sealant Glaze on the '02's stock rims and it made them very easy to clean them using only soap and water.

 

Any regular quality car wax should be fine. I use Meguiars Gold Class on my wheels as well as my car. Throw a coat on now then just keep em clean with soap and water and regular coats of wax. If they get real dirty you can use a wheel cleaner such as Eagle One A2Z wheel cleaner. Thats what I do with my wheels at least.

 

I just used a $2 tub of turtle wax. I slathered it on thick. Seems to be working great.

 

Thanks, guys. Klasse products sound great and I know you love them, Prinz, but I doubt anyone here carries them. Auto parts stores in Madison SUCK. So little selection. At least they have some Meguiars and Mothers stuff.

I'll probably put on the Gold Class Wax I have, and I'll look for Eagle One A2Z.

 

i have chrome wheels and i use Turtle Wax Chrome Polish and Mothers Chrome Polish and they both work great

 

Alright, another Wis. Max owner! I am sold on Klasse. When I got rims, I thought I'd try it on them. Works great and I like the fact that it's an acrylic type finish. Should last longer than a 'wax'.

I don't think its available at many retail places, as you have found out. Mail order/internet is the way to go. Try these....

http://www.properautocare.com/

http://www.klassedirect.com/

 

...or www.tacscar.com or www.autogeek.net

 

Thanks all. Blues, I just changed my username, used to be Masaccio. I have 17x8 MM Evo 5s now.

 

Why'd you change the name? Post some pics of those Evo's!