Which product to clean wheels properly
Discussion
I've tried a few different products to clean wheels, all just normal shop stuff - and nothing seems very good, tbh. I've seen wheels cleaned by detailers and the results are amazing - brake dust which seemed baked on, gone after 5mins soaking in with the right product. So what is this magical (and strangely pleasant smelling) stuff, and where can I get some?
Bilberry (like a lot of "safe wheel cleaners) is around the 13-14pH scale, so isnt that good on bare alloy, anodised or other alloys that can be considered "soft".
Of course without actually seeing a pic of your wheels, cant really advise on best action.
But I would jet off the worst first, then use something like Orchard Car Care Iron Cleanse (ironx etc) which should remove most if not all.
You might need to use a tar & glue remover and depending how you feel, clay it. Then follow with a decent wax/sealer.
After sealed, just shampoo.
Of course without actually seeing a pic of your wheels, cant really advise on best action.
But I would jet off the worst first, then use something like Orchard Car Care Iron Cleanse (ironx etc) which should remove most if not all.
You might need to use a tar & glue remover and depending how you feel, clay it. Then follow with a decent wax/sealer.
After sealed, just shampoo.
Or for something off the shelf this is good.....
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/...
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/...
Just don't want to take the piss!Bilberry will fade the calipers, I used to use it now I use Iron X, http://www.i4detailing.co.uk/acatalog/CarPro_Iron_...
Video of Iron X in use,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-2RPxw4P8E
Video of Iron X in use,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-2RPxw4P8E
regular washing with mild detergents or plain soap and water is by far the best way ,most issues arise through the neglect to wash them regularly
clay bar is handy and will remove most if not all residue without resorting to harsh chemicals which can often effect the clearcoat and or any unprotected aloy
a steam cleaner or pressure washer is also good to go but personaly i wouldnt waste my money on so called spacialist aloy wheel cleaning products ,i put those in the same catagory as so called metalic paint waxes cleaners and polishes as what the makers fail to tell you is all modern automotive finishes are clear coated so the waxes required are all the same as you are never actualy touching the metalic or pearl basecoat anyway
a stiff brush soap and water and some elbow grease usualy suffices when it comes to wheels ;-)
tar can be removed with panel wipe available by the gallon very cheaply from any paintshop supplier or lighter fluid
tyres can be buffed up using those cheap shoe shine pads as can all your black plastics and rubbers
rain X or similar is a good idea for those who dont wash their aloys too often like myself LOL
Paul
clay bar is handy and will remove most if not all residue without resorting to harsh chemicals which can often effect the clearcoat and or any unprotected aloy
a steam cleaner or pressure washer is also good to go but personaly i wouldnt waste my money on so called spacialist aloy wheel cleaning products ,i put those in the same catagory as so called metalic paint waxes cleaners and polishes as what the makers fail to tell you is all modern automotive finishes are clear coated so the waxes required are all the same as you are never actualy touching the metalic or pearl basecoat anyway
a stiff brush soap and water and some elbow grease usualy suffices when it comes to wheels ;-)
tar can be removed with panel wipe available by the gallon very cheaply from any paintshop supplier or lighter fluid
tyres can be buffed up using those cheap shoe shine pads as can all your black plastics and rubbers
rain X or similar is a good idea for those who dont wash their aloys too often like myself LOL
Paul
Edited by ARTSPRAY on Tuesday 6th December 23:58
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