Alloy wheel protector?

[CAPP0]

What do people use to protect their alloys from brake dust? Years ago I had some spray-on stuff, can't remember whether it was any good, but I can't find anything similar now?

[bolidemichael]

Hi,

I have been using Bilt Hamber Double Speed wax over the spring/summer and it has worked well insofar as it resists contamination. Basically when I received the refurbished alloys, I rubbed in a couple of coats with the (damped) sponge that they provide. On the recent winter detail, there wasn't a great deal of fallout turning purple, in comparison to my neighbour's alloys that were set ablaze by the decontaminant! This demonstrates to me that the wheels were well protected.

They recommend using Dynax UC on the rear of your rims over winter by the way and double speed on the outer face.

If you have applied other products before on the same alloys, then using their Cleanser Fluid or Cleanser Polish will strip the previous, in preparation for maximum adhesion.

[gweaver]

A durable paste wax/sealant (as above) is one option. Another is to apply a ceramic coat. Ceramic is more involved to apply, but I've had good results - one year on and the wheels are still a doddle to clean - not much sticks.

[bolidemichael]

gweaver said:

A durable paste wax/sealant (as above) is one option. Another is to apply a ceramic coat. Ceramic is more involved to apply, but I've had good results - one year on and the wheels are still a doddle to clean - not much sticks.

Can you recommend or suggest any products?

[SAS Tom]

I use sonax wheel sealant. I’ve been using it for a few years now and found it to be great.

[Summit_Detailing]

bolidemichael said:

Can you recommend or suggest any products?

Gtechniq C5 or Gyeon Q2Rim

cheers,

Chris

[Gulf7]

I use this: https://www.autoglym.com/wheel-protector

It's really good, and quick to apply (no buffing off required). I used it on my Elise (which I drove on track), and I use it on my Fiesta ST daily too.

[Dermot O'Logical]

Summit_Detailing said:

Gtechniq C5 or Gyeon Q2Rim

cheers,

Chris

I haven't tried the Gyeon, but I can recommend Gtechniq C5

[CAPP0]

Thanks for all the replies, will probably opt for one of the easier solutions for now until I get the wheels re-done at some point.

[gweaver]

Dermot O'Logical said:

I haven't tried the Gyeon, but I can recommend Gtechniq C5

I used C5 too.
If you're planning on a refurb before long then a durable paste (Bilt Hamber Double Speed Wax or Soft 99 Fusso Coat 12m) or spray sealant (Turtle Wax Hydrophobic Sealant) would make more sense.

C5 is around £1.50 per ml. The sealants above are all affordable, effective and versatile.

[bolidemichael]

In my scenario of summer wheels (seven months usage) and winter wheels (five months), would C5 or Gyeon offer any benefits over the BH Double Speed/Dynax UC?

[designforlife]

Collinite 845

[Summit_Detailing]

bolidemichael said:

In my scenario of summer wheels (seven months usage) and winter wheels (five months), would C5 or Gyeon offer any benefits over the BH Double Speed/Dynax UC?

Assuming you keep on top of cleaning them and you do average mileage you may get 2 years protection out the Gtechniq & Gyeon products before having to prep and reapply.

I would suggest you would have to top up the Bilt Hamber wax multiple times during this period.

Cheers,

Chris

[bolidemichael]

Summit_Detailing said:

bolidemichael said:

In my scenario of summer wheels (seven months usage) and winter wheels (five months), would C5 or Gyeon offer any benefits over the BH Double Speed/Dynax UC?

Assuming you keep on top of cleaning them and you do average mileage you may get 2 years protection out the Gtechniq & Gyeon products before having to prep and reapply.

I would suggest you would have to top up the Bilt Hamber wax multiple times during this period.

Cheers,

Chris

I clean them regularly and do 1,000 miles average a month (actually mostly short journeys punctuated by occasional longer drives). My plan (since I have invested in the BH stuff) is to deep clean and wax them once off the vehicle and swapped.

[gweaver]

Since you have the BH stuff, try it. If/when you get bored of cleaning the wheels, try the ceramic.
If cost is an issue and the wheels aren't too big, you might be able to stretch a CarPro CQuartz UK sample to all four wheels, front and back.