Cleaning MV alloys....
Discussion
Just acquired a car with these on and they're an absolute nightmare to clean.
They have accumulated tar and other deposits so wondering if anyone has any experience of any spray on wash off solutions that are effective but not to the point of damaging lacquer or surrounding paintwork! Cheers
They have accumulated tar and other deposits so wondering if anyone has any experience of any spray on wash off solutions that are effective but not to the point of damaging lacquer or surrounding paintwork! Cheers
Autosmart Tardis or similar should get rid of the tar, although you can only get Tardis in 5l tins. Follow this with Bilberry wheel cleaner - www.cleanyourcar.com do a 1l bottle of it.
I'll agree that MV1s are a complete and utter pig to clean. After many occasions of bruised and tired fingers and having lost the will to carry on after getting 2 wheels clean (I used to do one side properly at at time because I couldn't be asked...) I have found the easy way...
Only thing is that you need access to wheel acid and a ruddy good diesel run heated pressure washer. Luckily I have one at work...
Liberally cover the wheels in acid, let it sit for 5 minutes, then blast it off at a high heat. Literally all but the most stubborn deposits will be gone, leaving you to do them with a brush and clean off. Dry, apply a few layers of wheel sealant and keep on top of it and it isn't such a dreaded job.
Only thing is that you need access to wheel acid and a ruddy good diesel run heated pressure washer. Luckily I have one at work...
Liberally cover the wheels in acid, let it sit for 5 minutes, then blast it off at a high heat. Literally all but the most stubborn deposits will be gone, leaving you to do them with a brush and clean off. Dry, apply a few layers of wheel sealant and keep on top of it and it isn't such a dreaded job.
Ravi944 said:
noumenon said:
E30M3SE said:
If the wheels are generally clean but have tar spots you have a couple of options, a clay bar or Tar remover.
You said clay bar. 
/beavis
You're off the beaten path though?
bazking69 said:
I'll agree that MV1s are a complete and utter pig to clean. After many occasions of bruised and tired fingers and having lost the will to carry on after getting 2 wheels clean (I used to do one side properly at at time because I couldn't be asked...) I have found the easy way...
Only thing is that you need access to wheel acid and a ruddy good diesel run heated pressure washer. Luckily I have one at work...
Liberally cover the wheels in acid, let it sit for 5 minutes, then blast it off at a high heat. Literally all but the most stubborn deposits will be gone, leaving you to do them with a brush and clean off. Dry, apply a few layers of wheel sealant and keep on top of it and it isn't such a dreaded job.
I have used the Autoglym wheel cleaner stuff which is a watered down acid of sorts. Brushed it on, left it for few mins and then bit more brush work and then spray down with the cold water pressure washer. Still had the tar spots on but prob need to give it another go. Will get a clay bar tonight and see how that goes!Only thing is that you need access to wheel acid and a ruddy good diesel run heated pressure washer. Luckily I have one at work...
Liberally cover the wheels in acid, let it sit for 5 minutes, then blast it off at a high heat. Literally all but the most stubborn deposits will be gone, leaving you to do them with a brush and clean off. Dry, apply a few layers of wheel sealant and keep on top of it and it isn't such a dreaded job.
noumenon said:
Ravi944 said:
I have to admit I looked at that and laughed too
You're off the beaten path though?
Yup, I'm about to become a family man so have swapped the porsche for an e60. You're off the beaten path though?
Ravi944 said:
I have used the Autoglym wheel cleaner stuff which is a watered down acid of sorts. Brushed it on, left it for few mins and then bit more brush work and then spray down with the cold water pressure washer.
Still had the tar spots on but prob need to give it another go.
I swear by Comma wheel clean which seems to shift everything...Still had the tar spots on but prob need to give it another go.
...except bloody tar spots.
Ravi944 said:
Will get a clay bar tonight and see how that goes!
Let us know how you get on.Edited by monthefish on Thursday 9th April 20:43
Guys, the is a massive difference between proper wheel acid and the stuff you buy at Halfords in nice packaging with a nice price tag that isn't that effective.
There is also a massive difference between a home use cold water pressure washer and an industrial diesel pressure washer the size of a smart car putting out scolding hot water at a much higher pressure.
I'm fortunate to have access to this kit because it makes what would be an hour job at home (to get the same results anyway) a 5 minute job at lunchtime.
There is also a massive difference between a home use cold water pressure washer and an industrial diesel pressure washer the size of a smart car putting out scolding hot water at a much higher pressure.
I'm fortunate to have access to this kit because it makes what would be an hour job at home (to get the same results anyway) a 5 minute job at lunchtime.
Edited by bazking69 on Friday 10th April 21:13
bazking69 said:
Guys, the is a massive difference between proper wheel acid and the stuff you buy at Halfords in nice packaging with a nice price tag that isn't that effective.
There is also a massive difference between a home use cold water pressure washer and an industrial diesel pressure washer the size of a smart car putting out scolding hot water at a much higher pressure.
I'm fortunate to have access to this kit because it makes what would be an hour job at home (to get the same results anyway) a 5 minute job at lunchtime.
After my feeble attempts this weekend to rid the wheels of the dreaded tar I think i might have to pop round to yours for a quick wash! There is also a massive difference between a home use cold water pressure washer and an industrial diesel pressure washer the size of a smart car putting out scolding hot water at a much higher pressure.
I'm fortunate to have access to this kit because it makes what would be an hour job at home (to get the same results anyway) a 5 minute job at lunchtime.
Edited by bazking69 on Friday 10th April 21:13
Tried AG tar remover and then for good measure Meguiars hot wheels. Followed both as per instructions and yes, much of the gunk has been removed. Nonetheless, the most stubborn stuff is still left lingering so more brutal steps are required me thinks. I think the wheels had never been cleaned thoroughly in the 7 years the car has been on the road.
That acid stuff is great for tarting up alloys before selling the car.
However, after using Wonder Wheels on otherwise ok older alloys that were a mess a few times, and still having them now, the acid has really got in behind the laquer on the backs of the spokes, and is now leaving marks round onto the faces of the alloy wheels.
Nasty evil product, shafts laquer for fun, but you won't notice until 2 years down the line when they are fooked from it.
Use only non-acid base products, and elbow grease!
Do it once, then heavily protect with good waxes to save having to do it again
Dave
However, after using Wonder Wheels on otherwise ok older alloys that were a mess a few times, and still having them now, the acid has really got in behind the laquer on the backs of the spokes, and is now leaving marks round onto the faces of the alloy wheels.
Nasty evil product, shafts laquer for fun, but you won't notice until 2 years down the line when they are fooked from it.
Use only non-acid base products, and elbow grease!
Do it once, then heavily protect with good waxes to save having to do it again
Dave
Tardis for the tar, spray on and leave to disolve the tar spots and then rub with a rag. Repeat until gone.
For brake dust and other general crud I've got some stuff that smells so bad I rarely use it. Really aggressive on the crud but no adverse effects to the wheel or lacquer at all. Will get it out of the garage in a bit and tell you what it's called.
Finish off with a clay, polish if required and then a couple of coats of sealant (Poorboys is a good one)
If you keep on top with the sealant less crap tends to stick to your wheels and washing is much easier.
ETA This is the stuff
http://www.performancemotorcare.com/acatalog/P21S_...
It smells like BigFoot's dick though.
For brake dust and other general crud I've got some stuff that smells so bad I rarely use it. Really aggressive on the crud but no adverse effects to the wheel or lacquer at all. Will get it out of the garage in a bit and tell you what it's called.
Finish off with a clay, polish if required and then a couple of coats of sealant (Poorboys is a good one)
If you keep on top with the sealant less crap tends to stick to your wheels and washing is much easier.
ETA This is the stuff
http://www.performancemotorcare.com/acatalog/P21S_...
It smells like BigFoot's dick though.
Edited by B17NNS on Wednesday 15th April 21:22
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