Jaguar XF Alloys - Potential Disaster

[VinceM]

I have some lovely 18 inch alloys on my Jag XF, which I tried to clean properly today. The car has done 122k, and there are what seems like loads and loads of tar spots on the corners between the spokes and the main rim of the wheel. As far as I'm aware there was no special finish on them and all 4 looked the same.

I used AG Wheel Cleaner, and rinsed with hose and left to dry. I then tried to use AG Tar Remover to remove the bulk of the black marks, but noticed the alloys had a slight white residue on them, now I presume this is from the wheel clenaer, and I can't remove it.

So:

1. How do I get rid of the feint white marks
2. How do I then remove the black tar like marks on them?

The wheels have a small amount of kerbing on them but nothing major, and I'd rather not get them refurbed just yet as a result, if I can use some cleaner to restore back to almost new then so much the better.

Thanks for the advice.

[Laser Sag]

Personally I would get hold of some ironX and have a go at them with that, amazing what it takes off of wheels and then a tar remover if required. Then put a coat or 2 of sealant/ wax on them to make keeping them clean much easier

[VinceM]

Thanks. What is that, never heard of it!

[robdcfc]

It'll be brake dust.

[VinceM]

Just google'd iron x and looks like it'll do the job.

Now, what about those white marks? Have I wrecked the finish? Hope not!

[VinceM]

There is also a Tar and brake dust remover version - is this any good? TR. IX it's called.

[Laser Sag]

VinceM said:

Just google'd iron x and looks like it'll do the job.

Now, what about those white marks? Have I wrecked the finish? Hope not!

Would try the ironx and if that doesn't work then put up some pics for those with much better knowledge on here to comment on.

[Refined Detail]

If they didn't previously have white marks on them, then yes it's almost definitely chemical etching from the wheel cleaner. If this is the case, then usually the only way to rectify them is to refurb (or machine polish depending on how stained they are and the complexity of the wheel design)

Also if it is wheel cleaner, I personally wouldn't be then applying Iron X as the wheels will only get worse!

[VinceM]

Refined Detail said:

If they didn't previously have white marks on them, then yes it's almost definitely chemical etching from the wheel cleaner. If this is the case, then usually the only way to rectify them is to refurb (or machine polish depending on how stained they are and the complexity of the wheel design)

Also if it is wheel cleaner, I personally wouldn't be then applying Iron X as the wheels will only get worse!

Thanks, I think!

What sort of polish can I try? Was hoping not to have to refurb...

[Refined Detail]

I will be surprised if you have any results by hand (assuming that's what you're aiming to try) but you will need a form of compound to get any bite rather than an all in one polish such as Autoglym SRP which will just mask the staining.

The AG wheel cleaner is acid btw which can etch certain wheels almost immediately. Look at investing in some 'Bilberry' for future wheel cleaning - much safer, and non acidic so kinder to wheels. Also, I don't know whether you did or not, but never apply to warm wheels (ie. just after driving etc) as this will dry the chemical out prematurely and can also lead to staining / etching.

[VinceM]

Well I bought sime Car-Pro TRIX, and gave it a quick go on part of one alloy. Was very pleased with the resuls, and then sealed the area with AG Alloy Wheel Seal. THe white marks seem to have been made better with the addition of the AG stuff. Will keep an eye on things and will get round to doing all 4 wheels in the enxt week or two.

Thanks for the advice.

Another question - when using the TRIX, what is the deal with the centre caps? I've just bought new ones, so don't want them ruined, do they need removing when using this stuff?