What wheel cleaner to use?

[413FIT]

So i was at my local auto parts store looking to buy some cleaner to clean my work emotions(matte bronze) and it seemed like every bottle said "do not use on powercoating" or "do not use on non OEM painted wheels". I am looking for something that is safe on my wheels that wont fade or discolor them. what do you guys use?

[jagass]

This is also my question...lol

[pixiedixie862]

I use meguiars Quik Wheel Detailer. It comes in a clear gray bottle and it does not have any harsh chemicals. I have used this product for wheel over a year now and I am extremely satisfied with it.

[Roland]

I use a dish brush and Dawn dishwashing soap to clean my wheels. Dawn is a great cleaner/degreaser, and the dish brush gets into small places.

Just curious, any reason why I'd use something else? Is there a benefit to using a Meguiar-like product? BTW, I use a lot of other Meguiar products, they've been great.

Thanks...

[413FIT]

Originally Posted by pixiedixie862

I use meguiars all wheel cleaner. It comes in a clear gray bottle and it does not have any harsh chemicals. I have used this product for wheel over a year now and I am extremely satisfied with it.

hmmm interesting 'cuz i have that in my garage and was gonna use it but the back of it says "do not use on anodized, magnesium, un-coated, or powder-coated wheels". is it just me being paranoid? haha

[HONDAMATIC]

i just use car wash on mine, treat them like paint

[pixiedixie862]

Originally Posted by 413FIT

hmmm interesting 'cuz i have that in my garage and was gonna use it but the back of it says "do not use on anodized, magnesium, un-coated, or powder-coated wheels". is it just me being paranoid? haha

Sorry its not called all wheel cleaner its called Quik Wheel Detailer. The All Wheel Cleaner is way to aggressive on the paint.

This is what I use :

[Hootie]

I use Meguiar's Scratch X on my wheels due to them being painted and that Scratch X is both a scratch remover and polish.

Originally Posted by Roland

Just curious, any reason why I'd use something else? Is there a benefit to using a Meguiar-like product? BTW, I use a lot of other Meguiar products, they've been great.

Thanks...

Using Dawn or any other dish soap would eat away at your paint's clear coat and cause your paint to fade because clear is basically like a hardened grease. Products like Meguiar are designed to build up and/or shine that clear depending on what product you get.

[413FIT]

Originally Posted by pixiedixie862

Sorry its not called all wheel cleaner its called Quik Wheel Detailer. The All Wheel Cleaner is way to aggressive on the paint.

This is what I use :

Hmmm i'll have to check that stuff out

[pixiedixie862]

Trust me, its a good product.

[Roland]

"Using Dawn or any other dish soap would eat away at your paint's clear coat and cause your paint to fade because clear is basically like a hardened grease. Products like Meguiar are designed to build up and/or shine that clear depending on what product you get."

To clarify, I use Dawn only on wheels, not on my paint, I use car wash soap for that. I'm just trying to figure out the benefit of an expensive wheel cleaner as opposed to something designed to remove grease/dirt like Dawn. I can't imagine that the wheels would be sensitive to a detergent like that, but could be wrong.

[jesselyons2002]

Use P21s wheel cleaner. Safe for all finish.

[413FIT]

Originally Posted by jesselyons2002

Use P21s wheel cleaner. Safe for all finish.

Interesting...you use this product yourself??

[Hootie]

Originally Posted by Roland

To clarify, I use Dawn only on wheels, not on my paint, I use car wash soap for that. I'm just trying to figure out the benefit of an expensive wheel cleaner as opposed to something designed to remove grease/dirt like Dawn. I can't imagine that the wheels would be sensitive to a detergent like that, but could be wrong.

Ah, I was thinking of cleaning painted rims while I was typing that. Multitask thinking FTL. However, I wouldn't use dish soap on the rims due to personal preference and not wanting to cause harm to the wheel's finish. Do you still have your factory rims installed and are they the alloys or steelies with hubcaps?

[Type 100]

I use car shampoo for mine, although I am looking for a more dedicated product. Car shampoo alone can't remove the more stubborn brake-dust water stains...which tend to stand out on white wheels

[phil@detailersdomain]

here are a few suggestions:
1. P21S Wheel Cleaner Gel
2. Einszett Wheel Cleaner
3. Adam's Green Wheel Cleaner

Don't forget to use your 20% off discount code at checkout.

"FIT20" discount code

[qbmurderer13]

I HIGHLY recommend P21s gel wheel cleaner. Nothing cleans like it. Its kind of expensive, ive tried to find cheaper things to replace it but just cant. Also you shouldnt really need to use a wheel cleaner if you have a nice coat of wheel sealant. You can just use regular car soap and a dedicated mitt. Check out P21s wheel gel and swissvax autobahn to clean and protect your wheels. With the autobahn most of the dirt will come with plain water.

[kenchan]

just use your car shampoo and a boar's hair wheel brush.

Griot's sells BBS certified wheel cleaner if you want to try it, but imho i think it's overkill. it works well, but car shampoo does very well too.

[LiL Wee FIT]

I would use whatever you've used on your car's paint. If the dirt really doesn't come off, then I would suggest Eagle One - Wheel and Tire Cleaner. It is CHEAP and it works VERY WELL!

Available at Wallymart and it cleans both your rims and tires at the same time! (you'll be surprised how dirty your tires are). Also, if you use tire shine, clean tires definitely helps.


From what I've heard, VW detail products are made by Eagle One too!