First off a sincere than you to Ray & Autopilot for providing me with this product for free in exchange for my honest review!
My review in a nutshell - you`ve got to try this stuff!
Now to the full review:
Ultima Wheel Cleaner Gel : Formulated to safely clean heavily soiled wheels without the use of harsh chemicals. This unique non-acid pH balanced formula clings to the wheels surface, making it superior to acid type wheel cleaners which run and prematurely dry causing spotting and permanent damage. Works on steel, aluminum alloy, clearcoated and factory painted wheels. Also safely cleans plastic or metal hubcaps.
Directions : Shake well before using. Spray entire wheel and allow to soak for 30 seconds. Agitate with a soft brush or sponge to activate cleansing foam which lifts brake dust and road grime. Rinse thoroughly with a heavy jet of water to ensure that all product is removed from wheel surface, including lug nut holes.
My wheels started off like this...
Front:
Rear:
As you can see they were pretty coated in brake dust.
After spraying them & prior to agitating (noted a fairly pleasant scent to the product):
Note that the product does run and doesn`t quite cling like you might expect for a `gel` bit it was also thinner than what I expected for a gel. although it is green like many other wheel cleaners, it doesn`t change color as it sits.
This was after I agitated using my Speedmaster Jr brush and gave an intial spray from the hose:
Note that the Speed master did get plenty dirty from agitating the cleaner (sprayed off part of it to show the contrast):
And here are the after shots before drying!
Front:
Rear:
Note that the product seems to have some additive in it that causes some water beading (wheels have not been coated in anything prior to cleaning with the Ultima Wheel Cleaner).
Final product prior to drying:
I didn`t get any shots once I dried the wheels. There wasn`t too much water left on them after a good thorough spraying and they look great afterward! I will note that I was surprised just how long it took to spray all of the product off from my wheels. I kept going back and getting foam and bubbles coming off for probably a minute or two of spraying it with a heavy jet of water. I was really impressed with this product and believe that it is something to give a try - especially if you don`t already have a dedicated wheel cleaner. It is easy to use and does a great job! Perhaps I may get around to a side-by-side comparison with Sonax Full Effect shortly since I have a bottle of that in my collection!
It comes in a 22oz. bottle and that should last you a while. I applied it liberally and don`t think I made any noticeable dent in the fluid level.
One final note - the product didn`t seem to make much of a dent in the caked on and really old brake dust and road grime that is on the barrel of my wheels... Might take a more aggressive product or several more applications to clean all of that up... Years of neglect from previous owners will do that to the inside of a wheel!
My review in a nutshell - you`ve got to try this stuff!
Now to the full review:
Ultima Wheel Cleaner Gel : Formulated to safely clean heavily soiled wheels without the use of harsh chemicals. This unique non-acid pH balanced formula clings to the wheels surface, making it superior to acid type wheel cleaners which run and prematurely dry causing spotting and permanent damage. Works on steel, aluminum alloy, clearcoated and factory painted wheels. Also safely cleans plastic or metal hubcaps.
Directions : Shake well before using. Spray entire wheel and allow to soak for 30 seconds. Agitate with a soft brush or sponge to activate cleansing foam which lifts brake dust and road grime. Rinse thoroughly with a heavy jet of water to ensure that all product is removed from wheel surface, including lug nut holes.
My wheels started off like this...
Front:
Rear:
As you can see they were pretty coated in brake dust.
After spraying them & prior to agitating (noted a fairly pleasant scent to the product):
Note that the product does run and doesn`t quite cling like you might expect for a `gel` bit it was also thinner than what I expected for a gel. although it is green like many other wheel cleaners, it doesn`t change color as it sits.
This was after I agitated using my Speedmaster Jr brush and gave an intial spray from the hose:
Note that the Speed master did get plenty dirty from agitating the cleaner (sprayed off part of it to show the contrast):
And here are the after shots before drying!
Front:
Rear:
Note that the product seems to have some additive in it that causes some water beading (wheels have not been coated in anything prior to cleaning with the Ultima Wheel Cleaner).
Final product prior to drying:
I didn`t get any shots once I dried the wheels. There wasn`t too much water left on them after a good thorough spraying and they look great afterward! I will note that I was surprised just how long it took to spray all of the product off from my wheels. I kept going back and getting foam and bubbles coming off for probably a minute or two of spraying it with a heavy jet of water. I was really impressed with this product and believe that it is something to give a try - especially if you don`t already have a dedicated wheel cleaner. It is easy to use and does a great job! Perhaps I may get around to a side-by-side comparison with Sonax Full Effect shortly since I have a bottle of that in my collection!
It comes in a 22oz. bottle and that should last you a while. I applied it liberally and don`t think I made any noticeable dent in the fluid level.
One final note - the product didn`t seem to make much of a dent in the caked on and really old brake dust and road grime that is on the barrel of my wheels... Might take a more aggressive product or several more applications to clean all of that up... Years of neglect from previous owners will do that to the inside of a wheel!