Warning about einszett Wheel Cleaner (Felgen Reiniger)

wizardofahs

New member
We had a big detailing event this weekend and the local 1z distributor showed up. He was saying how strong this product was because it was the only thing that could easily get rid of that tough, sticky german brake dust. He was right...



He used it on an s2000 and it cleaned the wheels great.... it also took the paint right off the calipers.... now that is some strong stuff. P21S cleaned the wheels fine too... but didn't do any damage to the paint.



I'm not sure if this was just a rare fluke involving the product and the certain kind of paint on the caliper.... or if it's more common... but be carefull with this stuff.
 
:scared Wow, thanks for the heads-up. I'd bet it had something to do with how the calipers were painted, but still...Guess I'll stick with my diluted Griot's.
 
Dr. Jones said:
if anyones curious the aplication techinique was to spray it on, let it sit for 3 mins and hose off.

3 minutes?? Wow, that is a long time. Even my diluted wheel cleaners don't get nearly that much time. I'd rather have to do a second application than risk over-exposure.
 
yes doc jones, the felgen reiniger is VERY STRONG stuff. i've tried it out and it does work really well, but i'd never leave it on a wheel for 3minutes. when i used it i rinsed off the wheel first with water making sure the wheel was not hot or even warm, and then sprayed the wheel cleaner. let it set for 30secs. to 1min. and then rinse off thoroughly, agitating if necessary. i would NEVER recommend leaving it sit for 3min. i even told Michael at einszett about this very subject. the cleaner still contains an acid formula and i believe he told me the company is working on a newer, safer formula without the acid base. however, my guess as to why the paint came off would be something to do with the type of paint used on the calipers. if anyone out there uses the felgen reiniger be sure to follow the instructions closely and rinse thoroughly. i wouldn't let it sit for 3 mins. either. actually, i'd only use it on extremely dirty rims(BMW, Mercedes, etc.).
 
Reason #572 why I never use any wheel cleaners.



Honestly, unless you neglect your wheels, your car wash soap should be more than adequate to clean them.



Thanks for the heads up though since I know a lot of Autopians do like to use wheel cleaners.
 
Hello



I have been looking at the Einszett line recently and saw this post while checking reviews, is this the newer wheel cleaner that claims to be "now acid free" ??



I know alot of people on here (mainly those who detail for other people) use Megs wheel brightner and the PB's equivalent, but do you think its ok to use other less strong wheel cleaner regularly??



I use Hot Rims or the pro line version (i forget the number) from Megs. They dont seem to do any damage that i can see?? Though i normally use one quick spray and then clean off with a good wheel brush and hose every 7-10 days. I have had our 540 for 3 years and no bad results.



Now i am thinking of trying new wheel cleaning products and i dont want to get caught out!!



Advice appreciated!!



Geoff
 
It probably has something to do with the painting of the calipers, or dwell time. I hit my aftermarket painted calipers with Meg's WB (probably the most aggressive product I've seen) all the time, and they're still going strong after a year and a half.
 
steelwind101 said:
...but do you think its ok to use other less strong wheel cleaner regularly??



I use Hot Rims or the pro line version (i forget the number) from Megs.



The Meg's pro product (Mirror Glaze line) is a pH neutral one, as is P21S, Griot's, and probably a number of others (not sure about the Hot Rims; Meg's monkeyed around with their wheel cleaners this year). You're probably also OK with Eagle One All Wheel & Tire Cleaner, which is a caustic (alkaline, pH 12 or so). Those should be fine on a regular basis (rinsed thoroughly), but they will be harsh on any LSP you have applied to the wheels.



As Scottwax noted, if at some point you take the time to polish and seal/wax the wheels (inside and out), they should come up fine with car wash solution if you clean them regularly. You may want to mix up a slightly stronger car wash solution for the wheels as Accumulator currently does (I think he uses double strength).
 
I find that using my foamgun at 3/gallon on the wheels a couple times and then hitting them with some mild brushes takes off just about everything sans hard tar.
 
Ok thanks for the help!! I use Megs. cleaner wax or any other cheapie wax i happen to have at hand on the wheels of the cars i dont get to clean so often and it makes cleaning much easier. I will give the double soap a go this weekend and see how it works out.



Thanks

Geoff
 
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