Wheel cleaner that definately won't harm my rims?

M

mark2003

New member
Currently i'm using Eagle One A2Z all wheel cleaner on my stock rims, and it works good....but i'm buying a new set of rims that are costing me like 3g's without tires, so I definately don't wanna strip off the clearcoat or something...so is Eagle One safe to use on them like once a week everytime I wash my car?



Thanks.
 
If you keep a coat of sealant on the wheels and clean them weekly, there should be no need for any wheel cleaner. Soap, water, and a soft mitt will do just fine.
 
A2Z is a great product but I use it only every two months if needed. Most wheel cleaners are too agressive.
 
edschwab1 said:
What kind of rims are you purchasing? More details would help us give you advice.
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Volk Racing GT-P



The reason I use wheel cleaners is becuase it rains a lot here in Vancouver, so dirt gets stuck in places where a mitt cant fully reach such as the lug holes and stuff.
 
foris2 said:
I too agree with bretfraz, and 2nd on what BlackRegal had to say.
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Same here. I haven't used wheel cleaners in years. Car wash soap and regular cleaning and an occasional application of a sealant will keep them looking new for years
 
Yikes! If I were getting a set of Volks I would just bite the bullet and keep them waxed and washed normally. By default, that is THE safest method.



Besides, hopefully (please!) you'll only be running these wheels in the summer months when the weather is good enough to allow longer detailing hours.



I currently use A2Z and other cleaners a lot, but none of the wheels are expensive or in new condition (not that A2Z seems to have harmed anything) and they are difficult to clean. I AM switching to wax/soap once I get my 17" 5 spokes in a couple months though.





EDIT: Question guys ==> How do you clean riveted wheels? I noticed those Volks have rivets, and I know that's something that I've been wondering about...
 
either the P21S (regular strength) wheel cleaner or Griot'swheel cleaner are very gentle. Griot's is around $30/gallon where the P21S product is around $70/5L.



I would never consider trying to clean the wheels on the average German car without a capable wheel cleaner - - the accumulations are just terrible and soap/water tends to smear the mess around leaving a very unsatisfying experience. :mad:
 
Like others why use anything other than car soap?, i havent used a wheel cleaner for years.



I find Autogym engine bay cleaner is good if you do want something.
 
DavidB did a write up not to long ago on Bettercarcare.com comparing Sonax to P21S.



IMO for wheels that are that expensive:



Best option; sealant and soap/water



Based on David's Review:



2nd option; Sonax

3rd option; P21S



I personally use A2Z (orange bottle) but my wheels are OE and no where quality one's ... so I don't mind.
 
On my last three Porsches I have used: Sonax, P21S and car wash soap followed by sealant. They all delivered good results. Now I start with soap and water, and if they are really dirty I go to Sonax.
 
tom p. said:




I would never consider trying to clean the wheels on the average German car without a capable wheel cleaner - - the accumulations are just terrible and soap/water tends to smear the mess around leaving a very unsatisfying experience. :mad:
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I have absolutely no problems cleaning the wheels on German cars with QEW.
 
RichPug306xsi said:
Like others why use anything other than car soap?
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Because some wheels are an amazing PITA to clean. Some very strong wheel cleaners like A2Z really do allow you to spray the product on and hose it off without having to touch the wheel at all, so they save a lot of time and work.



Very heavy dirt/dust will of course still require some rubbing, but for average soiling, no problem.
 
I say it all the time, but no one listens: #36 Hi-Tech Wheel Cleaner. pH of 7, non-toxic, it's incredibly gentle. If you need something a bit more than just soap, I highly recommend this stuff. :D
 
Scottwax said:
I haven't used wheel cleaners in years. Car wash soap and regular cleaning and an occasional application of a sealant will keep them looking new for years
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I use the very same process.



No wheel cleaners. Just car wash soap and regular cleaning.
 
ragman said:
Would Blackfire be a good sealant for wheels ?
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I never used it before, but I wouldn't see why it wouldn't be a good sealant for your wheels. I think just about any sealant would do, because wheels aren't as critical as the vehicle's paint, they just need good protection to prevent rust, dirt, caked on dust, road salt, etc.
 
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