Wheel Well cleaning procedures

Z

zannard

If I only had more time.
Ok, when cleaning a SUV or a truck it is easy to get your hands into the wheel wells to get them clean, but I have trouble with cars that have tight wheel wells.
My procedure for cleaning them right now is usually hit it first with an All purpose cleaner, either Meguair's, armour all, or diluted simple green. Depending on the filth. Let it sit briefly, then I rinse. Next I use a brush, a sponge(mitt), or both to hand clean the area using regular car wash soap, doing my best to hit all the little nooks and crannes. Yes, it takes me a couple of tries to get it perfect sometimes, but I'm looking too see if anyone has a better process or some techniques that could help me out. Especially with those cars and the tight wheel wells that I can't get my hand in at all or just barely. Meaning I have to use either just the brush or APC.

My biggest problem usually is that unless I hit every area with a brush or sponge then that area doesn't come clean.

Anyhow, looking for a more efficent way to work.

thanks
 
Shoot, I hate doing my wheel wells. My has 2 fingers gap :(. I'm using those Ultimate nozzle spray and it seem, it working pretty well.
:bigups
 
I will use a toilet bowl brush (not a used one) to get that spot at the top of the tire, then cut the wheel all the way to the left and right to get to the front and back of it.
 
The best investment I ever made was buying a pressure washer. Most of the time I don't even need a APC because I can just blast the stuff off. Cleaning wheel wells by hand is a pain in the butt and very time consuming. You can pick up a decent electric pressure washer from Home Depot for about $150.
 
I've done all that you have and as opposed to dressing them every time to make them look presentable, I started using Truck Bed coating in an aerosol can. It's made by Sprayway and you can get it from PAC for about $5/can. One can is good enough for an SUV. It's a flat black color and if you like, you can spray down with a dressing for a glossier look.

Spray paint just seems to come off easily after a few washes for me.
 
Nickc0844 said:
I've done all that you have and as opposed to dressing them every time to make them look presentable, I started using Truck Bed coating in an aerosol can. It's made by Sprayway and you can get it from PAC for about $5/can. One can is good enough for an SUV. It's a flat black color and if you like, you can spray down with a dressing for a glossier look.

Spray paint just seems to come off easily after a few washes for me.
Click to expand...


pressure washer and spray undercoat, it's easy, saves time and comes out looking great
 
I was wondring through Wallyworld one day (following the wife actually) and found myself in the kitchen section. I found some great brushes for tires and wheel wells for next to nothing. Found small brushes for lug nuts and the recessed area around the valve stem also. You may also look at that blue ultimate detailing brush I've seen advertised. Bendable,soft, very flexable looking anyway.

Mal
 
jaybs95 said:
I will use a toilet bowl brush (not a used one) to get that spot at the top of the tire, then cut the wheel all the way to the left and right to get to the front and back of it.
Click to expand...

:yeah

Using a toilet bowl brush, I don't have to turn the wheels to get behind them unless the tire/wheel well gap is really tight.

Mark Waldron
Just how effective is the pressure washer in really cleaning the wells? Does it leave the surface clean enough for dressing application, or do you still need to agitate the surface?
 
Mr Clean,

I have found that 95% of the time, a minimum 1700 psi pressure washer will remove all dirt, etc from wheel wells. The other 5% i simply spray APC full stregth, let dwell for a couple minutes, and blast away. If the wheel wells are covered with tar or road paint, that's a whole different story and I would do what Nick suggested and apply the truck bed coating.
 
Mark Waldron,

Thank you. I was referring to wells with basic/everyday (is there really such a thing ;) ) dirt/road grime. I am trying to find a methodology that will speed up my process while yielding the same results. It is not unusual for me to spend 10-15 mins/per tire/wheel/wheel well for washing, wiping, and dressing. This cuts into my hourly pay, but I wont sacrifice my quality.

I have used a variety of APC/degreaser products. Most work well when allowed some dwell time and combined with some agitation.

I'm sure you've noted your pressure washer brand/model before, but could you refresh my memory? Have you tired more than one brand/model? How long has your current machine been in service? Any service issues to be concerned or considered (ie. pump)?

My apologies to zannard if I have wandered too far afield in his thread.
 
You have not wandered too far....this is all very good information. Definetly what I was looking for when I started this thread.
I do have a pressure washer and I have had some success with it, but sometimes it doesn't get all the dirt to my liking.
So I think I will give everyone's suggestions a chance and see which one works best.
 
Mr Clean,

I've owned the Black Cat from Menards and it was junk. I then bought the Home Depot electric pw and it was ok but not the best. I've currently been using the Karcher 2500 from Menards and it's been very dependable and has plenty of power (2500 psi). I like the gas pw much better than the electric ones. They're much more mobile, have longer hoses, more power, and just better made in general. I've owned this unit for 6 months and it's german built and haven't had any problems with it.
 
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