Cleaning/Protecting wheels, tires, and wheel wells (a picture tutorial)

[G35stilez]

Lee: A lighter wheel cleaner will work just fine in many cases, but unfortunately I don't have the luxury of using such things all the time.


carend: P21s Wheel Cleaner, 4* Wheel Gel, or something along those lines. It must be mild.


RRacer: Haven't compared them side by side yet, sorry.

[maecrispy]

Awesome writeup Sean! I just realized the last three threads I've bookmarked have been writeups by you.

[klnyc]

Nice write up, Sean.

[Spilchy]

Great instructions Sean

I would stress the use of eye wear for wheel acid particularly if you use that spoke brush. When moving back and forth in a rapid fashion, the acid can kick back up into your face since you're crouched down in front of the wheel. Acid in the eyes may give a little sting

I use the EZ Detail brush and get "speckled" with dirty wheel gunk

Also, if folks can't get TOL APC, I HIGHLY recommend Castrol APC. Your tires run brown just from spraying without agitation. The stuff rocks I get mine at Pep Boys.

I smell possible Hall of Fame thread

[G35stilez]

Thanks for noting Seth. I agree with the eyewear too, but have only really needed it when its breezy. The spoke brush definately flings stuff too so be careful.


mae: Nice to know, thanks .

[D3mon]

Nice. Is not removing the wheel a time-saver?

[themightytimmah]

Great writeup Sean, it does a great job of showing the average guy what acid can do, and removing any fears about it. I use acid cleaners too on about 90% of my details (clean rims, polished rims, and my car get S100), and I've never had a problem

If you have a pressure washer, you can often times get away without agitation on any of it. When I do rims, I just spray acid first, then APC the tires quick, then go back to the first rim and just blast it all off.

Also for aluminum (espicially polished), DO use a PH balanced cleaner. I've got polished aluminums, and I used to use hot rims on them. They turned from that nice blueish shade, to a dull white. If you've got the time, consider using a good abrasive polish on them via buff ball or rotary (I'm going to try the ECP trio, but a lot of guys like Wenol).

[Idz21]

This is a very good writeup, however, my trick is much quicker.

1. Spray P21S wheel cleaner on dry wheel
2. Let sit for about 5-10 seconds, power hose off
3. Spray a few more drops of P21S back on the wet wheel and work the wheel with a wheel sponge.
4. If you have difficult to get into spokes in order to reach the inner lip of the wheel, use a sheepskin wheel brush. Using back and forth and side to side motions, clean the inner wheel well.
5. Hose off wheel.


Results are pretty amazing with P21S wheel cleaner.

[themightytimmah]

I'm gonna have to go ahead and disagree with ya there, P21S hasn't worked too well for me. Perhaps you tend to see cleaner rims than I do, or your pressure washer is significantly more powerful than mine, but I've had trouble removing all but the newest dust from rims with P21.

[true blue blood]

Originally posted by themightytimmah
I'm gonna have to go ahead and disagree with ya there

Thats just funny !

[BigAl3]

[OCD Nick]

What is the best OTC polish and wax for rims?