50/50 Professional acid on rims?

gators241987 · 06-29-08, 03:40

Ive never used 50/50 pro acid/h20 mix on rims, however, another "gentleman" claims that it is perfectly fine to use. Im a bit hesitant to believe this is true. Wouldnt it be dangerous to use on rims? chrome? mag? aluminum? etc?

wascallyrabbit · 06-29-08, 04:27

are your wheels that bad? have you tried any other wheel cleaner(s) or clay?

D&D Auto Detail · 06-29-08, 04:39

Hes asking if anyone uses it and if its safe on all rims.

Holden_C04 · 06-29-08, 04:46

I prefer pH balanced wheel gel cleaners. If they're not strong enough, try Megs Wheel Brightener. Be careful tho, Megs WB is very caustic.

gators241987 · 06-29-08, 04:58

my wheels are perfectly fine. I was just asking if anyone has ever used the 50/50 on their wheels or if anyone has reasons to think it would or wouldnt work out.

Lumadar · 06-29-08, 05:08

I know exactly what you're getting at, and I am curious to see as well

I will add this though, (It reminded me when someone mentioned the caustic factor of Meg's WB) notice how Meguiar's has SEVERAL different wheel cleaning products, each specifically stating that they are only safe on X,Y, and Z wheels? Also notice that you can smell the difference in acidity between the products?

It would seem to me that the acid levels need to be fairly accurate to be 100% safe. But that's purely me guessing based on the line of products Meg's has to offer

LouisanaJeeper · 06-29-08, 05:09

i would only use it on non cc'd chrome wheels

D&D Auto Detail · 06-29-08, 05:11

I think it depends on what kind of acid is being used. For example, Ive read oxalic is a lot safer then hydrofluoric. Also, diluting an acid with water actually makes it more acidic.

themightytimmah · 06-29-08, 05:13

Meg's WB is safe on about 90% of factory wheels, it's my preferred pro level acid. Polished aluminum, powdercoat, and many aftermarket wheels require a PH-balanced cleaner. For any sort of regular cleaning, I would stick with a PH balanced cleaner as well. MWB dulled mine over time, and they required rotary polishing to restore.

percynjpn · 06-29-08, 06:05

I'm not sure, but a safer bet (though pretty effective) is 1Z's Felgen Reiniger (acid -based wheel cleaner); it's far stronger than their U.S.-marketed alkaline wheel cleaner.

But what I use for really bad wheels is full-strength engine degreaser (very alkaline, with a PH of 12-14). It works fantastic, and I've used it on all types of wheels with no problems -it's a breeze! You can cut it with water if you'd like to dilute it.

Holden_C04 · 06-29-08, 06:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by percynjpn

I'm not sure, but a safer bet (though pretty effective) is 1Z's Felgen Reiniger (acid -based wheel cleaner); it's far stronger than their U.S.-marketed alkaline wheel cleaner.

But what I use for really bad wheels is full-strength engine degreaser (very alkaline, with a PH of 12-14). It works fantastic, and I've used it on all types of wheels with no problems -it's a breeze! You can cut it with water if you'd like to dilute it.

I have never, *ever, needed anything stronger than this:

Sonax Wheel Gel Cleaner

It's relabeled as a BMW Car Care Product.

percynjpn · 06-29-08, 06:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by Holden_C04

I have never, *ever, needed anything stronger than this:

Sonax Wheel Gel Cleaner

It's relabeled as a BMW Car Care Product.

Actually, I recognize the bottle; I saw it at the Alpina dealer - he told me it was acid-based

.

The reason I use engine degreaser on really bad wheels is that it cleans everything - not just brake dust: dirt, pitch, tar, grease, etc. In one step you can do what you'd need shampoo/cleaner, clay, wheel cleaner, etc. for - at the same time it removes the filth from tires that have dirt caked on them, and it also cleans the wheel well at the same time. On wheels in good condition, I usually use the 1Z acid based wheel cleaner.