Wheel routines needed...

**drewski59** · 08-11-2002, 03:46 PM

I`d like to hear what Autopians do to keep their wheels looking like new! For example, which products do you use and how often do you use them?:nixweiss

I currently use EO A2Z Aerosol before each wash(weekly), followed by either TW Brake Dust Barrier(it`s discontinued!

) or Rain-x Wheel Protectant.

I`m just looking for a better way, because the protectants always leave streaks and/or hazing, and the wheels are never smooooth to the touch!

BTW, I have chrome-plated wheels(maybe clearcoat??:nixweiss ). I`m not quite sure. the Chrysler website isn`t too specific, maybe someone can confirm what my wheels are?(forrest, wink wink!)

Thanks a lot!:wavey

**Redcar GUY** · 08-11-2002, 03:56 PM

I wash with Z7 on my Chromes on the SS. I have a bucket that I just use just for the wheels and a Mitt just for the chromes. I also have about 5 coats of Z5 on them.

**2clean4u** · 08-11-2002, 04:02 PM

I will only use P21s on the rims. Its safe for all rims. Then I apply 3 coats of zaino on them. This will make them shine. I always get remarks on how great they look!

**KCPreki11** · 08-11-2002, 04:38 PM

APC+ with a wheel brush...then SG over them.

**Red Wolf** · 08-11-2002, 05:10 PM

I put Meguairs #20 on them and clean with my regular car soap.Re-apply #20 every month or so, now special cleaners need.

**Jademonkey** · 08-11-2002, 06:02 PM

I clean mine with P21S(only wheel cleaner that is allowed to touch my wheels) and then every other wash put SG on.

**louissc** · 08-11-2002, 08:54 PM

i have factory rims and i dont use anything special...just wash with car soap...never gotten a stain it wouldnt take off with a little elbow grease

**imported_Tony** · 08-11-2002, 11:50 PM

I did my Cruiser`s wheels yesterday. I sprayed A2Z and waited a minute and then washed off with dawn. Until someone comes out with better pads we will just have to fight the war one battle at a time. I thought about buying the brake covers but I would perfer to send the money on better pads.

**mezzeta** · 08-12-2002, 12:02 AM

I use P21s wheel cleaner to clean them and have used various

topings to attempt to protect the finish from brake dust. I`ve used Blitz and P21s wax as well as Automagic Seal-It polymer.

I`m told that you can purchase ceramic brake pads that have

nearly no dust at all. I haven`t tryed them yet, but plan to in the future.

**xrenchtwistr** · 08-12-2002, 05:17 AM

EBC Greenstuff pads are virtually dust free. available at tirerack.com

P21S "wheel cleaner" is not the same as the stuff you use as a wax, right? i just got some diamond-cut Lowenharts and am scared to screw them up a bit.

**mezzeta** · 08-12-2002, 09:51 AM

bravo261

I`ve used both the wax and the wheel cleaner. Both have provided excellent results and highly recommend their products.

I would recommend a longer laster wax though, something like Blitz or similar. I recently used Automagic Seal-it and it seems to be working very well.

**gocona** · 08-12-2002, 03:41 PM

the best thing i do (and my friend told me to do ---> he goes to alot of car shows and has tons of little tips/tricks) is:

1. Spray the wheel with windex (let it soak for a min or two)

2. Wash the wheel with water and windex

3. Wash car

4. Mist windex on wheels and wipe clean

wheels will be super shiney

this is all i do --> my friend polishes/waxes his wheels and then uses windex to bring them to a shine

try it, it you will be amazed at the results:xyxthumbs

**chevyguy28** · 08-12-2002, 03:59 PM

Sure it looks good, but what is windex doing to the wheel?

**forrest@mothers** · 08-12-2002, 04:51 PM

drewski - the chrome wheels DC offers on Touring and Limited Editions are not clearcoated. The poor wording in the owner`s manual has fooled more than a few folks.

I`d suggest using a quality wheel cleaner (when the wheels are cool to the touch), and a quality chrome polish.

BTW, I took the wheels off my PT the day it came home from the dealer and slapped some one-off 18" billets on instead. The OE wheels are out in the warehouse covered with other assorted parts.

**C. Charles Hahn** · 08-12-2002, 05:08 PM

if they`re not clearcoated wheels, and since I know you`re a zaino user, you can always clean them with some safe cleaner, polish them up, dawn wash them, and layer some Z5 or Z3 on them (Z3 since its for non clearcoated), and you`ll be good to go - if you keep the layers up the brake dust and other crap won`t stick so you`ll just have to use Z7 to clean up at every wash time. I do this with my clearcoated alloys and just go over them with Z6 every time I get to a destination driving (gets the very minue crap off right away, makes cleaning and maint. easier yet!)