Chrome rims

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lilbraze87

New member
Hey guys! I have chrome rims on my 2004 Acura tsx. I was wondering what the best rim cleaner is to use to clean them? Ill have to get the cleaner from Wal-Mart or a auto parts store because I am trying to clean my car today. Thanks for the help everyone
 
Are they factory wheels? If so they are more than likely clear coated. So a typical paint polish will be fine then you can use a sealant for protection
 
Meguiars Hot Rims Chrome Wheel Cleaner. Should be able to pick it up at Walmart. As stated; after they are clean, you should be able to use any polish or wax that you would typically use on paint.
 
If they are new and you wash regularly, try just soap and water. You really should not need chrome wheel cleaner (usually an acid) unless they are messed up. I would suggest using all purpose cleaner or general wheel cleaner (safe for coated wheels, etc).
 
bswombaugh said:
Meguiars Hot Rims Chrome Wheel Cleaner. Should be able to pick it up at Walmart. As stated; after they are clean, you should be able to use any polish or wax that you would typically use on paint.
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If you are going to use hot rims, take the wheels off the car. I have a bottle of this, and it acid-etched my rotors and calipers. They were real clean, but it dried out some of the exposed rubber on the caliper; not to mention the look is terrible.

I suggest a good all purpose cleaner to soak, a good (nonscratching) agitator, and maybe an old clay bar. then polish or wax
 
How dirty are your wheels ??? Please advise...

I have had a 3 new Acura's in my experience and even the sporty TL-S did not have Chrome Wheels, as in a steel wheel dipped in several tanks, starting with nickel plating...

You probably have finished and clear coated wheels, and with that said, you need to be careful what you put on them and never - never - ever - do them when they are hot...

You run the risk of etching the hot parts as what happened to Alexxxx89 above...

Some wheel cleaners are very strong and can eventually cause things to go bad..

As has been said above - it is Always going to be better, if you get a few good made-for-wheel-brushes, etc., and use the same soap you are washing the car with..

Now, with that said - you must either make a separate batch of soap and just wash the wheels - and throw it out when done, and start over with new soap in a clean, rinsed bucket, to wash the car, or wash the car completely First, then do the wheels after...

But never use the soap from cleaning the wheels to wash the paintwork, ok ?

Good luck with this !
Dan F
 
I know its not available in stores, but SONAX Full Effect Wheel Cleaner is powerful and safe for all finishes.
 
the rims are aftermarket chrome rims. they are 18" and i just wanted to get them really shiny. i usually use soap and water then i use detailing spray but i want to get them extra clean
 
You never answered my question... :)

So, if these are really "Chrome" Wheels, then you would need to use something for Chrome Wheels..

I have had great success with products like Simichrome, or Wenol. These products are a paste that comes in a tube..

Another newer product that has been really good for me is Optimum Metal Polish, a liquid sold in a plastic bottle.. It is located here at the Store - http://www.autopia-carcare.com/optimum-metal-polish-8oz.html#.U6mVhfldWSo

Any of the the above products may turn black on the rag and you may want to wear gloves to keep this off your hands..

Good luck with this..
Dan F
 
lilbraze87 said:
the rims are aftermarket chrome rims. they are 18" and i just wanted to get them really shiny. i usually use soap and water then i use detailing spray but i want to get them extra clean
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Get a chrome polish to make them shinier. I believe Walmart, Auto parts stores, etc. all carry mothers chrome polish. Then throw some protection on them after polishing.
 
lilbraze87 said:
the rims are aftermarket chrome rims. they are 18" and i just wanted to get them really shiny. i usually use soap and water then i use detailing spray but i want to get them extra clean
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a good APC with soap and water will get them clean as any brake dust cleaner on the market.

Chrome is a hard metal and not much is going to stick ti it IF you've been cleaning them on a regular bases.

That said as an OTC Megs and Mothers both have cleaners that will work..I would also suggest that you try a small spot to start...it's better to be safe as they could be clear coated and some cleaners will cloud the finish
 
txb4z said:
Advance Auto Parts stocks Griot's products. They make a good safe wheel cleaner.
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You are right. Autozone carries it out here in So Cal. Meguiar's DUB wheel cleaner is also safe on all wheels. Be sure to read the directions on the wheel cleaner to determine if it's safe or not.

Mothers chrome polish gets my vote if the wheels are indeed chrome. Works great and even better with a mini power ball or power cone.
 
Bunky said:
If they are new and you wash regularly, try just soap and water. You really should not need chrome wheel cleaner (usually an acid) unless they are messed up. I would suggest using all purpose cleaner or general wheel cleaner (safe for coated wheels, etc).
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What Bunky said. IMO, this applies to a LOT of wheels. I have tried Sonax and P21 and have found that WOS* wheel cleaner or highly diluted Simple Green works 90% as well, and you just make up the 10% with wiping.

*WOS = Whatever's On Sale

p.s. Coincidentally I was following a TSX today and thought "those are just nice cars". Did you know that in Europe, what we call an Acura TSX is sold there as the Honda Accord?
 
WaxAddict said:
What Bunky said. IMO, this applies to a LOT of wheels. I have tried Sonax and P21 and have found that WOS* wheel cleaner or highly diluted Simple Green works 90% as well, and you just make up the 10% with wiping.

*WOS = Whatever's On Sale

p.s. Coincidentally I was following a TSX today and thought "those are just nice cars". Did you know that in Europe, what we call an Acura TSX is sold there as the Honda Accord?
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Zep Citrus at 4:1. Can be bought at Home Depot for about $12 per gallon which comes to about $3 a gallon diluted. This is my go to APC for most wheels, tires and wheel wells. Does a super job and is cheap. If the wheel is uncoated aluminum, painted or anodized; I will still use Optimum Power Clean just to be on the safe side. For anything else - It gets the Zep.
 
I keep my rims on both my cars clean. Every chance i get to clean then, i do. after it rains and anytime brake dust starts to show. Ive never actually used polish on either set of my chrome rims. I know how but ive just never done it
 
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