Washing wheels when not washing entire car?

R

Roger V

New member
What would be the best thing to use? My car stays clean, but my wheels look filthy. I am curious what to use that won't scratch the highly polished lips of my rims. Also, when I wash my car normally, the soap i use on the car (Meguires Gold Class) is safe on the rims right?
 
I use Gold Class all the time on my rims, and no probs here bud :D



Just don't forget to rinse the wheels before applying any kinda shampoo to make sure you've got rid of any brake dust / road debris - you don't wanna be spreading that around yer rims.



PS. Only wash the wheels when the car is cold, ie. you haven't been driving it, as you don't want to damage any brakes !
 
I'll suggest you get a couple of dedicated wash mitts and some Optimum No Rinse wash. That would work.



You can also try Michelin's brake dust repellant. That can help minimize the heavy accumulation.
 
Use QEW or ONR to wash only the wheels. Make sure the wheels are kept wax/sealed to keep the brake dust from bonding (and subsequently make it easy to wash off with QEW or ONR)



-T
 
I would stick to a sealant. Poorboys makes one specifically for wheels that I've heard good things about. I used Klasse AIO and SG on my car so instead of purchasing new products, I simply used that and it works great. Someone in my office told me to use pledge on my wheels just today. I wouldn't go that far, but what do I know.
 
Everyone is always worrying about brake dust, why dont you all get ceramic pads? My Jeep came with them from the factory, and while they are alittle loud sometimes, Ive yet to see any dust on them in the 3 years Ive had my Jeep. :2thumbs:
 
I use Meg’s GC soap on my wheels all the time. Works great. I just do a 1-bucket wash for wheels only (with a dedicated bucket just for wheels) but I always rinse my brush before putting it back in the bucket.



icall said:
...Someone in my office told me to use pledge on my wheels just today. I wouldn't go that far, but what do I know.
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It’s mostly silicone oil. That’s not something you want on your brakes.





PC.
 
You'll want to use some type of sealant or dedicated wheel wax (just use a sealant and save some cash). A regular carnauba isn't going to last long because it can't take the heat, or at least that's the conventional wisdom around here.



BlueLibby04 said:
Everyone is always worrying about brake dust, why dont you all get ceramic pads? My Jeep came with them from the factory, and while they are alittle loud sometimes, Ive yet to see any dust on them in the 3 years Ive had my Jeep. :2thumbs:
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Most all brake pads are ceramic ;).
 
i am guessing you have a BMW....LOL JK - only reason I say that is i can wash a BMW and take one 10 mile trip and have to come back and wash the wheels to keep the car looking clean...lol



but i use ONR and some crappy wheel mitts to wash....really easy, especially when you wax your wheels....you will still get the brake dust deposits, but clean up is MUCH easier when the wheels are frequently waxed....waxing is done with OCW for me....
 
toyotaguy said:
i am guessing you have a BMW....LOL JK - only reason I say that is i can wash a BMW and take one 10 mile trip and have to come back and wash the wheels to keep the car looking clean...lol



but i use ONR and some crappy wheel mitts to wash....really easy, especially when you wax your wheels....you will still get the brake dust deposits, but clean up is MUCH easier when the wheels are frequently waxed....waxing is done with OCW for me....
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I was thing the same thing



if it's that bad CHANGE THE PADS!
 
joshtpa said:
I really like the mothers polish. Put some on and wipe it off.
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Go careful with polishes on wheels - you really don't want to tickle the lacquer on the things which are closest to the ground.



Stick to regular washing, and high-polymer waxes on the odd occasion :)
 
On my cars, I use a good wheel cleaner (in my case EO All Wheel and Tire Cleaner), then put on a coat of 845IW. Heat doesn't bother it and it will last a couple of months at least. During that time, I just use my regular car shampoo as crud/brake dust doesn't stick. When the 845 is wearing down, I start all over.



______________

E-Jag
 
paul34 said:
You'll want to use some type of sealant or dedicated wheel wax (just use a sealant and save some cash). A regular carnauba isn't going to last long because it can't take the heat, or at least that's the conventional wisdom around here.







Most all brake pads are ceramic ;).
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Misleading answer. Most european automakers prefer a low-metallic brake pad. Domestics have started to use ceramic in their pads, but only slightly. Chrysler/Dodge use it very very little. When people talk about Ceramic brake pads for systems that dust alot, they mean Ceramic as a main ingredient. As far as I know, very very few cars come OEM with pads that ceramic is the main ingredient. Most are just 'ceramic-enhanced'.



IF your wheels dust alot (any BMW), its a good idea to buy some dedicated ceramic brake pads from Raybestos or Hawks, etc...
 
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