What's the best store bought wheel cleaner?

C

Chuckmotor

New member
Ok, ok... I've heard it over and over EF HI is the best stuff for wheels and tires. I agree, it is good stuff. But whenever I, or anybody else, asks about other wheel cleaners we can get locally, we hear, "Well EF HI is the best." SO, what is the best wheel cleaner available locally?
 
Eagle One A-Z Wheel Cleaner. I have seen it at Kmart, PepBoys, and WalMart. Sorry, no pic of the bottle for ya, Chuck. ;)
 
Next I would have to say Meguiars #36 wheel cleaner or EO Aluminum Wash EO's only acid free wheel cleaner.
pic_alum_wash.gif
 
That Eagle One product does clean very well. I'll certainly agree with that claim. I'm just not to sure of how safe it is to use over a long period of time. What I have noticed is that it doesn't seem to smell as strong or acidic as many other wheel cleaners in the auto parts stores.
 
As far as wheels and tires go, I only use a chemical cleaner on the white lettering on the sidewall. On the rims, I use car wash shampoo and water, same as the paint (separate water, wash, and mitt of course). This works well for me, I have never had a need for anything harsher.
 
<blockquote class='ipsBlockquote' >

<em class='bbc'>Originally posted by RH [/i]
<strong class='bbc'>Eagle One A-Z Wheel Cleaner. I have seen it at Kmart, PepBoys, and WalMart. Sorry, no pic of the bottle for ya, Chuck. ;) [/b]</blockquote>Be careful!! Acid-Based product. Cleans awesome though.
 
The best store bought wheel cleaning solution is to put some NuFinish on your rims. You can just use your car shampoo to clean them after that. It works.
 
Use the Castrol wheel cleaner. It is very strong (not the best but pretty good) and it is biodegradable....... seems like it is mild but it works pretty well.
 
I used Meguiar's Hotwheels couple times last year...the stuff is not very acidic (i believe it's their mildest wheel cleaner) and it cleans the wheels very well...



but yeah, I agree, it's safer to use your car polish or cleaners (I use Klasse AIO)..:)
 
<blockquote class='ipsBlockquote' >

<em class='bbc'>Originally posted by joed1228 [/i]
<strong class='bbc'>Use the Castrol wheel cleaner. It is very strong (not the best but pretty good) and it is biodegradable....... seems like it is mild but it works pretty well. [/b]</blockquote>
Be careful with Castrol. It's acid based.
 
Thanks for the info, what pre-cautions should be taken?



I clean the rim in halfs at a time, rinsing as I go along, the cleaner never dries on the rim.... I should be all set right?
 
<blockquote class='ipsBlockquote' >

<em class='bbc'>Originally posted by Langit [/i]
<strong class='bbc'>I used Meguiar's Hotwheels couple times last year...the stuff is not very acidic (i believe it's their mildest wheel cleaner) and it cleans the wheels very well...
[/b]</blockquote>
I have used this, too. It works pretty well and it doesn't seem TOO acidic, if it is. I find that Eagle One stuff to be very acidic and smelling bad, but I REALLY noticed a difference the first time I used it. Meguiar's Hot Wheels is pretty good, though.
 
Please don't dismiss a wheel cleaner simply because it contains acid. Acid, per se, is not bad - it's the TYPE of acid that counts.



Oxalic acid is a perfectly safe type to use on a coated or polished wheel. Hydroflouric acid, though is not. It simply depends on the type.



Also, it's most important that the directions be followed - sprayed on a cool wheel, do one at a time, don't let it sit on the wheel too long, etc.



Used properly, an acid based cleaner of the proper type can do a fine job of cleaning. An improper type, or even a proper type used in an improper manner, can damage the finish.



If you clean your wheels frequently (twice a week, for example), you can limit the need to use wheel cleaners. And, as others mentioned, coating your wheels with a proper type of product can help prevent brake dust and road grime from adhering to them so readily.
 
The "carboxylic acid" class of wheel cleaners are relatively weak acids and safe, but usually don't do as well of a job as the stronger ones. The problem is that as a consumer, it is impossible to tell what type of acid is in each wheel cleaner. Any pointers on distinguishing?
 
I will sleep alot better knowing that I did not clean my Brabus wheels= 500$ a piece without any type of acid safe or not ill stick to car soap but thats just me.



P.S. People also say its ok to drink tap water but ill pass.
 
I saw a couple posts concerning strength of A2Z. We actually have taken into consideration this concern, as well as the fact that alot of consumers buying wheel cleaners may have wheels that have seen lots of brake dust, harsh enviromental factors, etc. There is a new formula of A2Z coming out that cleans better and is safer than the current one. The new formula will be in a transparent orange bottle and should be available anytime at most retailers. There is always a fear when using wheel cleaners, especially on clear coated wheels. Any flaws in the clear coating allow wheel cleaners and other junk found on the road to work it's way behind the clear coat. I am sure all of you have seen this. As for long term effects of cleaners. Most companies test them for what the wheel would look like in 2 years or so if the cleaner was used once a week. However, some wheel companies use less reliable clear coats and may not have the best manufacturing standards. ummm, hope this makes sense, I haven't had coffee yet this morning.



Joe
 
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