Wheel cleaner scam, & What to use ?

[britdave]

As I was washing my 996/911 the other day, I used some wheel cleaner made by Castrol, I sprayed it on the wheels as directed,( I have the 5 spoke upgraded ones with the colored crest) after a minute I hosed it off.

The results were minimal ( I ALWAYS wash the wheels first, then dispose of that water, then the body, with fresh water) I use to have a BMW M roadster and used similar stuff, years ago, and it permanently marred the wheels ! My question is I believe all this so called "Wheel Cleaner" stuff is nothing but a scam, and most of it doesn't work worth a hoot !

Does anyone have a recommendation as to what to use "simple green" " Orange Blast" etc ?

Also any special, or easy way to clean them ? Thanks Dave.

[Loren]

I've always used the P21S wheel cleaner.

[btopping]

+1 on P21S. Can't beat it.

[Ahsai]

BMW wheel cleaners work really well too. You would think they are the experts with all the excessive brake dust on the bimmers :)

[JFP in PA]

You have to be very careful about the pH of the wheel cleaners you use as they can really tear up the clear coat on the wheels if you use the wrong thing. P21S has a long standing reputation for both cleaning the wheels and not damaging the clear coat.

[White987S]

I NEVER use wheel cleaner.

The secret is to use RejeX (bought from Bumperplugs) wax on your wheels, and then just wash with soap & water.

I've used this all year with EXCELLENT results on top of the RejeX wax.

[britdave]

Thanx guys , what I have noticed is that just regular car wash shampoo works fine, and a little elbow grease. I'l try that P 21 S as well, and see if it works ok. I was wondering about simple green as thats suppose to be safe ? Cheers Dave

[JFP in PA]

Simple Green has a published pH of 9.5-10, hardly "pH balanced".............

[Porsche Pilot]

Simple Green for aircraft is safer on wheels but you should really check out Sonax. It smells horrible but is a great wheel cleaner.

[David Clarke]

My local porsche dealership always does a great job cleaning my car when I take it in for anything, so I asked them what they used and they use Wurth Wheel cleaner, so I got some and have never found better

http://www.wurth.co.uk/technical-chemicals1/cleaning-and-care-materials/vehicle-cleaning-external/aluminium-wheel-cleaner-500ml

[white99c2]

Soap, water, sponge, your back and either a right or left hand. Very simple.

[wyovino]

I don't know the ph, but I've used Mother's Aluminum Alloy wheel cleaner for a couple of years and have had very good results. I haven't noticed any damage to the clear coat.

[gordon24]

I used Wolfgang Uber Wheel Cleaner I purchased on-line from AutoGeek.com. I find this to be a very good product for cleaning brake dust, my wheels really "pop." To the extent you can believe their labeling, it's an environmentally friendly product as well.

[CabrioArtie]

Simple Green for aircraft is safer on wheels but you should really check out Sonax. It smells horrible but is a great wheel cleaner.

+1

[robertobrown]

Sonax. It works very well and I find I only have to use it every 5th or 6th wash

[CharlieRST]

Sonax... removes brake dust, and does not affect finish.

repeated apps and some scrubbing with clean the worst brake dust mess. It's pricey tho'

Charlie

[xxaarraa]

Simple green fan here. Use it on my motorcycles and cars and it works as advertised. Spray it on, then hose it off.

[White987S]

Simple green fan here. Use it on my motorcycles and cars and it works as advertised. Spray it on, then hose it off.

Off goes your wax too. Just be aware of that in your final process and preparation.

[xxaarraa]

Simple green fan here. Use it on my motorcycles and cars and it works as advertised. Spray it on, then hose it off.

Off goes your wax too. Just be aware of that in your final process and preparation.

You use wax on your wheels? I don't/.

[White987S]

Simple green fan here. Use it on my motorcycles and cars and it works as advertised. Spray it on, then hose it off.

Off goes your wax too. Just be aware of that in your final process and preparation.

You use wax on your wheels? I don't/.

Yes. RejeX wax with the Armor All Wheel Protectant as topper. Than all you need to clean your wheels is warm soapy water and no expensive and potentially harmful cleaners.

[Ronnie38]

Mr Clean Eraser and elbow grease

[White987S]

Mr Clean Eraser and elbow grease

Most of the detailing experts will tell you that the only time you ned to apply pressure and "elbow grease" on your car is when you are polishing and doing paint correction. If you are applying that much effort and pressure, you are using the wrong product, tool and technique.

[Mike Petonic]

The best thing about PCCBs? No more brake dust! Seriously, this is almost worth $8000/rotor. :-)