I was wondering what everyone else uses to keep their wheels clean. Mostly what you use to maintain a clean look from brake dust in between full-on washes. Any suggestions to help minimize that? I've got the 19" sport rims on my Q50, so luckily it's not very visible, which I love.
Keeping Wheels Clean
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1,851 Posts
I am using Meguiar's Hot Rims Brake Dust Barrier every other wash. Between washes I am using a detailer to wipe the wheels until I can do a full hand wash.
I would look into a coating, like OptiCoat, GTechniq C5, etc.
I put a layer of the GTechniq stuff on the wheels of my '11 G37, and I can STILL get the dust/dirt off them with just car wash soap/water and a Meguiars body brush. I dont drive the car a whole lot, so maybe it wouldnt last 3+ yrs on a daily driver, but I would say at least a year between applications wouldnt be unrealistic.
As far as "Hot" anything from Meguiars....be careful, not the safest of cleaners for you OR your wheels.
I put a layer of the GTechniq stuff on the wheels of my '11 G37, and I can STILL get the dust/dirt off them with just car wash soap/water and a Meguiars body brush. I dont drive the car a whole lot, so maybe it wouldnt last 3+ yrs on a daily driver, but I would say at least a year between applications wouldnt be unrealistic.
As far as "Hot" anything from Meguiars....be careful, not the safest of cleaners for you OR your wheels.
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1,537 Posts
Have you tried opticoat on wheel yet? Does it help?
I had some opticoat left over and I am wondering if it works with brake dust. It is permanent and I don't want to ruin my wheels.
I had some opticoat left over and I am wondering if it works with brake dust. It is permanent and I don't want to ruin my wheels.
I havent, but only because at the time the Gtech stuff was cheaper.
Lots of detailing forums on the net have shown Opti works great on just about everything, including wheels. I wouldnt use it on glass (it will create glare) but I would feel comfortable using it on anything with clearcoat (like wheels) and plastics (like headlights, taillights, etc)
If you are really worried about it, try it on a small spot of the wheel. They key for OptiCoat application is in the prep work. The surface needs to be 100% absolutely clean of everything. Grease, dust, dirt, previous coatings, etc. Then polish it as perfect as you can get it, then clean it again to make sure any polish leftovers are gone. Then apply Opti.
One of the Optimum tech reps is all over detailing forums (his name is Chris), look for his posts and he'll have plenty of how-to and tips for you.
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I already did it myself and happy with the result. It is around $75 in Amazon.
Took me more than 5 hours to prep it...
It seems fine on the surface of wheels but I just want to see if it works against break dust
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Took me more than 5 hours to prep it...
It seems fine on the surface of wheels but I just want to see if it works against break dust
.
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5,696 Posts
Funny you mention that....Advance Auto had it on clearance a few weeks ago. $2.00 a bottle!
I have 5 bottles sitting at home
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5,696 Posts
Funny you mention that....Advance Auto had it on clearance a few weeks ago. $2.00 a bottle!
I have 5 bottles sitting at home
What size were the bottles?
35 oz!!! its the "weaker" stuff (kinda looks like aqua blue/green color)
I actually dont use much wheel cleaner, read that the bottles themselves are pretty good (unfortunately they are the foaming type nozzles).
But Ill use it on our other vehicles....the wheels have no coatings so it will work in that application.
I actually dont use much wheel cleaner, read that the bottles themselves are pretty good (unfortunately they are the foaming type nozzles).
But Ill use it on our other vehicles....the wheels have no coatings so it will work in that application.
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