Wheel Cleaners (inc Armor All Wheel Cleaner)

[AdamD]

Being fairly new to VW, I've been pretty shocked at the amount of brake dust that builds up on my rims very quickly after a clean. So, I picked up a bottle of Armor All Wheel Cleaner on the weekend (see also this link).

Can anyone comment on whether this wheel cleaner is safe to use on VW OEM rims and plastic centre caps, and indeed whether it's worth using, does a decent job, etc? Is there something better that you'd recommend instead?

Any comments/advice re wheel cleaning is appreciated - thanks guys!

[team_v]

I would make sure it's pH neutral or it may strip your clearcoat off.

Have a look on carcareproducts to see if they have anything.

http://www.carcareproducts.com.au/products/all_brands/exterior/wheels_and_tyres

[DMS_Dan]

It will work but over time will do damage. Its a caustic cleaner with a ph of 13.5. Thats why its so good at removing stuff. Its much harsher than the cleaners I use daily.

Personally I would recommend this Car Care Products / Nanolex / Exterior / Wheel Sealant / Alloy Rim Sealant Kit
Then all you need to wash it is some carwash mixed a bit stronger then normal, say 2 capfuls in 1l of water and these brushes Car Care Products / Vikan / Car Accessories / Brushes & Mitts / Wheel & Arch Brush
Car Care Products / Speciality Brands / Car Accessories / Brushes & Mitts / Daytona Wheel Brush
. Cleaning your wheels will be very easy!

[team_v]

I agree with Dan about the wheel sealant.
I am using nanolex sealant and it makes cleaning the wheels a much simpler affair.

[AdamD]

Thanks very much for the tips guys! I'll check out the Rim Sealant and will keep the Armor All off my rims.

[Back Door Shenanigans.]

I would make sure it's pH neutral or it may strip your clearcoat off.

Have a look on carcareproducts to see if they have anything.
Car Care Products / All Brands / Exterior / Wheel Cleaners

I've used some non acid meguiars stuff and i think its ruined my rims. It didnt work very well and now their is scratches all along it. How would i go about getting the clear coat back on and repairing the scratches? I guess a repaint is in order?

[team_v]

Probably easier to get a respray.

Generally i won't use anything that is a sponsor of the V8 supercars or that is stocked at Supercheap on my car.

[Pepe]

Just get the Duragloss AWC, it's simple to use, quick, does the job.

You can use the Nanolex stuff, but it's expensive and more of a pain to apply in the first place too.

I'm just waiting for CCP to get the 4L of the AWC back in, because in the standard size I must use about $5 worth of the stuff each wash.

Oh, and having black rims is the best way to have clean looking wheels

[tbone malone]

I can also vouch for the Nanolex. Applied it in February (one coating) and the dirt is still coming off my wheels no trouble at all.

[Back Door Shenanigans.]

Probably easier to get a respray.

Generally i won't use anything that is a sponsor of the V8 supercars or that is stocked at Supercheap on my car.

This was the best out of what auto one had unfortunatly. I'm looking at getting some decent stuff just not sure what to get.

[Dub_Star_V6]

P21S, no contest. Makes light work of it. A decent wheel sealant also helps.

And surprisingly enough, any cleaner used to clean carbon fibre bicycle frames (something like Finish Line Super Bike Wash or similar) diluted in a spray bottle 10:1 works a treat, too! If it's gentle and effective enough for carbon road frames, it'll do wheels without any dramas.

Use either one of these in combination with a Daytona wheel brush and you'll never know what you did without them.

[carcareproducts]

We have a great new Wheel Cleaning Gel just arrived! Just waiting on the labels for bottles, so should be ready to go in about a week. Being a gel it clings to all the hard to reach areas and loosen dirt quickly, it is very safe and price will also be very competitive. Watch this space...

[AdamD]

We have a great new Wheel Cleaning Gel just arrived! Just waiting on the labels for bottles, so should be ready to go in about a week. Being a gel it clings to all the hard to reach areas and loosen dirt quickly, it is very safe and price will also be very competitive. Watch this space...

Please update this thread when it's on the shelf. Definitely interested if there are positive reviews!