I have the platinum S wheels on a white C4S. The platinum finish hides dirt/brake dust pretty well but the shape of the wheels is challenging. On the plus side - they provide pretty good access to the inner wheel. On the minus side - you have to keep the wheels pristine as you can see right through them. Any advice on methods and products keeping in mind these are painted wheels, not powder coat?

 

I have the same wheels, my car is a daily driver. After years of trying different products I always go back to the same thing...a bucket, quality car soap, sponge, ultra soft brush, and some good old elbow grease.


Only other product that's works ok is Sonax wheel cleaner, but it's $$$ and you really still need to clean the wheels by hand afterwards.

 

Diluted Simple Green works great. Been using it for years. I buy it in concentrate at Costco. Cheap and doesn't harm the wheel finish. I mix it about 1 part to 3 parts water, spray it on dry, cool wheels and rinse. I do use a pressure washer.

 

STALKER has given some good advice. For wheels that are routinely kept clean you shouldn't need anything more than your standard car soap / water mixture and some good, soft brushes. I use a combination of the wheel woolies and a lug brush for in small details like bolt holes and around the valve stems.

If your wheels are more heavily soiled you can use a purpose-built wheel cleaner to get them back to good condition. Something like Sonax (which was mentioned earlier) is very good, as is P21S wheel gel. You will still need to brush / scrub a bit.

If you are truly crazy, like me, you can get rid of any small tar spots that still remain with clay bar or 3M adhesive remover.

 

my method:
1. wait for wheels to cool
2. hose off loose debris
3. spray foam wheel cleaner- I use Griots. Sonax and Ps21 are good but too expensive
4. clean barrel- I use daytona wheel brush
5. clean outer wheel- I use a cleaning pad that fits over my hand
6. spray on wheel protectant- I use Armor All wheel protectant

 

I have a small ACE Turbostick.

http://aceturbostick.com/Models.php

LOVE it. Makes it simple to get the wheel pristine in and out. Sonax Full Effect wheel cleaner is the best I've bought, I got it in the gallon form where it is much more reasonable.

 

Let me first confess to detailing cars as my love & hobby-I'm also a beta tester & reviewer for one of the giant online supply companies. So many choices for wheel cleaners. I agree with the above but would make the following suggetions:

#3 1Z Colour Tek Wheel Cleaner for dirty/heavy brake dust and Autoglym Non Acid wheel cleaner for those well maintained. Haven't tried the Griots but Sonax and P21s are okay, not in the wow category for neglected wheels.

#6. For rubber I prefer PERL by CarPro at full strength. Best rubber/vinyl product on the market. Optimum Opti Bond for tires is also very good but a little glossier whereas the PERL is more luster in it's finish. Last's about 2 weeks in the south Florida rain. Excellent product.

If you interested I have a list of products I've tested and like, so shoot me a pm with your email and I'll forward that along.

 

Great thread, I've learned a lot. I would suggest a sealant once the wheels are clean so that it's easier to clean next time. I've switched to Opticoat on my wheels and the dust just falls off with soap and water. I would recommend it.

 

This is an excellent approach with best results being achieved by lifting the car & removing the wheels for a thorough cleaning. I'm to lazy but probably should do the same. I've read nothing but rave reviews on this approach.

OTOH, I clean my car weekly so brake dust is really not an issue. (it helps living in south Florida) I'm also able to get a daytona brush inside the spokes and clean the barrels thoroughly. Then I use a product called Blackfire Crystal Seal which is a spray sealant that's WOWA (wipe on walk away) and greatly reduces my upkeep routine. It also is great on the rims as well as the paint. The stuff is incredible and beyond simple to use. Not permanent like Opti Coat which I would highly recommended if your so motivated.

 

I've been using a wool 20mil nap paint roller for cleaning the drum, use a slim jim version at the caliper. Works great as it stays in contact with entire surface.

 

hmm that sounds like an interesting approach. The Daytona Brush comes in two sizes as well, so getting behind the calipers is not a problem.

 

I use an amazing cleaner. Sonax 230200-755 Wheel Cleaner. It is $16.00 for a spray bottle from Germany bit it is magical. Spray it on the brake dustiest wheels and watch it turn purple and minutes later after high pressure hosing they are unbelievably clean. I used to be a tedious cleaner but this stuff lets me focus on the car not just the wheels. I buy it 2 bottles at a time on Amazon. Let me know if you try it.
Didn't notice someone else mentioned Sonax but it is the best. I'm going to look for the gallon size. Try it first from Amazon. You'll be sold.

 

FWIW I like the Sonax but think the 1Z ColourTek cleans better. Like the Sonax, it changes color when it comes in contact with iron particles. Not sure that means much as the Autoglym does not change color but leaves the glossiest finish of any wheel cleaning product-just not super heavy duty. And frankly once you get your wheels clean, you don't need to spend all the extra money for the heavy duty stuff. The Sonax & the P21s Wheel Cleaners (though not cheap) are great to use on a regular basis.

 

Great tips, looking forward to my annual wax!!!

 

Very useful discussion, thanks all. While we have clean freaks on the line ( and I mean that as a term of admiration and awe - I am most definitely not one of you) who often would you use wax on your wheels, or on your car for that matter - I tend to do it twice a year in spring after the car comes out of hibernation (having blown a tire on my BMW tonight I would say more correctly once the roads are repaired which might be much longer) and just before being tucked in for a long winter's nap?