How to: cleaning wheel wells
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: GMT -8 hours
Mercedes-Benz
How to: cleaning wheel wells
Well I know wheel wells is one of the most dreaded tasks. I have found a simple way to clean them. What i do is mix simple green and water in a spray bottle (50/50 mix). I then spray the dry wheel wells with the solution, and let it sit for 3-5 min. Then i take an old kicthen sponge/scouring pad and spray it with the solution. Then use the scouring side and go away at scrubbing the wheel wells. I recommened wearing rubber gloves, as this is a nasty job. Once finished, rinse the wheel wells and dry them with an old terry towel. After they have dried I like to spray them with stoners trim shine. It gives a finished look to them and doesnt leave it too shiney or greasey. It also protects the plastic. Here is a picture after i cleaned the wheel wells on the ML.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,080
Likes: 4
From: San Diego, CA
C32 AMG
Once they are clean, all you need to do is give them a quick wipe with a sponge every time you wash. If your wheel doesn't fill the wheelwell, it really helps give the car a more polished look.
What about the wheelwells that are felt lined? My car has this in the rear, but it never seems to look dirty, so all I do is hose it down.
What about the wheelwells that are felt lined? My car has this in the rear, but it never seems to look dirty, so all I do is hose it down.
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
From: Monmouth County, NJ
1989 560 SL 1985 380 SL 1996 S320 1987 560 SEC
Ahhh clean wheel wells...
Certain things about an automobile shows me pride in ownership and care:
Clean vehicle trim (not stained with polish and wax)
Lower bumpers (free of old bug residue and removable scuffs)
CLEAN GLASS (especially in the hard to reach corners)
Tires properly cleaned prior to being dressed!!!
Removal of all overspray near wheelwells!
Clean engine .
But the # 1 thing I immediately notice about a detailed vehicle is thoughly cleaned and dressed wheelwells (especially SUV's). That owner or detailer has taken the time to "complete the job"
Thumbs Up. Great post !!
Clean vehicle trim (not stained with polish and wax)
Lower bumpers (free of old bug residue and removable scuffs)
CLEAN GLASS (especially in the hard to reach corners)
Tires properly cleaned prior to being dressed!!!
Removal of all overspray near wheelwells!
Clean engine .
But the # 1 thing I immediately notice about a detailed vehicle is thoughly cleaned and dressed wheelwells (especially SUV's). That owner or detailer has taken the time to "complete the job"
Thumbs Up. Great post !!
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
From: Monmouth County, NJ
1989 560 SL 1985 380 SL 1996 S320 1987 560 SEC
Wheels....
On the wheels ... Details Plus non acid Wheel Cleaner.
On the tires ... Simple Green 50% to clean + DP Lustre All Dressing.
Wheel wells... Simple Green 50% to clean + Son of a gun protectant (cheap... got a steel on this stuff a while ago and I use it in wheel wells only.)
I always clean my wheels, tires, and wheel wells before washing. I have a 5 Gallon bucket with all of my wheels & tires arsenal (chemicals & tools) and I always start the exterior cleaning this way. I have about 5 different brushes dedicated for this task. I try to keep my wife's car pristine at all times because I found an inexpensive way to advertise for my biz. What do you think ???
On the tires ... Simple Green 50% to clean + DP Lustre All Dressing.
Wheel wells... Simple Green 50% to clean + Son of a gun protectant (cheap... got a steel on this stuff a while ago and I use it in wheel wells only.)
I always clean my wheels, tires, and wheel wells before washing. I have a 5 Gallon bucket with all of my wheels & tires arsenal (chemicals & tools) and I always start the exterior cleaning this way. I have about 5 different brushes dedicated for this task. I try to keep my wife's car pristine at all times because I found an inexpensive way to advertise for my biz. What do you think ???
Last edited by Clean Dean; Jun 1, 2003 at 12:41 PM.
Great Job!
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 719
Likes: 0
From: Miami
Wow amazing pics clean dean I find simple green to be my new best friend got a steal for 9.50 at the Ace Hardware store for a gallon of it. Alboston how do you like Engine Kote I got it but havent used it yet hopefully tommarow how much should I spray to get a nice new look. ? Does it last a while. ?
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 14,362
Likes: 1
From: Staples Center
w211 & w124
Wow those wells look great! I never ever would have thought that people actually spent more than 2 minutes on wheel wells when washing their cars. Guess I was wrong. I think I'm gonna go get a bottle of Simple Green and get started right away.
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 490
Likes: 1
From: Canada
05 CLK 500 cab
Rotated my wheels today and took the opportunity to tackle the wheel wells more thoroughly than I can with the wheels on the car. Al's instructions worked great, though I found a soft scrubbing brush worked better than a sponge.
The 50-50 Simple Green solution and a brush or sponge also cleaned up the brake dust from the inside of my wheels, leaving them like new in just a few minutes each.
The 50-50 Simple Green solution and a brush or sponge also cleaned up the brake dust from the inside of my wheels, leaving them like new in just a few minutes each.
Member
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 163
Likes: 8
From: San Diego
2003 SL
I like cleaning my wheel wells also.
But with aluminum doors and other components, I'm a bit paranoid about using simple green. It has caused hydrogen embrittlement in aluminum.
See this link on how it has destroyed aluminum parts in a chinook helicopter.
http://www.chinook-helicopter.com/ma.../cleaners.html
I use wheel cleaner, and once it is clean, a detailing solution, like a tire treatment, or vinyl treatment is great.
Greg
But with aluminum doors and other components, I'm a bit paranoid about using simple green. It has caused hydrogen embrittlement in aluminum.
See this link on how it has destroyed aluminum parts in a chinook helicopter.
http://www.chinook-helicopter.com/ma.../cleaners.html
I use wheel cleaner, and once it is clean, a detailing solution, like a tire treatment, or vinyl treatment is great.
Greg
