larryssf

I finally was able to purchase the Michelin Brake Dust Repellent after weeks of checking at Auto Zone. Apparently the demand for this new product is very heavy. It has been one week since I applied the repellent and there is a noticeable improvement. It is not 100%, but much better. It is very simple to apply and the cost is $5.95 if you can find it.

Will update when I next wash the car to determine if, as claimed, the cleaning of the remaining dust is easier. This really has the potential of saving me from being compelled to clean the wheels every other day.

Will also post in the Detailing Forum

steph280

Off to Autozone I go.

Thanks!

Brian_I.

I tried something like that before (can't remember the name) but it left a weird coating on the wheels that I didn't like. It does help out a little but I found it's better to just do touch ups with a spray bottle of water and clean cloth every couple days. Takes three minutes to do all four tires and helps the tires to stay as clean as the rest of the car.

mbbodytech

I've been meaning to try the Michelin stuff myself, but until then I have used Wheel Wax from the tire rack. It's pretty good stuff - but to me it looks and feels just like carnauba wax anyway.

I'm gonna try it out!

ThemisN

If you go to michelin's website they have a partner where you can order it online. I just did and will try it out.

TPAbnz

These are the best products I've used to date for brake dust. The cleaners work well but the amazing part is the spray coating. There's noticibly less dust that sticks and what's left, mostly hoses off.

I had to call 3 Autozones in the area to find some - they said it's impossible to keep enough in stock.

JWS3

but with a wider tip and not held too close. Does a good job on getting the majority of the gunk out and makes the brushing, etc far, far easier and faster. Don't use a 0 degree tip and hold at 2" away unless you actually want to remove the clearcoat!

alewifebp

Link?

konigstiger

http://www.petroferm.com/michelin/products.htm

ThemisN

http://www.x1r.com/michelin.htm

larryssf

As I indicated, here is the update on the short term impact of the "Brake Dust Repellent". It works quite well. After application the amount of dust is much less and when cleaning the majority is removed with a water spray.

It is clearly worth the effort as the wheels stay much cleaner for a longer period. And the price of $6 a bottle is very reasonable. A bottle will last for about three months. The product is now available on line if you can not find it at Auto Zone.

http://www.x1r.com/

Sunny in the morning in San Francisco

BudC

Having dealt with brake dust for years on both BMW's and Mercedes, I learned early on to wax the wheels as soon as you can. Lately, I've been using Zaino and the dust wipes off with no effort at all.

I don't know if it's still a problem but there was a time when you needed to let the paint on a car cure before waxing it. I've never had any problems with alloy wheels doing it at the first opportunity.

CE750

I just ordered a box of 6 of them via UPS delivery.. we'll see how they work. So I am assuming that you need to totally clean the wheel before applying this stuff, right?

clkcadet

i waxed my wheels once, wiping it off is soooo easy but then the car looks dirtier than the wheels... but im ok with that lol

ill stop by strauss during lunch maybe they will have it in stock and i will pick up the michelin goods

intrinsico

Do you need to use a special (wheel) wax or can any kind of wax be used? My bodyshop polished my sheels and they used something that really made the break dust stick to the wheel, I need to have the wheels buffed to get that out now...

C43AMG

.........see post # 1

clkcadet

quoting myself lol, at lunch i bought the michelin dust repellant not the other two cleaners, but they were in stock at Strauss.... $5.99 plus they gave me a free sample car wash (i think its called simply green)

ill let youknow how it turns out ill try and apply it later today

MKW

You guys are working too hard - if you are that OCD re: brake dust, you'll still be bothered to some degree. I just wipe off the brake dust with a "california car duster' in the small dash wipe size . " Sucks " it off instantly w/o streaking ( or inhaling it if you are just using a dry cloth ) . After a couple months , just toss it and buy another one for a few bucks at your local chain auto parts store.

alewifebp

I picked up a bottle, and was able to try it out over the weekend. So far, a little inconclusive, but it does seem to have helped. We had some rain earlier this week, and the little dust that was on the rim seems to have easily come off.

CE750

Well, I've had my 4 bottles now for about a week, and I've done at least 3 applications (to clean rims) so far... Frankly I don't notice a bit of difference. I'm a bit disappointed that Michelin a reputable tire maker would put out something this crappy. I think it's a placebo and nothing more.. That said, every-time I wipe my rims clean, I'll apply another coat of it until I run out of the stuff... but that will be the last 4 bottles I but for now.

Otto

I bought 2 bottles of them. Brake dust still goes back on my wheels but it is very easy to be washed out. I think the main function of this product is providing a thin coating on the wheels which allows you to wash dust easily later. thank Larry.

Otto

larryssf

Otto: You are correct. It is a means to reduce the work of cleaning. I also believe that it helps lower the amount of dust that adhears to the wheel.

Sam Samaha comment is off, but then he put a fabric "cozy" over his beautiful leather steering wheel. Check his web page for a picture. Sorry, but I could not resist.

Larry in Earthquake Land

CE750

fabric cozy or not, I still say it's a bit of a disappointment. I didn't notice any differnce at all. If you had to deal with the heat that we do here in phoenix, you'ld consider a "cozy" too.

Anyway, it was worth a try.. sure beats the "dustless" brake pads that some guys use. Guranteed to eat your rotors in 10000 miles, and reduce your stopping power by 50%.
At least that's what they did to my '97 Volvo 960 when I tried them.


BTW.. Larry, I'm originally from the Bay Area (San Mateo specifically). Two weeks ago I was out there and we picked up an E350 for my mom at Autobahn motors.

larryssf

Sam Samaha: Know Autobahn well. I hope you did not stray into the parts department. They have a killer accessories selection. Last time I was there it cost me $125 for a few little items.

ps: Forgot about the Phoneix factor for the wheel. Understand it was 112 degrees last week. How about a fitted sun shield. More of a hassel, but it will preserve the wheel and the dash. I have one in foggy San Francisco.

CE750

Believe me, I have a wind shield reflector too... but with about 3 hours (even in the shade) the wheel gets to hot to touch! I use the cozy more for myself than the car.. it is designed not to transfer heat.. so I can drive off without waiting for the AC to cool off the interior.. I also got the sheepskin seat covers (frankly I hate how they look, and $250 is not cheap) but you have to have them here.

That said, my mom's Benz has a wood wheel, and lives in the Bay Area where the weather is perfect! (That is the only thing I miss about living there!).

As for autobahn... they actually tried to sell me a Lojack for the Benz!! I told the girl, "seriously?" what's the Teleaid for then? She was stumped.