Washing wheels: advice?
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jun 2002
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From: Oakville, Ont., Canada
2009 ML320 CDi Bluetec
Washing wheels: advice?
Hello all,
I take my car through the touchless carwash once a week, and sometimes use the manual hi-pressure wash as well.
One thing I nevre get clean is the wheels. I am not sure what brake pads they use, but a drive to the supermarket renders these wheels black again. How do you all keep the wheels (and the rest of the car) clean?
Mike
I take my car through the touchless carwash once a week, and sometimes use the manual hi-pressure wash as well.
One thing I nevre get clean is the wheels. I am not sure what brake pads they use, but a drive to the supermarket renders these wheels black again. How do you all keep the wheels (and the rest of the car) clean?
Mike
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jun 2002
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From: Oakville, Ont., Canada
2009 ML320 CDi Bluetec
PS moderator, question
If 55 posts makes me "almost a member", how many until I *am* a member? (Sorry if this is documented: looked but could not find it).
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All I do is take a rag and wipe the dust off. If you do this weekly, it comes right off. Wheels don't need to be wet, that only makes it messier. Takes me about 20minutes to do, 5 per wheel.
If your brake dust is encrusted you might need a nylon brush with some soapy water to work it off.
Key is not letting it it go too long between wipedowns.
If your brake dust is encrusted you might need a nylon brush with some soapy water to work it off.
Key is not letting it it go too long between wipedowns.
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Re: PS moderator, question
Originally posted by mwillems
If 55 posts makes me "almost a member", how many until I *am* a member? (Sorry if this is documented: looked but could not find it).
If 55 posts makes me "almost a member", how many until I *am* a member? (Sorry if this is documented: looked but could not find it).
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 314
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From: Oakville, Ont., Canada
2009 ML320 CDi Bluetec
OK, will try
Originally posted by potxoli
All I do is take a rag and wipe the dust off. If you do this weekly, it comes right off. Wheels don't need to be wet, that only makes it messier. Takes me about 20minutes to do, 5 per wheel.
[snip] Key is not letting it it go too long between wipedowns.
All I do is take a rag and wipe the dust off. If you do this weekly, it comes right off. Wheels don't need to be wet, that only makes it messier. Takes me about 20minutes to do, 5 per wheel.
[snip] Key is not letting it it go too long between wipedowns.
Michael
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From: Richmond, BC, Canada
2010 Prius & Miata MX5 PRHT, 2010 Toyota Venza AWD, 05 C55 AMG, Yamaha 1100 Custom, Honda 250 Reflex
I suggest...
Use a mitt soaked in a solution of car soap and hose off with lots of water.
After the wheels are clean, apply a good coat of car wax. Wax will prevent the brake dust from sticking and the next time you wash, just use water and the mitt!
I wax my wheels every 5th wash.
After the wheels are clean, apply a good coat of car wax. Wax will prevent the brake dust from sticking and the next time you wash, just use water and the mitt!
I wax my wheels every 5th wash.
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Joined: Sep 2002
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From: Nashville, TN
2013 G550
There are some good spray on wheel cleaners. You can get them at any auto parts store or some better ones from some of the specialty detail stores.
Others recommend only soap and water. To me, it's more of an issue with how of how intricate the wheel design is.
More detail = more need to use a spray on cleaner
Less Detail = easier to wipe
Either way, do it frequetly!
Others recommend only soap and water. To me, it's more of an issue with how of how intricate the wheel design is.
More detail = more need to use a spray on cleaner
Less Detail = easier to wipe
Either way, do it frequetly!
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For many years I have been dissatisfied with the tire dressings on the market. They are loaded with silicone oil. They are very greasy, oily and messy. They attract dirt and dust like a magnet, have no UV protection, can cause tire deterioration, give an unrealistic gloss and wash off as soon as the tire gets wet. The tire dressing, always slings and gets onto the wheels and surrounding paint surface and causes discoloration and staining. I have yet to find one benefit to using this type of product. Z-16 Perfect Tire Gloss is a non-oily, non-greasy, rubber protectant and finishing treatment. Its unique formula with Ultra-Gard™ UV(40) and antistatic properties prevent drying, cracking, browning and repels dust and dirt. Z-16 leaves an incredibly durable, water repellent, perfect looking satin finish, that's only slightly glossy and dry to the touch. Use on all exterior rubber, tires, moldings, plastic trim, weatherstripping, underhood hoses and more. Just wet a sponge with Z-16 and apply to the surface to be treated and let dry. It will last thru rain and multiple washings. Z-16 is very durable and will last an average of 3 to 4 weeks on an outdoor car. Z-16 is not recommended for interior seats or vinyl tops.
Z-1 Show Car Polish LOK Pre-Cleaner and Gloss Enhancer
You might also want to consider Zaino's Z-16. Here is a description.
Z-16 PERFECT TIRE GLOSS
For many years I have been dissatisfied with the tire dressings on the market. They are loaded with silicone oil. They are very greasy, oily and messy. They attract dirt and dust like a magnet, have no UV protection, can cause tire deterioration, give an unrealistic gloss and wash off as soon as the tire gets wet. The tire dressing, always slings and gets onto the wheels and surrounding paint surface and causes discoloration and staining. I have yet to find one benefit to using this type of product. Z-16 Perfect Tire Gloss is a non-oily, non-greasy, rubber protectant and finishing treatment. Its unique formula with Ultra-Gard™ UV(40) and antistatic properties prevent drying, cracking, browning and repels dust and dirt. Z-16 leaves an incredibly durable, water repellent, perfect looking satin finish, that's only slightly glossy and dry to the touch. Use on all exterior rubber, tires, moldings, plastic trim, weatherstripping, underhood hoses and more. Just wet a sponge with Z-16 and apply to the surface to be treated and let dry. It will last thru rain and multiple washings. Z-16 is very durable and will last an average of 3 to 4 weeks on an outdoor car. Z-16 is not recommended for interior seats or vinyl tops.
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From: Fort Myers, FL
'23 EQE 350 4MATIC
I use a 4-inch paint brush to shake off the brake dust. The bristles are soft and long enough to get into the nooks and crannies of the wheel. It takes about 20 minutes to do all of them.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 314
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From: Oakville, Ont., Canada
2009 ML320 CDi Bluetec
Originally posted by saintvir
I use a 4-inch paint brush to shake off the brake dust. The bristles are soft and long enough to get into the nooks and crannies of the wheel. It takes about 20 minutes to do all of them.
I use a 4-inch paint brush to shake off the brake dust. The bristles are soft and long enough to get into the nooks and crannies of the wheel. It takes about 20 minutes to do all of them.
Michael
