Wheel Wax Question
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Joined: Jul 2005
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From: Antioch, CA
2006 ML350
Wheel Wax Question
For anyone using Wheel Wax:
After application, will brake dust still stick on the wheel? It claims it reverses the polarity of the wheel, but how long will dust keep off?
After application, will brake dust still stick on the wheel? It claims it reverses the polarity of the wheel, but how long will dust keep off?
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 113
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From: Antioch, CA
2006 ML350
What do you mean by it stays cleaner longer? Will I see a layer of black dust right away after applying the wax? If so, then it's not clean and it's nothing more than just a protectant. One annoying thing is the layer of brake dust gets on the wheels right after you wash it. It never stays clean as long as you use the brakes. I was hoping that Wheel Wax will at least deflect the brake dust off.
Last edited by Flipsonic; Aug 24, 2005 at 07:08 PM.
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2025 AMG E 53; 2018 GLC300 4Matic; 2003 360 Modena
You will get brake dust after you drive - however, it is much reduced versus not using the wheel wax. My experience is that it is worth the cost and effort to buy and apply than nothing at all. I've applied it twice, per the instructions, and the reduction in brake dust that is deflected is notable. More importantly, it protects the rims from pitting and permanent brake dust damage - as brake dust that remains on rims too long becomes caustic.
If you are under the impression that there is a product that can be applied to prevent brake dust period - it doesn't exist. I would also strongly suggest not using the wheel shields as they significantly reduce brake cooling and the trouble that causes is far worse than having to clean your wheels.
Also - be careful if you're using tire shine. Overspray of the tire shine on the rims attracts brake dust like a magnet.
If you are under the impression that there is a product that can be applied to prevent brake dust period - it doesn't exist. I would also strongly suggest not using the wheel shields as they significantly reduce brake cooling and the trouble that causes is far worse than having to clean your wheels.
Also - be careful if you're using tire shine. Overspray of the tire shine on the rims attracts brake dust like a magnet.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jul 2005
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From: Antioch, CA
2006 ML350
After how many miles of driving will you see noticeable brake dust? Or, how long before you see it? I have a 20" rim and it is painted silver with clear coat. I used the Michelin product and I see it right away after about 10 miles of driving (city).
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Thread Starter
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Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 113
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From: Antioch, CA
2006 ML350
As for me, I couldn't find it locally in auto stores here in Northern CA. I ordered mine from Autogeek.com. Just got it, and I will try it this weekend. My long term plan though is to change the brake pads (Porterfield or EBC) when they become availbale for the w164.
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From: Antioch, CA
2006 ML350
Ok, I applied this product on my after market wheels Monday morning. After about 150 miles of driving (Wednesday) , it does help keep it looking clean longer. I will try not to clean it until it gets really dirty. I'm hoping I can wash the dust off just once a week now with the wax on. I know the instructions say reapply when a high PH solution is used to clean the wheels or if it has been through the automatic car wash. I clean it myself with car wash soap that says "will not remove wax".
Is it safe to reapply once a month?
Is it safe to reapply once a month?
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From: CA
'99 E430
Originally Posted by Flipsonic
Ok, I applied this product on my after market wheels Monday morning. After about 150 miles of driving (Wednesday) , it does help keep it looking clean longer. I will try not to clean it until it gets really dirty. I'm hoping I can wash the dust off just once a week now with the wax on. I know the instructions say reapply when a high PH solution is used to clean the wheels or if it has been through the automatic car wash. I clean it myself with car wash soap that says "will not remove wax".
Is it safe to reapply once a month?
Is it safe to reapply once a month?
The deal with wheel sealants is not so much that they repel brake dust, but they make clean-up much easier. Instead of using wheel cleaners, etc, you can just wash the wheels when you wash the car and get great results. I can just spray most of the dust off now, and wash from there. Saves both time and effort.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jul 2005
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From: Antioch, CA
2006 ML350
I'm using a product called Wheel Wax. This is not just a sealant but also a polish. It is designed for wheels since it can withstand high amounts of heat so it will not break down. It also claims to reverse the polarity of the wheels to repel brake dust. My beef is the brake dust cover the wheels right away after washing even only after 10 miles of driving 
. The only time they are really clean is after washing and just sitting in the garage. With Wheel Wax, I have noticed that my after market wheels are shinier compared to the Michelin sealant. Never really had to put elbow grease even without the sealant or wax since why wheels are clear coated. Also, I was cleaning the wheels twice a week to keep them clean. I am a clean freak when it comes to cars. I wanted to try Wheel wax since it claims it extended the time before washing. I was hoping I will wash the wheels only once a week. But even with wheel wax, I may still wash twice a week. I think I will apply the wax twice a month an go from there. I will see if I can extend to just one application a month after a couple more layers have been applied.
. The only time they are really clean is after washing and just sitting in the garage. With Wheel Wax, I have noticed that my after market wheels are shinier compared to the Michelin sealant. Never really had to put elbow grease even without the sealant or wax since why wheels are clear coated. Also, I was cleaning the wheels twice a week to keep them clean. I am a clean freak when it comes to cars. I wanted to try Wheel wax since it claims it extended the time before washing. I was hoping I will wash the wheels only once a week. But even with wheel wax, I may still wash twice a week. I think I will apply the wax twice a month an go from there. I will see if I can extend to just one application a month after a couple more layers have been applied.
Last edited by Flipsonic; Sep 8, 2005 at 04:11 PM.
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From: CA
'99 E430
Sounds like you're a detailing fanatic too. 
I haven't used Wheel Wax, but have seen reviews of the product. I use Poorboys Wheel Sealant. Autogeek carries it, or you find it at www.poorboysworld.com. Amazing product.
I wouldn't read too much into the "reverse polarity" feature. There's no real evidence, and side-by-side comparisons don't show abnormal benefits from it. Just like any wax or sealant, some attract dust and some repel dust.
Unfortunately you won't be able to layer Wheel Wax. With a sealant/polish combo product you remove the existing layer every time you reapply. That's a bummer too, 'cause layering wheel sealant is a beautiful thing... I'm at 5 layers now, and my wheels clean easier then most of the car anymore!!
I haven't used Wheel Wax, but have seen reviews of the product. I use Poorboys Wheel Sealant. Autogeek carries it, or you find it at www.poorboysworld.com. Amazing product.I wouldn't read too much into the "reverse polarity" feature. There's no real evidence, and side-by-side comparisons don't show abnormal benefits from it. Just like any wax or sealant, some attract dust and some repel dust.
Unfortunately you won't be able to layer Wheel Wax. With a sealant/polish combo product you remove the existing layer every time you reapply. That's a bummer too, 'cause layering wheel sealant is a beautiful thing... I'm at 5 layers now, and my wheels clean easier then most of the car anymore!!
