I'm not big into 'detailing' but have a bit of an idea whats going on.

I thought you could use a very high stregth cleaner on the alloys then apply a protective finish that reduces the impact of brake dust etc, such that you can do a number of intermediate low strength cleans before having to use the mega stregth stuff again, thereby keeping the wheels clean but not reducing their life expectancy.

Is that right ???

avtur wrote:

I'm not big into 'detailing' but have a bit of an idea whats going on.

I thought you could use a very high stregth cleaner on the alloys then apply a protective finish that reduces the impact of brake dust etc, such that you can do a number of intermediate low strength cleans before having to use the mega stregth stuff again, thereby keeping the wheels clean but not reducing their life expectancy.

Is that right ???

I guess if you use a high strength cleaner it it VERY important that it is very well washed off with LOTs of water afterwards, otherwise the acid content may attack the metal - That is what I have always been lead to believe.
Would have thought a normal wax on the wheels afterwards would be good enough to repel the brake dust until the next wash  2007 Freelander 2 HSE TD4 Manual with Premium Pack & Moonroof.
Stornoway Grey with Ebony Black Pleather, Clear Indicators, Body Side Mouldings etc.

Auto-express tested these wheel waxes and recommended "turtle wax extreme nano-tech wax" never tried it but it does make some sense. At work
At home

"I can't always believe facts I read on the web" - Charles Dickens

winner by default of the tractor vs caravan race

I almost never use any wheel cleaner. All wheel cleaners are acidic and attack the wheels. Not a problem whilst the laqueur is on but as soon as it gets scratched the water gets in and you've got clouding and corrosion.

I clean them up as best I can using wonder wheels to get the bulk off and tcut afor the stubborn bit (I'm told neat diesel is pretty good for this) nd then give them a nice thick coat of alloy wheel wax (can't remember the make but I got it from halfrauds). Redo the wax every 3 months and there is no need to dowse the wheels in acid again. the brake dust just washes off. When it gets stubborn - time to rewax. 07 Freelander 2 TD4SE Tambora Flame, side steps, privacy glass, mud flaps, boot liner and a tow bar. Ok it's the Wifes but she lets me drive it occasionally - if I've been good!

How easy is it to apply the wax on the wheels?

Is it spray on or do you have to apply it by cloth?

Seems Jules has a very good point.

http://www.tt-forum.co.uk/ttforumbbs/viewt...de836271ae FREELANDER 2 TD4 SE (XS UK) IZMIR BLUE SIDE STEPS COLD PACK BI-XENON TINTED WINDOWS - AND PROUD OF HER

what ever you use to seal your alloy ,dont spray it on the wheels as it will over spray on to your discs and could cause serious cotamination problems,
use an acid based wheel cleaner once to get the wheels in really good condition,then use a safe wheel cleaner(non acid) i use smart wheels by autosmart (trade product) but some people do resell it on e bay , then a wheel sealer
if you dont want to buy it spray some pledge furniture polish on to a cloth (dont spray direct,)then coat the wheel and buff up .
this seals the wheels untill the next wash and helps prevent/slow down the build up of brake dust and stubbon deposits
cheers David L Wax on Wax off

I've used Carplan 'Wonder Wheels' on my wheels maybe three time in 15 months. Didn't think it was anything special, but just looked at the label and it contains hydrochloric acid

avtur wrote:

I've used Carplan 'Wonder Wheels' on my wheels maybe three time in 15 months. Didn't think it was anything special, but just looked at the label and it contains hydrochloric acid

clay bars oh yes ... get me started on valeting i am obsessed,the wife rubs me down with a clay bar regularly LOL Wax on Wax off

Joules

Thanks for your comments, hopefully having used wonder wheels only 3 times in 15 months I haven't done too much damage, and I'm very thorough in rinsing it off. The problem with protecting wheels, as opposed to body work, is that wheels tend to expereicne extremes of temperature (because of the brakes) and the effect of brake dust, so they clearly need different treatment to the rest of the car.

Valtec

Clay bars, don't start,I've heard soooo much about them, I'm trying really hard to resist them !!

Tried the TurtleWax wheel polish two weeks ago and it appears to the job very well. The dirt/brake dust forms into black spots all around, when the wheels have been wet, so it's beading well, always a sign that wax is protecting. Cleaning is much easier, as the muck just wipes off.  Was GS TD4 Auto, Privacy, Santorini with Tundra & Alpaca, Cold Climate Pack. Traded for Discovery Sport HSE Auto.

Wonderwheels is great and does not do any damage Grumpy

wonder wheels is a strong acid and DOES damage wheels with continuous use

I use p21s red Gel, Sticks like CG after he's been mucking out but does the job

I need to get a decent clay bar to go at the harder deposits on my wheels, the Meg's Quick details just doesn't shift them. Former Mod/Member, with the most post & Chicken George Arch nemesis

npinks wrote:

Stinks like CG after he's been mucking out

Wana say that again?





wonder wheels has never damaged my wheels  At work
At home

"I can't always believe facts I read on the web" - Charles Dickens

winner by default of the tractor vs caravan race