Wheel cleaning

[Bushy]

So who uses what?

I originally used to use wonder wheels but it caused too much rusting, and didnt really give that wow factor cleaning.

I then progressed onto Autoglym wheel cleaner which came in 5 litre tubs and could be diluted.

However this was still acidic baces and caused reaction with the metal work

I then tried Meguiars Hot Rims which is alkaline based so not so damaging to the environment and not as harsh to the metal work. I personally found this not as tough as the acidic based ones.

My final solution which i feel is the best is to use the Meguiars alkaline based professional range, which is in 1 gallon containers and is diluteable

So to clean my heavily soiled brakes i use a large long handles brush ( with insulation tape around any metal parts to stop it scratching ), this is good to get to the inside of the rim without removing it, and a pump up spray bottle with diluted Meguiars Pro cleaner.

Of course this is only really needed after track days as the wheel wax keeps the wheels clean enough to be washed with water only.

What does everyone else do?

[Riz_RS4]

Zymol car shampoo, two sponges, two tooth brushes and a thin arm! [img]images/graemlins/jump.gif[/img] p.s. plenty of time too..... [img]images/graemlins/s3addict.gif[/img]

[Joshie]

I use Wonder Wheels myself. I gan get a gallon drum for £9 or so which lasts ages.

Must admit I've noticed no ill effects [img]images/graemlins/033102scull_1_prv.gif[/img]. Cuts right through the brake dust and is generally effective. [img]images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

The Autoglym wheel cleaner is good but too expensive for what is just another wheel cleaner to me [img]images/graemlins/033102bad_1_prv.gif[/img]

[toasty]

Wonder wheels for me, though I pay a tenner for a litre [img]images/graemlins/blush.gif[/img]

It's good stuff I reckon, just paint it on, sit down, come back paint it on again, sit down, come back paint it on one last time then hose it off.

I've never tried Autoglym or Meguiars, but after the success I've had with the mit [img]images/graemlins/033102bigblink_1_prv.gif[/img] I'd be happy to give it a go.

In any case I need some new wheel cleaner anyway, I used loads cleaning my rims after Castle Combe [img]images/graemlins/colours.gif[/img]

[dog]

I am a total novice to rim cleaning but I have managed to clean my rims after 18 months of neglect with a sponge and the regular shampoo. And a lot of elbow grease too. Next time I'll try my pressure cleaner first.

[ammwhite]

I use Wonder Wheels and an old paint brush to apply it [img]images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] the supplied brush is crap [img]images/graemlins/033102bad_1_prv.gif[/img]

I have tried a few others, but always come back to Wonder Wheels.

[Thorney]

The problem with wonder wheels is that is so acidic that regular use can feck your wheels up?

I use a bio-degradeable cleaner for mountain bikes called Muck-Off, guarranteed not to wreck wheels finish and works like a charm.

[PhilT]

Soapy water for me at the moment. When they really need cleaning, then I use the Meguires stuff, but try to avoid using it too often as it affects the alloy and I suppose it may have an effect on the tyre....

[ammwhite]

I've got some Muck-Off for my bike, but never thought to use it on my alloys - I might give it a try [img]images/graemlins/thumbs.gif[/img]

[Bushy]

Soapy water for me at the moment. When they really need cleaning, then I use the Meguires stuff, but try to avoid using it too often as it affects the alloy and I suppose it may have an effect on the tyre....

It isnt supposed to effect the alloys, what problems are you having mate?

[PhilT]

Bushy - I suppose I should have said wheel cleaner in general. I tried some citrus cleaning stuff that some bod at Halfords suggested, but just smelt funny and didn't really clean anything.

My only option is to put my Dunlop SP9000 back on and wait for the rims to bend [img]images/graemlins/nodder.gif[/img]

[Bushy]

Bushy - I suppose I should have said wheel cleaner in general. I tried some citrus cleaning stuff that some bod at Halfords suggested, but just smelt funny and didn't really clean anything.

My only option is to put my Dunlop SP9000 back on and wait for the rims to bend [img]images/graemlins/nodder.gif[/img]

Ah OK

[S3Bangs]

Well I've tried them all havent I, but now Ive gone back to basics... I think the Meguairs proffesional stuff is very good but I only use it quite rarely now.

I think the easiest way I've found is to use Wheel Wax say every 3-4 months on them which makes it much easier to clean with a jet wash, a good scrub with Meguairs Gold Class wash and a plastic brush inside and out and before you know it... brilliant shiny wheels.

I only use the hot rims stuff now when I feel exceptionally lazy the downside of this I think is it actually degrades the wheel wax coating on the wheels... whether this is true or not I cant really tell, but this is what I feel happens.

[Bushy]

Tony, i totally agree

It is only after a track day that i really have to give it another good coat of cleaner then wheel wax

cheers

[ChelseaMick]

I use Wonder Wheels myself. I gan get a gallon drum for £9 or so which lasts ages.

Joshie
Any chance of a group buy on this? I'm fecked off with paying £6 for a piddly little bottle [img]images/graemlins/062802beat_prv.gif[/img]
I have used wonder wheels for years with no side effects. Although I do use Wheel Wax inbetween to coat them.