Wheel Cleaning Advice?

"Matt Nichelson" (whoismatt) 03/13/2016 at 14:12 • Filed to: None

0

53

The biggest gripe I have about my car is how fast and how much brake dust builds up on the wheels. When the time comes to replace the pads, I definitely want to find some that cause less dust than the oem style pads that are currently on there.

That being said, I am wondering what y’all use to clean your wheels with. I’ve been using soap and water, but surely there is a decent product out there that could make the cleaning process go a bit faster. For reference, my wheels are BMW style 197's, so no chrome.

So what say you, Oppo? What’s a good cleaner to use for cleaning brake dust? Also, do you recommend a rag or brush, and if so, what kind?

Biggus Dickus (RevsBro) > Matt Nichelson 03/13/2016 at 14:19

1

I was cleaning my E92 M3 (19-inch non competiton) yesterday. The only quality way to clean them is to remove them

dogisbadob > Matt Nichelson 03/13/2016 at 14:20

1

ceramic pads :)

Alfalfa > Matt Nichelson 03/13/2016 at 14:21

1

Any dedicated wheel cleaner works well enough, from my experience. I’m a cheapskate and typically use the Dollar Tree stuff on my aluminum wheels for the Volvo, but the pricier stuff is certainly easier to use.

ViperGuy21 > Matt Nichelson 03/13/2016 at 14:25

1

I’ve used a few wheel cleaners including Chemical Guy’s Signature Series wheel cleaner(ok product), and Nanoskin non-acid wheel cleaner(a little better). I’ve also used iron removers(Sonax fallout remover and CarPro Iron-X paste)with excellent results.

I know a ton of people use Sonax wheel cleaner and Meguiar’s non-acid wheel cleaner and I see almost all amazing results.

As far as brushes, tools, etc... Just make sure you use a dedicated wash mitt(never touches the paint), a dedicated wheel bucket, and various brushes. Mother’s is known for great wheel brushes so you might check them out.

I'd also recommend applying some protection to your wheels afterwards to make cleaning in the future much easier(and not require a cleaner)like a sealant or coating. I've got Blackfire Crystal Seal on my wheels right now, and am probably going to wash my car today or tomorrow for the first time since applying it so I can update you on how that product holds up on wheels if I remember

Check out AutoGeek.net and Autopia-carcare.com for tons of great choices. Hope this helps, if you have any more questions let me know!

Little Black Coupe Turned Silver > Matt Nichelson 03/13/2016 at 14:28

2

Sonax.

Spray it on, let it sit. If it's really bad, use a brush of some sorts, but meh. Rinse. Its really amazing stuff.

ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) > Matt Nichelson 03/13/2016 at 14:32

0

Simple Green full-strength, and a foam wheel tool. Armoral after.

Matt Nichelson > dogisbadob 03/13/2016 at 14:35

1

Indeed. Just as soon as it is time for replacement that’s what I am going for. I don’t understand why the ones from BMW have to be such crap.

Toby F., Manager > Matt Nichelson 03/13/2016 at 14:37

0

I typically use whatever wheel cleaner my brother buys, but I’ve read somewhere that GOJO (hand cleaner) works well.

Matt Nichelson > ViperGuy21 03/13/2016 at 14:40

0

Thanks! I have heard good things out of both Chemical Guy’s and Sonax. I know they are a bit pricey, but well worth it. Can you get either of those somewhere aside from online though?

I was considering the Mother’s one since it is acid free and readily available for purchase. It seemed to have good reviews as well.

I may go the mitt and rush route. Others have praised brushes for ease of use. The sealant idea is excellent. Honestly haven’t even thought of that. Would be great to find out how it did, so definitely update if you wash it today. Thanks again!

Matt Nichelson > Alfalfa 03/13/2016 at 14:41

0

I mainly want something that won’t harm my wheels. The style I have is one of the reasons I bought this car, so I definitely don’t want to replace them.

Matt Nichelson > Little Black Coupe Turned Silver 03/13/2016 at 14:42

0

Sonax seems to be highly recommended. I may look into this one for sure.

Matt Nichelson > Biggus Dickus (RevsBro) 03/13/2016 at 14:43

0

That’s such a pain, but I understand. Much easier to get to the backside.

Matt Nichelson > ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) 03/13/2016 at 14:44

0

I remember when Simple Green first came out. That was like a cleaner for everything ever. I didn’t realize it was still around.

Matt Nichelson > Toby F., Manager 03/13/2016 at 14:46

0

Really? Haven’t considered using it for something other than hand cleaning.

Little Black Coupe Turned Silver > Matt Nichelson 03/13/2016 at 14:46

1

Stopping power = dust.

Matt Nichelson > Little Black Coupe Turned Silver 03/13/2016 at 14:48

0

Yeah, but BMW brake pads are notorious for causing a ton of it compared to others.

Shift24 > Matt Nichelson 03/13/2016 at 15:04

1

Damn should have taken a pick, but I just cleaned my E39 and C5 rims with Meguiar’s hot wheel (?) cleaner and it did pretty well for off the shelf. I just used a sponge and a toothbrush, takes awhile but works. But I heard chemical guys is good for online products.

ViperGuy21 > Matt Nichelson 03/13/2016 at 15:12

1

If you only want OTC products you will most likely end up with the Mother’s foaming wheel and tire cleaner. However if you can find Eagle One A to Z wheel cleaner I’d give that a go.

You’re gonna need the brushes and or mitt in addition to the cleaner for some light agitation. Poorboy’s makes a cleaner called spray and rinse that supposedly can be very effective without agitation but I’ve never tried it myself.

As for protection on wheels you can also use a sealant like Meguiar's Ultimate Liquid Wax(it is actually a sealant since it is synthetic)with good results too. Probably won't get to the car today. Maybe tomorrow or Tuesday

Toby F., Manager > Matt Nichelson 03/13/2016 at 15:22

1

I haven’t tried it myself since I need to restock, but I guess it should work as it’s strong enough to get the grime off, but still safe enough to use on your hands.

Matt Nichelson > ViperGuy21 03/13/2016 at 15:29

0

Gotcha. I will look into it and weigh my options then. Either way, I will look into getting the mitt and brush. I’ll get a good sealer too and see if it helps for the next wash. Thanks again for all the good info!

jkm7680 > Matt Nichelson 03/13/2016 at 15:36

1

From German car owner to German car owner, it’s a battle not worth winning. Just use a wet microfiber, soak the wheel and scrub away. Brake dust cleaners are mostly BS and you can’t prevent it from forming.

Matt Nichelson > jkm7680 03/13/2016 at 15:39

0

Fair enough. At least you understand how much this stuff builds up. I guess it really isn’t just a BMW thing. I’ve seen other German vehicles with the same problem.

jkm7680 > Matt Nichelson 03/13/2016 at 15:45

1

It’s so fucking horrible.

On my first Audi, a B7 A4, the shit would just get caked on within an hour of cleaning it off. I eventually gave up.

Matt Nichelson > jkm7680 03/13/2016 at 15:49

0

It really is. I don’t understand it. Have you used any non oem pads on any of the ones you’ve had? If so, have you seen a difference?

E92M3 > Matt Nichelson 03/13/2016 at 16:04

0

As a fellow E92 owner I feel your pain. I started using this stuff, and it saves me a ton of time. Normally I stay clear of ArmorAll products but it really does work. I reapply about every 3-4 months.

The trick is to not use an agressive wheel cleaner after application as it will remove the product. Dust is easily removed with regular car wash soap after application. Most of it comes off with just the hose, but you will still need to use a brush or rag to get it all.

Matt Nichelson > E92M3 03/13/2016 at 16:17

0

That’s quite impressive. I am like you in that typically I stay away from that brand, but this looks to be something they got right.

I don’t particularly care for the fact that you have to be so liberal with it. If it does the job, though, I suppose it is money well spent. That beig said, are you finding yourself using as much on your wheels each time like what he says in the video?

Svend > Matt Nichelson 03/13/2016 at 16:18

1

In a great regiment you’ll need a wheel cleaner, brake dust/fallout remover, brushes assorted and a good wheel wax or sealant.

For wheel cleaning I use Valet Pro Bilberry Wheel Cleaner. It can be diluted to requirement from neat to 3:1 for heavy soiled wheels down to 7:1-10:1 for lightly soiled wheels.

For brake dust/fallout removal there is Bilt Hamber AutoWheels which cleans a removes brake dust in one action but any brake dust/fallout remover will do such as CarPro Iron-X. This will not damage your wheels or brake discs but will dissolve burnt brake dust. You will see it working as it will turn purple (effectively it looks like your wheels are bleeding, cool).

Assorted brushes such as Wheel Woolies and regular brushes. The Wheel Woolies allow you to get right into the wheel recesses and wheel skokes to thoroughly clean them and a regular for wheel nut recesses and wheel facings.

First rinse off any heavy debris, and apply wheel cleaner and leave for a couple of minutes before you agitate it with your brushes and rinse it off, then apply brake dust/fallout remover and again leave to work and then agitate and rinse.

Brushes needed, Wheel Woolies (come in a pack of three in assorted sizes) and a regular brush.

Apply wheel cleaner and agitate.

Wheels cleaned and rinsed.

Apply brake dust/fallout remover.

Brake dust/fallout remover in action.

Then rinse well.

Zipppy, Mazdurp builder, Probeski owner and former ricerboy > Matt Nichelson 03/13/2016 at 16:28

1

It works. Tried it a while back . Be light on the scrubbing, no need to go all nuts over it.

Matt Nichelson > Svend 03/13/2016 at 16:31

0

Wow, quite the write-up! I like the attention to detail you have.

My question is this. Are those brands available worldwide or Europe only? What you use sounds like it would be perfect for the job given the amount of dust that builds up, but it sounds like something I would definitely need to order since I haven’t heard of any of those. I can do some research and see what i can find out though. Thanks!

Also, still liking the Skoda? Lovely car you got. I still can’t put my head around the fact that it has damn umbrellas in the doors. That’s just awesome imo.

Zipppy, Mazdurp builder, Probeski owner and former ricerboy > Toby F., Manager 03/13/2016 at 16:32

0

Coming from someone who did it, I reccomend doing it.

E92M3 > Matt Nichelson 03/13/2016 at 16:43

1

I do use a lot. Think of it as spraying on a clear coat, but not to the point that it runs. 1 can lasts 2 applications for me. Once it’s applied you can’t tell except that your wheels have a bit more shine to them, and bead water like freshly waxed paint. It does not look like you spray painted or clear plastidipped your wheels.

Matt Nichelson > E92M3 03/13/2016 at 16:48

0

Alright, may give it a try then. It wouldn’t hurt and it does seem to work quite well. If nothing else it sounds like it would cut down on how often i would need to do a full cleaning.

Svend > Matt Nichelson 03/13/2016 at 16:50

0

Wheel Woolies are an American company. While though Bilt Hamber and Valet Pro are more U.K./European companies.

Check out Autogeek for available products (FYI Speed Master Wheel Brushes, look like toilet brushes and get a lot of fling back in my face when I’ve used them in the past so I binned them).

Using a wheel wax or sealant will help keep them clean by reducing the amount of build up meaning just a soapy wash or wheel cleaner is needed.

Yep. Still loving Piglet. Got stuck behind an elderly guy doing 20mph the other day which after two miles was getting on my tit so with a small window to overtake, floored the accelerator and she just flew past (nice exhaust note under heavy acceleration.

AM3R shamefully returns > Svend 03/13/2016 at 16:52

0

Svend, should I pick up a nanoskin or stick with clay before a polish?

Matt Nichelson > Svend 03/13/2016 at 16:54

0

Nice. I shall look into them, then. I’ve gotten a lot of good feedback, so at least I have plenty of options!

Awesome. What size engine does it have? You probably mentioned it in your post on it but I can’t remember.

Svend > AM3R shamefully returns 03/13/2016 at 17:10

0

I’ve never clayed with clay but clay mitts/towels/etc... are vastly superior in that they are longer lasting and need very little maintenance. If going for a clay mitt/towel/etc... use on glass for a couple of washes to break them in as they are likely to cause marring on first use on paint. Use a clay lubricant or a strong shampoo to water mix to help it glide (never use pressure with any claying product be it clay or a mitt, etc...).

Personally I use tar removers and fallout removers predominantly as it means I’m not rubbing the bodywork.

The least you come into physical contact with a cars bodywork the least likely you are to do any damage to the paint.

jkm7680 > Matt Nichelson 03/13/2016 at 17:12

2

I haven't, But I know people who have. Seems to be hit and miss as far as that goes.

Svend > Matt Nichelson 03/13/2016 at 17:27

0

My Piglet has a 1.4TSi ACT 150ps engine.

It’s a healthy range (the 1.6TDi isn’t available in the SE L Exec spec but is in the S and SE spec lower down along with the non ACT 1.4TSi in the base S spec). The bottom two images has the 1.8TSi we don’t get, available in Europe but not the U.K.

Matt Nichelson > Svend 03/13/2016 at 17:32

1

Very cool. I love learning about vehicles that aren’t sold here in the states. Thanks for sharing!

I do have to ask. Why Piglet?

AM3R shamefully returns > Svend 03/13/2016 at 17:39

0

Thanks, think I’ll order one of these then. http://www.autogeek.net/nanoskin-speed…

Have any info on how I should use it? Spray panel with clay lube, gently (no pressure) glide over until desired results?

ViperGuy21 > Matt Nichelson 03/13/2016 at 17:40

1

No problem! Check out AutoGeekonline.net and Autopia.com. Both are great forums and can help you out a ton with detailing. I’ve learned a ton from them both. I'm on them under the same username, just FYI.

Svend > Matt Nichelson 03/13/2016 at 17:48

1

No worries.

She looks better than most cars on the road (purely my opinion), especially for the money.

BMW 3 Series

Ford Mondeo

VW Passat

Audi A6

Mazda 6

She’s called Piglet because of her licence plate. The first four characters are PX16*** Ignore the X and your left with P16 or rather PIG. The last three letters I’m not saying. ;)

Matt Nichelson > Svend 03/13/2016 at 17:56

1

Well you know I would have to argue with you about the BMW, but I do get it. The main thing is that you like what you got!

Ah ok, that makes sense!

Svend > AM3R shamefully returns 03/13/2016 at 18:09

1

It looks good.

Use a good clay lubricant after a wash on a cool day out of the sun (no need to dry) or a strong shampoo say 20:1 ratio with water in a spray bottle, for the mitt/sponge have a shampoo and water bucket to one side. You will need to agitate the sponge into the rinse water to dislodge and contaminants and then dunk into the shampoo bucket to soak.

Use on an area of 6" by 6" or what ever your comfortable with. Like driving a manual the engine will tell you when to change gear by sound as well as touch through the steering wheel and gear shift, the paint will tell you when it’s clean. You will feel a slight coarseness to the paint and slight hiss as you move the sponge back and forth. If you feel resistance don’t apply pressure but ease off and continue. Once the ‘hissing’ stops and you feel no resistance at all, you can move on to the next sections. After claying you may want to either rewash or rinse off any residue from claying.

Svend > Matt Nichelson 03/13/2016 at 18:19

1

BMWs are nice. A guy I know is on his 16-17th and finally has the one he’s always wanted, a 2003 BMW E46 M3.

I do still have a hunger for a Skoda Superb Mk2 3.6 V6 (granted it was only available in an automatic), sounded great.

The one in the video is a 3.6 V6 Mk2 Superb estate HMS flaps exhaust system tuned in Germany.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYCNSZUV5vI

Matt Nichelson > Svend 03/13/2016 at 18:24

1

That does make a nice noise. I’m impressed.

E92M3 > Matt Nichelson 03/13/2016 at 19:56

1

I’d also recommend some cool carbon pads when the oem pads wear out. They dust about half what the OEM’s do, without any downsides (squeal, less cold bite, etc). This combination works well for me. I used to have to wash a clean car because the wheels were black . Now I don’t wash it until the paint actually needs it.

Matt Nichelson > E92M3 03/13/2016 at 19:59

0

Thanks. I am thinking the fronts will be due to replace in the coming months. Hopefully whatever I end up getting will cut down on some of the squeal I hear when braking at low speed as well.

Clown Shoe Pilot > Matt Nichelson 03/13/2016 at 21:31

1

http://www.amazon.com/DipYourCar-Bra…

this stuff works pretty well

ViperGuy21 > Matt Nichelson 03/14/2016 at 21:50

1

Washed the car today. The BF Crystal seal did a pretty good job of limiting how dirty the wheels got and did a decent job of making cleaning easier. Not the best sealant I've used for wheels but not bad. I think a liquid sealant with better durability would probably suit you better. Or maybe a Collinite wax

Matt Nichelson > ViperGuy21 03/14/2016 at 22:07

0

Thanks for the update. If I can make time this week I plan to make a decision on what all to get.

ViperGuy21 > Matt Nichelson 03/14/2016 at 22:21

1

No problem! If you have any questions on products or technique feel free to ask!

Matt Nichelson > ViperGuy21 03/14/2016 at 22:23

1

Will do! Thank you sir.