Some years back, my white holies, were rather neglected, then they sat for a winter, then it was time to re-mount them. They were VERY dirty, and the crud had been on there for months. I had been using the wheel cleaner/wax from BMW, not bad stuff, if you used it every couple of weeks. Well fall came, along with bad weather, and to much work, so they got dirty, then the winters went on, and the holies sat in bags all winter. So with lots of elbow grease, Simple Green, soapy water, and the BMW cleaner/wax, I brought them back from the dead. Besides the products mentioned, I used micro fiber towels, tooth brushes, and soft green 3M pads. After they were clean, I applied NU-Finish wax. It is available everywhere, and it works very well as a wheel wax, as it withstands heat, and last for a couple of months. I no longer let the wheels get that dirty, and I use Wheel Armour from DP, about every 6-8 weeks, plus Hydro every wash. When I rotate the wheels, they get a thorough cleaning/wax. Last week, with about 70K miles on them, Poco has over 105K miles, but I ran winters while living up north. Mark
I have been using car wash soap mixed extra strong and a lot of elbow grease on my white painted summer wheels. Since my wheels are OZ's with a ton of spokes - I did find a microfleece car-wash glove that works well without scratching the paint - but it is a long process wahing them. I am going to try spraying Simple Green on them to see if it is an improvement - thanks!
If you do use Simple Green, keep it wet for 5 minutes or so, and let it soak the grim, before wiping it. I also use a micro fiber wash mitt on wheels. Mark
Here is a little hint for you guys. When you get your wheels back to clean again after all that Sinple green or wheel acid coat them in Rain-X. You can do the front and the back and you do not need to buff them out. Just use the spray bottle rain-X and spread it all over. It will last a long time and will not allow the dust, road tar to etch into or stain you rims. Also the next time you have them off to clean them you can use car wash soap or windex. everything wipes right off. YAY I have 2 set of r 90 and they look perfect and I am very anal about my car.
Yup it works like a champ. I put a lot on and only wipe it down. I do not buff it up to a high gloss like a window. I dont care about streaks on the inside of the rim. :ihih:
all sound like good idea's... i'll need to try that this weekend since my wheels are being horribly stubborn
Pics from yesterday; Before After Simple Green After Wheel Armor All done My high tech wheel wash station:lol: Mark
MINI wheels can get crazy dirty indeed, the OEM brake pads really do a number on the wheels. I switched to a ceramic pad to help minimize the brake pad dust, but still the maintenance is critical. Keep them from getting too bad, always the best approach. Easy to say, but a little more difficult to practice.
That was the first time I had those wheels off the Clubman since we got it, about 6 months ago. Need to get them into the 3 time a year cycle. Mark
And where can one find/purchase Wheel Armour? (read as: recommendations?) Thanks in advance.....:smile5:
Wheel Armour is good and I do use it, but I do not find it has any magical qualities that make it perfect for wheels. Just use regular automotive stuff to protect the wheels and you are fine.
Wow, what a difference that simple green made ! Nice Job. Will make it easier to apply the sticky wheel weights when it's time for re-balancing them too. As far as the Rain-X goes, I guess it sorta make sense that it works even with high heat....on a sunny day I could cook an omlet on windshield. Never thought about using it on the wheels I usually have it around too because it works great on MINI's who have the rear wiper delete set up......
Good god. I was happy just to knock off the big chunks. What is this wheel armor stuff and where did you get it?
You can get it from Octane Guy, it is a Prima product. I really like it, last a long time, few months. Works as a cleaner, and a wax. But I still use Simple Green to get the worst of the chunks off first. Mark