Hey guys, well I just bought some used wheels, great condition but just a little dirty I pretty much want um nice and brand new looking. They have brake dust like crazy, I cleaned um most off with normal car soap and a microfiber towel, but couldnt get off the real caked on stuff. Im looking to get products at like pep boys or something, but if I have to order online as a last resort I will. TIA guys

Edit: oh and my wheels have like blotches of tar on them on the insides a little... Thanks again!

 

I use an variety of chemicals in the following order
Everything scrubbed in with a toothbrush or camel hair brush.

1.Dow Tub and Bath cleaner...foaming bubbles. Surprisingly gets off 80% of the typical wheel crud.

2.If you have residual hard water type staining, calcium buildup, rust, I then go with CLR (calcium, lime, rust remover) This is a mild acid so you have to rinse THOROUGHLY after you get done.

3.Then I hit the tar, gum, adhesive buildup with GooGone. Be careful because it will loosen your glued on wheel weights.

4.After I get the wheel as clean as I need it, I use Klasse AIO (all in one) to give it alittle dirt protection.

 

I actually have klasse sealant I use on my paint...Is it the same stuff...can I use it??

 

The rims typically have clearcoat on them so yes any wax or sealant will do. Rims do have an added high heat factor that lowers the longevity of whatever you coat them with...that's why I use relatively cheap ole AIO.

 

ah now I get it. Do you think I can get this junk at a normal auto parts store? Im going to check it out tomorrow if I have time in between doing that and figuring what this noise is thats coming from my engine

 

Don't forget sometimes it isn't always removeable. I did a truck a few motnhs ago where the wheels were actually brown and etched from the brake dust.

You also need a good brush and old fashioned elbow grease.

 

HOWEVER (warning: i'm not liable if things get messed up!) some people have had success using an acid-based wheel cleaner on seriously messed up wheels. If left too long it WILL etch the clearcoat, but in some cases, can really make the difference on really bad wheels.