I hate cleaning my (stock) wheels. They never seem to get all the dirt off etc. What do you guys use to clean your wheels? and what technique and tools do you use?

 

Nothing mars the cars appearance like crappy wheels does it? One of the tips I picked up from this board was to wax the wheels when you clean it. I'd never done that before. Up till that point it was starting ro be a real chore to get the ingrained brake pad residue off the wheels. You need to get them really clean then once you've done it, give them a good waxing with whatever you use. I use Zymol. I'm sure Autoglym would be as good.

It's so tempting to use Wonder Wheels or similar proprietory stuff, but most of them work by being slightly acidic so I personally wouldn't use them. You neeed to get the wheels really clean without resort to using anything too harsh, then apply the wax each time you clean the car. You'll be amazed at how much easier the gunge washes off in future after you've done it. I'm going to do it with the CTR as soon as I get it home.

 

OK nice tip, but what should i clean them with in the first place?

 

LOL: I'd just use your normal shampoo and a sponge... nothing too abrasive. It may take a while and a little elbow grease though......sorry!

 

Xymol also do a good car shampoo (through Halfords) and it's great on the alloys - just don't leave it too long between washes. I wash my car at least once a week (mostly due to sea salt contamination) and the wheels look great afterwards.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by AquilaEagle
[B] What do you guys use to clean your wheels?

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by StevenM
[B]
I don't ever clean mine, I just wait for them to corrode and ask Honda for a nice new set

 

I also try to clean behind the spokes and as far as my cleaning instrument can go into the wheel. I always end up skinning my knuckles when reaching in between the gap between the rotor and the wheel.

Is this normal? OR does "cleaning the wheels" = only cleaning the top surface? (polished surface on 02 wheels) for most board members? Tif? How do you do it?

I don't think its possible to get the whole wheel clean without taking it off. There're always a few spots that are not accessible.

TBC

 

What is your cleaning instrument exactly?!

 

I clean as much as I can get to - which usually means I end up taking a layer of skin somewhere off my hands! I've got so many nicks and scratches, gonna have to give up the day job as the hands in the Fairy advert!!!

I use alloy wheel protector after cleaning to prevent the brake dust etc staining - seems to work well and my wheels have only got a small amount of corrosion (car is 18 months old, 27k on the clock). Am waiting for Crown Honda Bushey to come back and tell me if the nice people at Honda UK will give me a new set yet...........!