Cleaning Wheels with Chrome Inserts

[Ron Veenker]

I was looking for a spray on wheel cleaner today and noticed all the warnings about what to use on which metal.

I got Meguiar's All Wheel figuring just about every type of wheel might be safe for this product.

Are the 2009 18" wheels with chrome inserts clear coated? If they are, I would think that Mother's Metal Cleaner would not be advised.

Would like to hear from all you pros out there,

Ron

 

[MrB0462]

Always test any cleaner before using. Very often they contain elements that can stain metal finishes.

BTW Simple Green probably does the job easier than most and does not harm the finish. Many professional show car people use it to wash their cars not only wheels.

 

[Ron Veenker]

Thanks, MrB0462. I used to use Simple Green on my Miata tan ragtop. It worked well. I almost forgot about it. Good suggestion for the wheel on the 3.8 sedan.

Ron

 

[Sayantsi]

Fwiw, soap and water is typically more than enough unless you let the brake dust settle into the finish. Then, you bring up an interesting point - there's the chrome on top of aluminum, two metals that typically use different cleaners. Plus, I think the aluminum has a clear coat on it, so its not bare metal.

The best thing to do in any case is not use an acidic cleaner - thats the shortcut many of these cleaners use and it can ruin the finish. I will say this - DO NOT use SimpleGreen on the wheels, unless you buy the aluminum safe SG. Meguiar's AtoZ or Aluminum cleaner is a good bet, but don't let it dry on the wheels.

 

[MrB0462]

Fwiw, soap and water is typically more than enough unless you let the brake dust settle into the finish. Then, you bring up an interesting point - there's the chrome on top of aluminum, two metals that typically use different cleaners. Plus, I think the aluminum has a clear coat on it, so its not bare metal.

The best thing to do in any case is not use an acidic cleaner - thats the shortcut many of these cleaners use and it can ruin the finish. I will say this - DO NOT use SimpleGreen on the wheels, unless you buy the aluminum safe SG. Meguiar's AtoZ or Aluminum cleaner is a good bet, but don't let it dry on the wheels.

Simple green is non-acidic

 

[Sayantsi]

Yes, sorry, it is basic, not acidic, but keep in mind both bases and alkalis can be corrosive!

 

[Ron Veenker]

I remember all that stuff!!! I did high school chemistry in 1954.

Ron

 

[Disaster]

The wheels are painted silver and the inserts are chrome plated plastic. There is no exposed metal whatsoever. I use Turtlewax wheel cleaner when they are especially dirty but it is a corrosive mix, designed to remove brake dust and it shouldn't be left on surfaces for long periods of time. Usually, simple car wash works as well on the wheels as it does the rest of the body.

 

[Ron Veenker]

The wheels are painted silver and the inserts are chrome plated plastic. There is no exposed metal whatsoever. I use Turtlewax wheel cleaner when they are especially dirty but it is a corrosive mix, designed to remove brake dust and it shouldn't be left on surfaces for long periods of time. Usually, simple car wash works as well on the wheels as it does the rest of the body.

Thanks, Dis. I decided to simply concentrate my Zaino car wash concentrate a little and used a cotton wash cloth. Pretty clean. I've got a few places that I might use a clay bar on since you've informed me that the wheels and paint and clear coat.

Ron