wheel cleaner

[Thai GI]

1. I got stock rims for the CL500 and 190E, I saw the Mercedes-Benz wheel cleaner and it was made by Meguiar’s.
2. What’s the correct off the shelf Meguiar’s wheel cleaner to use: “Hot Rims /Cool Care All Wheel Cleaner” or “Gold Class Instant Wheel Cleaner”?
3. What about even the “Hi-Tech Wheel Cleaner“ the professional version?

Thai GI sends...

[DALE DORIA]

Use P21s whell cleaner...it is absolutly the BEST!!!!

[suginami]

I just use Simple Green, full strength. They now make a simple green specifically for automobile use, but its the same old stuff.

[ck42]

Agree with Dale.

P21s is serisouly good stuff.

...though, I've heard pretty good things about Simple Green as well. It's just that the P21s is specifically formulated to BE a wheel cleaner and the SG is not.

[DieselHead]

The wheels on my 300D and LandCruiser have dark spots that are not removeable with sponges or brushes. I think it may be tar or something oil based but I'm not quite sure what it is. Do you guys have any suggestions for seriously strong products that are clearcoat/paint safe? I'd like to clean or dissolve off whatever this nasty stuff is.

Alex

If you are really careful, you can use a single-edge razor blade. Rub one edge of the blade against one of your windows a few times (10-15) and then use that edge and lightly scrape over the "tar" spots keeping the edge of the blade at no more than a 15 or 20º angle. It'll come right off. You can also use this method to remove tree sap and road tar from your paint, just be sure you don't press too hard or you will scratch the finish. Do it correctly and you will not damage the finish in any way. I suggest you practice on a hidden spot first, so you can get the hang of it.

[dieseldude]

Alex, before going the razor-blade route, you might just try some WD-40 or some other degreaser (test on an inconspicuous area first, of course) - it shouldn't damage your paint if used quickly and sparingly.
I've had great luck removing road tar with WD-40, wipes road grime right off. Follow up with some polish (if neccessary), and wax, and that oily gunk will have a lot harder time hanging on next time.

Let us know what ends up working

Regards,
- Ryan

PS: forgot to add that I regularly use Griot's wheel cleaner with the little green finger sponge they sell, and it makes cleaning wheels fun and easy no matter how much brake dust/dirt has accumulated.

[BAd124]

Diesel Head,
What you have on your wheels may actually be brake dust. When brake dust contacts water it turns acidic and burns into the paint very quickly. And if the wheel is hot its even worse. I had this problem too. The razor was the way I got it clean, but if it continues to be a problem try waxing the wheels every few weeks or so, it makes them much easier to clean, nothing fancy I usually use a type of cleaner wax for this.

[DieselHead]

I think you may be right about my spots being brake dust burned into the wheel finish. The problem is that on this particular car (my landcruiser), the wheel finish is textured so the razor wouldn't do much. Is there any good solvent to get rid of that junk? I will try the WD-40 idea. Thanks!

Alex

I read on a Jaguar site to use a thin coat of WD 40 on wheels to make it easier to wash off brake dust and road grime. I do it, and it works. It gives a short term shine to the wheels also. It does make the dust and grime stick a little bit to the wheel, but its easier to wash off.