Safe Wheel Cleaner?

[jmack]

Ok, I need help. My friend is looking to trade his car in this weekend to get a PT so I thought I would give him all the help I can. His Grand Am has "alloy" wheels, which are these grey coated wheels. He has a lot of brake dust and stuff on them which I cannot seem to get off. What cleaners/products do you guys reccomend to help get this stuff off?[:I]

[Sci-Fi]

My experiences only:
P21S wheel cleaner or S100 wheel cleaner is the safest, but may be too mild for some people. Meguiar's APC+, diluted 4:1 (4 parts water to one part APC+), makes an excellent and safe wheel cleaner. Eagle One A2Z is probably the strongest product you want to use, BUT follow the directions carefully and there is a WARNING: Do not use on non-factory painted wheels, motorcycle wheels, and some anodized wheels. The reason for the warning is that, in some cases, you may experience staining or removal of paint/clearcoat.

There are a lot of wheel cleaning products out there. Read the label and instructions carefully for the wheel cleaning product you wish to use. Try to buy the one that is clearcoat safe. The stronger ones may contain acid (Just FYI: many citrus based cleaners are acidic in nature). But since you are trading the car in, it may not matter, since you want to clean it up as fast as possible.

It is ofter better to use a clay bar (dedicated only for wheel use) after washing the wheels or wheel covers with car wash and/or wheel cleaner to remove any remaining brake dust. Then apply a sealant/synthetic or your favorite wax on the wheels for protection and it will make it easier to clean your wheels the next time around. Many auto supply stores carry small slip-on your finger cleaning foam pads/sponges and those are helpful in cleaning hard to reach areas and are relatively cheap to buy.

[jmack]

that sounds like a good idea. I think it may just take my Elbow Grease to get it done. I love how mine just RINSE away..>I dont think I will ever go back to hubcaps again!

Was also thinking I might have to buy one of those detail brushes that can go in-between the spokes without scratching them or removing the clear coat.

[turbomangt]

Great topic, Sci Fi as usual hits it right on the head. I use a high akaline wheel cleaner and if you know about the PH scale, both sides of the scale are corrosive. Water being neutral at 7ph, both acids (low ph) and alkalines(High PH) can be dangerous. That is why I don't sell any wheel cleaner other than my all purpose cleaner which is safe. The problem like Sci Fi says is most people don't know what material their wheels are made up off and may use the wrong cleaner and get into trouble. Gary

[jonw440]

I second P21S. I have heard Sonus is good too.