what to use on coated wheels?

[Mr Miyagi]

I need some recommendations on what to use on my wheels to polish and protect them. I believe they are coated, so do I just use products I would use on painted surfaces? Metal polish seems to be more for un-coated metal.

[Joe Dragon]

Re: what to use on coated wheels?

Nice lookin' wheel. I'd check with the manufacturer to see what's recommended.

[Murr1525]

Re: what to use on coated wheels?

Yeah, if coated, paint products are good.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: what to use on coated wheels?

It really all depends on what sort of finish is on these wheels. You "believe" they're coated, but find out for sure before using anything other than soap and water on them.

I have Velox Performance VX6r wheels on my daily driver:



While they appear to be of similar construction to yours - painted spokes, polished lip with a clear coat over everything - that doesn't mean they are the same. My wheels have been cleaned countless times with Hot Rims All Wheel Cleaner and with Wheel Brightener and I've never had even the slightest issue. But if your wheels are not clear coated, or there is ever any compromise of the clear around those bolt heads on your wheels, then the polished surface under the clear coat can be stained by strong cleaners.

Now, you are correct in thinking that a metal polish is for bare metal and that if your wheels are clear coated you do NOT want to use a metal polish on them. A mild paint cleaner or a good cleaner wax like ColorX, M66 or D151 PRC is great on them.

But find out what the surface is for sure before proceeding. Contact the manufacturer, and if they tell you to stick with just soap and water for cleaning, then do so.

[Mr Miyagi]

Re: what to use on coated wheels?

It really all depends on what sort of finish is on these wheels. You "believe" they're coated, but find out for sure before using anything other than soap and water on them.

I have Velox Performance VX6r wheels on my daily driver:



While they appear to be of similar construction to yours - painted spokes, polished lip with a clear coat over everything - that doesn't mean they are the same. My wheels have been cleaned countless times with Hot Rims All Wheel Cleaner and with Wheel Brightener and I've never had even the slightest issue. But if your wheels are not clear coated, or there is ever any compromise of the clear around those bolt heads on your wheels, then the polished surface under the clear coat can be stained by strong cleaners.

Now, you are correct in thinking that a metal polish is for bare metal and that if your wheels are clear coated you do NOT want to use a metal polish on them. A mild paint cleaner or a good cleaner wax like ColorX, M66 or D151 PRC is great on them.

But find out what the surface is for sure before proceeding. Contact the manufacturer, and if they tell you to stick with just soap and water for cleaning, then do so.

I checked with the manufacturer's sales rep and he said they are clear coated..I have used the All wheel cleaner in the past with no issue. Isn't Wheel Brightener a bit strong? I guess I will treat these like I would a painted surface..

[Michael Stoops]

Re: what to use on coated wheels?

I checked with the manufacturer's sales rep and he said they are clear coated..I have used the All wheel cleaner in the past with no issue. Isn't Wheel Brightener a bit strong? I guess I will treat these like I would a painted surface..

It depends on how you dilute WB but yes, it can be quite strong. Properly diluted and properly used, however, it's great stuff. When in doubt, dilute further than you might otherwise.