What to use on wheels?

[LelandGray]

I have been using Hot Rims All Wheel Cleaner, but I'm just about out. Plus, I seem to go through it really fast. I've only washed two cars and I think I only have enough left for one more car.

Is there something in the Detailer line-up that I can use on the wheels, maybe with a foaming sprayer? I'd like to stay away from Wheel Brightener, I'm a little hesitant to use it because it can do possible damage. I'm looking for something safe for all wheels.. painted, coated, and chrome.

[Tuck91]

Re: What to use on wheels?

II'm looking for something safe for all wheels.. painted, coated, and chrome.

Car Wash soap and water fits that description. I can think of anything that is 100% safe besides that.

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: What to use on wheels?

I like using APC. I can vary the strength depending on how dirty the area is. It seems safe for all the rims I have encountered. I usually keep it at around 7:1 ratio for most wheels.

[LelandGray]

Re: What to use on wheels?

I like using APC. I can vary the strength depending on how dirty the area is. It seems safe for all the rims I have encountered. I usually keep it at around 7:1 ratio for most wheels.

I already spray APC+ on the tires, I could just get a second spray bottle and foaming sprayer and use APC+ on the wheels..

[Murr1525]

Re: What to use on wheels?

Sounds like you are using a lot more cleaner that needed, unless your wheels are super bad.

Do you agitate with a soft brush at all?

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: What to use on wheels?

What type of brush are you using to loosen the dirt?. I generally spray the tires and rims let the product dwell a bit. Then use a tire brush for the sidewall. Then I move onto the rims. Works quick and easy for me.

[LelandGray]

Re: What to use on wheels?

I spray the rims down, I coat them with the foam so the rim is completely covered, then I spray down the tire with APC+ 4:1, and spray the wheel wells down with APC+ 4:1. I let it sit for a minute, then I I have a soft-bristled long-handled brush that I scrub the wheel well down with first, then I have a similar brush but with a short handle that I use on the tires first, then do the rims last. Finish of by hosing the wheel well down first, then the rim.

[Murr1525]

Re: What to use on wheels?

Yeah, probably just using more than you need.

Even if the wheels are very dirty, assuming the dirt is 'fresh', not baked in for years, I would say I use about 1/2 trigger pull for each of my 5 spokes, say 2-3 pulls for the 'barrel' of the wheel, and 1 looped around the rim. Then agitate away.

[Hoffer]

Re: What to use on wheels?

After cleaning wheels with APC+ would you suggest following that up then with wheel brightener? If so, are you then done? Or do you come back and dress the tires as well?

[Murr1525]

Re: What to use on wheels?

If the APC cleans them, then they are clean, no need to do more.

Dressing the tires would be done after the car is washed/dried.

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: What to use on wheels?

try using less product. If they are regularly cleaned. It really should not take a lot of product.