Hot Rims Brake Dust Barrier vs. Armorall Wheel Protectant

[TJPark01]

OK so this product obviously exists in response to the Armor All Wheel Protectant product that has become popular, especially with people who own German cars, as we all know they are notorious for spitting out hellacious amounts of brake dust. I have been using the Armor all product with good results for about a year and I have been satisfied with it. I was anxious to try the Meg BDB, as I actually wrote into the section on MOL suggesting new products, and it came true. For a minute I felt like Cinderella, but that's another thread.... OK, so after 200 miles of mostly city driving here's what I have so far: (Driver side is using Armor All Wheel Protectant and Passenger Side is using Megs Brake Dust Barrier) 2011 BMW 535i Sport Armorall front: Megs Front: Armorall rear: Megs Rear: Both rims started out spotless, barrels were scrubbed. OPC 3:1. Then dried using Metrovac 8 hp. I was careful to evenly spread both products and waited 8 hours before I drove the car. So far, Megs is kicking the armor all's hind end. I am liking the results of the Megs BDB better. It was easier to apply and took less product to cover the wheel.

[ricadodetail]

I used megs bdb and man it works awsome!!!!! It does what is says brake dust just falls off very easy when i wash the rims. No other product like this!!!!!!! Great ptoduct!!!

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Hot Rims Brake Dust Barrier vs. Armorall Wheel Protectant

Thanks for taking the time to do this comparison and write up! We're curious as to your findings regarding longevity of the two products as well, and we're confident you'll be impressed with how durable Brake Dust Barrier is.

[Murr1525]

Re: Hot Rims Brake Dust Barrier vs. Armorall Wheel Protectant

Did you spread it back into the barrel of the wheel also? If so. how did you spread it?

[TJPark01]

Re: Hot Rims Brake Dust Barrier vs. Armorall Wheel Protectant

@Murr1525 yes. The opening on these 19 inch rims are pretty large, so access to the back of the barrels is quite good. The method is similar to spray painting a small object, small even bursts.

[Murr1525]

Re: Hot Rims Brake Dust Barrier vs. Armorall Wheel Protectant

So spread easily with just the sprayer, no brush or anything.

[TJPark01]

Re: Hot Rims Brake Dust Barrier vs. Armorall Wheel Protectant

yes, it's very easy. Getting the wheel clean and dry is the hard part. If you've ever tried to paint something with a spray can, it's the same procedure. Short even bursts while moving to avoid runs.

[Murr1525]

Re: Hot Rims Brake Dust Barrier vs. Armorall Wheel Protectant

Yes, the car will have to sit for a while it seems to make sure any drips are finished. Mine are 17", but fairly open.

[TJPark01]

Re: Hot Rims Brake Dust Barrier vs. Armorall Wheel Protectant

Yes, the car will have to sit for a while it seems to make sure any drips are finished. Mine are 17", but fairly open.

The Armor All doesn't like to be disturbed and the can says to wait an hour, but I usually wait much longer and it still steaks a bit. The Megs seems to dry quicker, the can says to wait 3-5 minutes.

[Murr1525]

Re: Hot Rims Brake Dust Barrier vs. Armorall Wheel Protectant

Oh, I meant water drips..

[Tuck91]

Re: Hot Rims Brake Dust Barrier vs. Armorall Wheel Protectant

I'll give the Meguiars offering a try since the AA product is a bit of a pain to work with and rely on.

[davey g-force]

Re: Hot Rims Brake Dust Barrier vs. Armorall Wheel Protectant

Thanks for doing this comparison.

The results speak for themselves!

[STRIFE]

Re: Hot Rims Brake Dust Barrier vs. Armorall Wheel Protectant

Cannot wait to use my can of BDB, currently my G35's Volk GT-S wheels are off the car as I am rolling in my stockers & winter tires. Gonna wash & polish the Volks extremely well and apply the BDB....the lips are chrome so i'm wondering if the BDB will effect the shiney-ness?

[greg0303]

Re: Hot Rims Brake Dust Barrier vs. Armorall Wheel Protectant

Very nice and helpful review/ testing.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Hot Rims Brake Dust Barrier vs. Armorall Wheel Protectant

Cannot wait to use my can of BDB, currently my G35's Volk GT-S wheels are off the car as I am rolling in my stockers & winter tires. Gonna wash & polish the Volks extremely well and apply the BDB....the lips are chrome so i'm wondering if the BDB will effect the shiney-ness?

You shouldn't have any issues with that, as long as you apply it lightly, which is easy to do actually. If you want to apply a second, light coat that's fine too.

A couple of points to keep in mind when using this product:

• it is imperative that the wheels be completely clean and totally dry - trapping water under the product or having water run into it when the product is still wet can lead to clouding
• you should allow the product to dry at least 3-5 minutes before driving, and an hour before touching
• there is no need to ever wipe or brush the product, in fact doing so will disrupt the leveling and drying and can lead to a cloudy appearance
• application really is as simple as spraying it on, just as you would with a spray paint, and allowing it to dry on its own
• light runs tend to self level really well, but if you do go a bit overboard and you get a serious run, spray some product onto a microfiber towel to soak a corner of the towel, and wipe the product off that way, drying fully after removal. This process will also work if you discover a run after the product has dried. Of course you'll need to reapply to the area you just removed product from
• even if you use a wheel cleaner like Hot Rims All Wheel & Tire Cleaner, the product should last through several washings - if you use just soap and water it will last through many more. It's pretty tenacious stuff!