Wheel treatment ?

[syswizard]

I know there are a few good wheel cleaning products like HotRims and DUB....
but my question is what to treat the wheels AFTER cleaning them with those products ?

I want to minimize the lay-down of brake dust or at least make it very easy to remove the dust.
Should a wax or glaze be applyed ?
Also, how do I know if I have aluminum, steel, alloy wheels or wheels that have a clear-coat ?

[twisty roads]

Re: Wheel treatment ?

if the wheels are OEM, then they are clear coated. They alloy doesnt necessarily matter but you would want to avoid an acid based wheel cleaner on an aluminum wheel, especially if hot. Most OEM wheels are cast with higher end sports cars cars having forged wheels. Steel wheels usually are on cars with hubcaps.

if you wash your car weekly, a bucket of car soap and wheel brushes will suffice for keeping them clean. I have brembo's and HP+ pads for a daily because i like the extra initial bite when stopping and they dust like crazy. Megs non-acidic wheel and tire cleaner (wheel brightner, ultimate wheel cleaner, etc) work well with wheel woolie brushes to get at the face and barrels. Spray the product on a cool wheel, then have a dedicated wheel cleaning bucket with car soap and water to agitate.

You can look into a wheel coating for easier cleaning but it will take time to prep the wheel prior to the coating. A dedicated wheel wax/glaze also work as they are dedicated to the high temps of braking also work but need to be applied more often. I use a spray wax just for a "finished" look but the spray wax doesnt last more than a day or so

[The Guz]

Re: Wheel treatment ?

You can use a wax, sealant or spray wax to add some protection. Just be aware that the next time you use a wheel cleaner you will have to reapply.

If you want something that will last longer then you will have to go the ceramic coating route. Take more time and effort for prepping the surface prior to applying a coating.

[syswizard]

Re: Wheel treatment ?

Thanks for that guys. Right now I am using RainX believe it or not. The logic being that if repels water, maybe it will repel dust.
However, being treated specifically for glass.....still not sure of it's effectiveness on metal.
Guz -
Does Mequiar's carry a ceramic coating product ?

[The Guz]

Re: Wheel treatment ?

Guz -
Does Mequiar's carry a ceramic coating product ?

Nope.

[syswizard]

Re: Wheel treatment ?

Nope.

I wonder why they do not ?
Is there some controversy about the effectiveness of the ceramic coating technology I wonder ?

[syswizard]

Re: Wheel treatment ?

I wonder why they do not ?
Is there some controversy about the effectiveness of the ceramic coating technology I wonder ?

Nick - Any comment ?
Any plans for rolling out a ceramic-like coating ?