Alloy Wheel Protection after clean

[Dave H]

Hi all

After 18 months of build up (between regular washing) it was time to get my alloys shining again. I have washed my alloys using Meguiar's Hot Rims All Wheel Cleaner (first time using this product) and they have come up well

3 weeks on and my alloys are collecting dirt and brake dust in irregular patterns on the alloy. It has crossed my mind that I need to protect them.

Therefore what products do you suggest. I am likely to use Meguiar's Hot Rims All Wheel Cleaner again and then apply a protection / sealants. Is there any sprays available.

Ive seen Autoglym alloy wheel seal; Poorboy's Wheel Sealant, but what else is worth consideration.

What do you use?
Ta

 

[FR-RUSH]

I use poorboy's. mmm smells nice once or twice a year i take off my wheels, use hot rims and then poorboys. Helps keep the dirt off a little bit longer and makes them easier to clean.

 

[C11PRA DC]

I also use poorboy's wheel sealant as often as possible after washing!

To wash I only use megs NXT/Gold shampoo and a MF washmit (rinsed regularly). NO other chemicals!

DC

EDIT: If the wheels are really bad I first use:

Carplan WonderWheels with the supplied brush or a toothbrush.
Autoglym intensive tar remover applied with a MF.
Autoglym SRP
And then wash/seal as above

 

[Daffy]

However bad the wheels are I would not use Wonder wheels, it can strip paint while still in the bottle and is very acidic and you could discolour the wheels.
If you can get hold of some Autosmart Tardis is the muts at removing tar. If not some APC at a fairly strong solution will do the trick but might take some time. Then clay if really bad and follow up with Klasse AIO. Finally put on wheel sealant but leave it to cure for 15 minutes and leave another 15 minutes before putting another coat on. Repeat this final step several times to build up a good few layers.
When it comes to washing them next time you clean the car just use an old mitt and car shamppo or you may get away with just a jetwash. Any wheel cleaner or APC will just strip the sealant.
As said though best way to do it is remove two wheels and you can alternate between the two. It is also a good time to get the jetwash under the arches and give it a good scrub out with a mitt or soft brush.

 

[Dave H]

having used Meguiar's Hot Rims All Wheel Cleaner for the first time, it has lifted the staining. I now think I should protect them. So plan another treatment of the Meguiar's followed by protection / sealant..

I have just sourced Supagard SupaWheels Alloy Wheel Protector (aerosol)

so choice beteween
Autoglym alloy wheel seal;
Poorboy's Wheel Sealant;
Supagard SupaWheels Alloy Wheel Protector

hmmm..... I have often thought about claying all round, but just never tried it... Just read some information on Klasse All in One - think I will purchase this for sure! thanks

 

[Jace]

http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/showthread.php?t=166653

 

[Dave H]

nice link Jace - so you rate poorboys I presume. I plan to do the same to my wheels, but I am a novice to alloy cleaning lol

what time should I allow per wheel, for cleaning steps:
1: wash using Meguiars hot rims
2: Klasse All in One or Meguiars NXT Speed Detailer (to be purchased)
3: Klasse Sealant Glaze (to be purchased)
4: Sealant (to be decided, but looking like poorboys or supagard)

 

[C11PRA DC]

However bad the wheels are I would not use Wonder wheels, it can strip paint while still in the bottle and is very acidic and you could discolour the wheels.

Mate I'am not completely stupid! I'am aware of its corrosive potential. What I did'nt make clear that I would only use it as a ONCE ONLY first treatment if the wheels are really bad! (especially the insides). For continued regular cleaning and if regularly sealed I only ever have to use shampoo and a washmit.

Never leave it baking/drying on the alloy but wash off quickly as you work with water!

I used to use it weekly on some BBS RA's with no damage at all!

Cheers!

DC