Why are "wheel cleaners" needed?

Danforz · 12-07-2006, 01:29 PM

Hey guys, when i clean my wheels, so long as they are dry, all that I really need is a cloth to remove the break dust. I then apply some KIT Wash and Wax to add some carnuba to the wheels, and I'm done.

For the wheels, I don't really cleen them I just add Black Magic tire wet gel and it looks fine.

I havn't really seen a need for buying a cleanser specifically for rims... am I missing something?

picus · 12-07-2006, 01:42 PM

You're not - you clean your wheels regularly, right? When cleaned regularly wheels often take no more than soap and water to clean. It's when an accumulation of brake dust occurs that you need to break out wheel cleaners.

Danforz · 12-07-2006, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by picus

You're not - you clean your wheels regularly, right? When cleaned regularly wheels often take no more than soap and water to clean. It's when an accumulation of brake dust occurs that you need to break out wheel cleaners.

Yes, weekly. The weekly brake dust seems to require nothing more then a towel and a bit of elbow grease. Whats funny is I imagine car wash clearners must HATE cars with a million complicated spokes. Cleaning my 325 sports rims, which had indivudal spokes, is MUCH easier then cleaning my current 328 sports rims. Ehh, the price we pay for

picus · 12-07-2006, 01:56 PM

CSL reps + BBK =

NFS13 · 12-07-2006, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Danforz

Hey guys, when i clean my wheels, so long as they are dry, all that I really need is a cloth to remove the break dust. I then apply some KIT Wash and Wax to add some carnuba to the wheels, and I'm done.

For the wheels, I don't really cleen them I just add Black Magic tire wet gel and it looks fine.

I havn't really seen a need for buying a cleanser specifically for rims... am I missing something?

Adding tire gel over uncleaned rubber will give you that brown look after awhile. I'd wash the tires every so often.

Danforz · 12-07-2006, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by picus

CSL reps + BBK =

I assume that is some sort of rim with a lot of spokes? lol

Ninjaneer · 12-07-2006, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Danforz

I assume that is some sort of rim with a lot of spokes? lol

Yep, you can find pics of these on the forum if you're curious. Like you said, they look nice but cause a lot of work. That's partially why I'm happy with my Sports pkg wheels... easy cleaning surface, only 5 spokes or whatever.

BK · 12-07-2006, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NFS13

Adding tire gel over uncleaned rubber will give you that brown look after awhile. I'd wash the tires every so often.

x2

Get a brush, grab some of the suds from the bucket, and work those suds into the sidewall. It only takes 30 seconds per tire. Not too much of a hassle. Reaching in to clean the brake dust off the rims and wiping up inside the wheel wells are the hassle when cleaning the tires, IMO. That's where I usually get my knuckles all scraped up.

Danforz · 12-07-2006, 02:23 PM

Will do next time I wash my car guys

dmboone25 · 12-08-2006, 04:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BK

x2

Get a brush, grab some of the suds from the bucket, and work those suds into the sidewall. It only takes 30 seconds per tire. Not too much of a hassle. Reaching in to clean the brake dust off the rims and wiping up inside the wheel wells are the hassle when cleaning the tires, IMO. That's where I usually get my knuckles all scraped up.

Right--also if you clean the tires each time you wash your car, when gripping the tire to clean the rim, there will be far less of that black crap that comes off an unwashed tire. I use a brush on the tires during every wash and it tends to eliminate the black and brown jazz.

ICALL · 12-08-2006, 08:54 PM

I know I'm getting carried away with bragging about washing a car once in 18 months, but when I had to turn it in (end of lease) i had to make it look "respectable". I got one of those meshed bug cleaning sponges and a grout cleaning brush(not wirey brush, but not real soft either) Scrubbed the rims with the brush to loosen the dirt/brakedust then kept the water spraying full blast on the rims with my left hand while scrubbing with the bug mesh soapy sponge with the other hand. Came "right" off.

Honestly, I think it would have been just as easy without the grout brush.

B2Blain · 12-09-2006, 02:46 AM

Ok, this might freak some people out, but can you use ajax or comet to scrub tires?

shimshimhada · 12-09-2006, 03:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by picus

CSL reps + BBK =

M135 =

:mad:

Brunotheboxer · 12-09-2006, 08:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by B2Blain

Ok, this might freak some people out, but can you use ajax or comet to scrub tires?

only if you use them in conjunction with sandpaper.

Chesmu · 12-09-2006, 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by B2Blain

Ok, this might freak some people out, but can you use ajax or comet to scrub tires?

you are joking, right?

The abrasive cleaners will scratch the crap out of your rims.

NFS13 · 12-09-2006, 08:47 AM

[QUOTE=B2Blain]Ok, this might freak some people out, but can you use ajax or comet to scrub tires?[/QUOTE

What the hell do you have on your tires that you need ajax to get it off?

Regular car shampoo will lift most dirt & grime off the tires, use a tire brush if needed, costs few bucks at any auto store.

picus · 12-09-2006, 10:18 AM

If you run into really problematic tires you may (I stress may) need an acidic cleaner. Remember, do not use acids on aluminum or uncoated wheels, and use as directed. Otherwise soap + water = good.

TRICKE90 · 12-30-2006, 04:38 PM

I use a really neat product for cleaning my TIRES. it's been out for a long time its called Bleche-White and its an old whitewall tire cleaner but it works great for cleaning tires. then I use 303 or some other protectant on my tires depending on what finish looking for. Use can get this stuff at Wal-mart or any auto supply store

picus · 12-30-2006, 04:42 PM

Bleche-white is definitely old school; it's an awesome tire cleaner (not wheel cleaner) - a must have for guys with whitewalls or motorcycles. I have some around here, I'm just not sure where.

12-07-2006, 01:29 PM	#1
Danforz BMW Enthusiast 20 Rep 161 Posts Drives: 328i '07 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: LA iTrader: (0)	Why are "wheel cleaners" needed? Hey guys, when i clean my wheels, so long as they are dry, all that I really need is a cloth to remove the break dust. I then apply some KIT Wash and Wax to add some carnuba to the wheels, and I'm done. For the wheels, I don't really cleen them I just add Black Magic tire wet gel and it looks fine. I havn't really seen a need for buying a cleanser specifically for rims... am I missing something?
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

12-07-2006, 01:42 PM	#2
picus Brigadier General 125 Rep 4,172 Posts Drives: e92 SG 335i Coupe Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Toronto, ON iTrader: (0)	You're not - you clean your wheels regularly, right? When cleaned regularly wheels often take no more than soap and water to clean. It's when an accumulation of brake dust occurs that you need to break out wheel cleaners.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-07-2006, 01:56 PM	#4
picus Brigadier General 125 Rep 4,172 Posts Drives: e92 SG 335i Coupe Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Toronto, ON iTrader: (0)	CSL reps + BBK =
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-07-2006, 02:23 PM	#9
Danforz BMW Enthusiast 20 Rep 161 Posts Drives: 328i '07 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: LA iTrader: (0)	Will do next time I wash my car guys
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-08-2006, 08:54 PM	#11
ICALL Private First Class 10 Rep 153 Posts Drives: 2011 550i Carbon Black M Sport Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: South Florida iTrader: (0)	I know I'm getting carried away with bragging about washing a car once in 18 months, but when I had to turn it in (end of lease) i had to make it look "respectable". I got one of those meshed bug cleaning sponges and a grout cleaning brush(not wirey brush, but not real soft either) Scrubbed the rims with the brush to loosen the dirt/brakedust then kept the water spraying full blast on the rims with my left hand while scrubbing with the bug mesh soapy sponge with the other hand. Came "right" off. Honestly, I think it would have been just as easy without the grout brush.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-09-2006, 02:46 AM	#12
B2Blain Enlisted Member 2 Rep 38 Posts Drives: Working Join Date: May 2006 Location: Hawaii iTrader: (0)	Ok, this might freak some people out, but can you use ajax or comet to scrub tires? __________________ 530i/Black Sapphire Metallic/Black Dakota Leather/Anthracite Maple Trim/Premium/Sport/Steptronic/Navigation/PDC/Comfort Access/Premium Sound Ordered: 7/6/06 Scheduled for Production: 7/7/08 In Production: 7/7/06 In Body Shop: 7/12/06 In Paint Shop: 7/13/06 Assembly Started: 7/14/06 Assembly/Finish/Quality Check: 7/19/06 Production Completed: 7/20/06 Dispatched to Port of Exit: 7/24/06 Departed Bremerhaven on the Anna: 8/2/06 Arrived at Port Hueneme: 8/24/06 Arrived at dealer: 8/29/06
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-09-2006, 08:47 AM	#16
NFS13 Car Junkie 21 Rep 1,279 Posts Drives: 335is / R8 Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: PA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2012 BMW X6 [0.00] 2012 Porsche Cayman R [10.00] 2011 Audi R8 V10 [7.34]	[QUOTE=B2Blain]Ok, this might freak some people out, but can you use ajax or comet to scrub tires?[/QUOTE What the hell do you have on your tires that you need ajax to get it off? Regular car shampoo will lift most dirt & grime off the tires, use a tire brush if needed, costs few bucks at any auto store.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-09-2006, 10:18 AM	#17
picus Brigadier General 125 Rep 4,172 Posts Drives: e92 SG 335i Coupe Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Toronto, ON iTrader: (0)	If you run into really problematic tires you may (I stress may) need an acidic cleaner. Remember, do not use acids on aluminum or uncoated wheels, and use as directed. Otherwise soap + water = good.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-30-2006, 04:38 PM	#18
TRICKE90 Private First Class 3 Rep 182 Posts Drives: 2008 335i coupe, montego blue, Join Date: May 2006 Location: carson city,nv iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 e92 335i coupe [0.00] 2008 335i coupe [0.00] 2006 325i [0.00] 2006 325i [0.00] 2006 325i [0.00] 2006 325i [0.00] 2006 325i [0.00] 2006 325i [0.00] 2006 325i [0.00]	I use a really neat product for cleaning my TIRES. it's been out for a long time its called Bleche-White and its an old whitewall tire cleaner but it works great for cleaning tires. then I use 303 or some other protectant on my tires depending on what finish looking for. Use can get this stuff at Wal-mart or any auto supply store
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-30-2006, 04:42 PM	#19
picus Brigadier General 125 Rep 4,172 Posts Drives: e92 SG 335i Coupe Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Toronto, ON iTrader: (0)	Bleche-white is definitely old school; it's an awesome tire cleaner (not wheel cleaner) - a must have for guys with whitewalls or motorcycles. I have some around here, I'm just not sure where.
	Appreciate 0 Quote