Alloy Wheel Cleaning Advice

RS5 JON

RS5 JON

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Probably a question that has been asked many times, but, here we go again.
Alloys are 19 inch Matt Titanium effect rotors, genuine Audi.
How best do I keep these clean and what products do you guys recommend.
Present routine is wash, then clean with Anglewax Revelation, finally 2 coat of poor boys wheel sealant.
After two days wheels seem stained with brake dust, don't do a lot of miles either, staining is a pita to clean, and wheels always look dirty.
HELP!!!
Thanks in advance for any advise.
JG
 
I have the TTRS alloys on my car, which are also the grey rotors with polished lips.

I have to say i use nearly same as you and never have any issues with cleaning the wheels.

I cleaned wheels with a strong APC solution, then added 3 coats of PB wheel sealant like you use. And when i come to wash the wheels i do not use a sponge i simply use Bilberry wheel cleaner diluted down, agitate with a brush and then hose off.

I am unsue if this post helps you, as i think you are wanting to know how to prevent the dust build up/stain in the first place?

That i am unsure of, but the above method should cut through any dust/stains on the wheel when you come to clean it.


Jonny.
 
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I use Rim Wax.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/like/3909...1=ICEP3.0.0-L&ff12=67&ff13=80&ff14=108&ff19=0
A quick wash with Fairy and warm water brings the wheels up to new.
Fairy was recommended by my wheel repairer as it is very slightly abrasive due to the salts in it. This helps remove stubborn grime without scoring. Top up the wax every other month.

The Mrs' XF is a different matter, the brake pads are heavily iron loaded and wheels are a nightmare to keep sparkling.
I use a mix of IronX gel, Bilberry and claying. They're multi-spoke vane type rims, takes hours...
A dish washing brush helps get into the awkward corners but is gentle enough
 
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There are a few products on the market that you can apply to your wheels to keep them in great condition.

After you have decontaminated them and washed them and are happy that they are clean use a dedicated wheel sealant such as Bilberry wheel wax, Slick Rims or G-Techniq stuff. This ensures that the wheel is sealed and that further brake dust and contaminents sit on top of the sealant and not on your wheel. I stock Bilberry wheel wax which is great stuff.
 
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Thanks for the above advice & comments guys.
To be perfectly honest, I think it's the brake pads, they're the original ones as the cars only covered 17,000 miles, I had mintex pads on my A4 b8 previously and not as much dust, so going to look into getting these for the A5.
In the meantime I will be trying fairy liquid to clean, if that fails it'll be bilberry wheel cleaner.

Mark, does the bilberry wheel wax do the same job as PB wheel sealant?
Cheers
JG
 
I get a small build up on my rotors also mate.
I use Angelwax bilberry wheel wax and put 2 coats on every 2-3 months.
I'm sure without the wheel wax or poorboys it would be a lot worse.
I don't find the need for a wheel cleaner every wash as I snow foam every time including the wheels, leave it 5 mins and agitate them with a detailing brush. Seems to do the job of cleaning them fine
 
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For a sealant for the wheels, there is only one choice for me, Planet Polish Wheel Seal & Shine. 3 coats with a 30min cure time of each coat will give you a solid 6 months + durability.
Great VFM. And so easy to apply :thumbs up:

Tried the Poorboys stuff and ended up chucking it in the bin it was so rubbish.
 
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I use chemical guys wheel gel or autofinesse wheel cleaner
To apply I spray on leave a minute then use some ultimate finish wheel woolies
After this I use oblitarate tar remover clay bar then wash again,
Dry using a drying towel and seal with auto finesse wheel sealant

Never have a problem with brake dust and after sealing I can use the jet wash just to clean any muck off in seconds
 
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Again, thanks guys, this advice gives me some tried and tested products/methods to consider.
Cheers
JG
 
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Need to ensure the wheel sealant/wax you are going to apply is not going to affect the matt/satin finish (Y)
 
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Hi John.....I dont rate the poorboys wheel sealant. The Bilberry wheel wax is very good in terms of a wheel wax and durability. Obviously if you want better durability the nano wheel stuff is slightly better like Slick Rims and Gtechniq. I think CQuatrtz do one aswell. You can also use Angelwax's Ti-22 which is a liquid titanium paint sealant but is also great for sealing wheels as I use this method sometimes. Great on matt/gloss and powder coated finishes.
 
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Bristle Hound said:
For a sealant for the wheels, there is only one choice for me, Planet Polish Wheel Seal & Shine. 3 coats with a 30min cure time of each coat will give you a solid 6 months + durability.
Great VFM. And so easy to apply :thumbs up:

Tried the Poorboys stuff and ended up chucking it in the bin it was so rubbish.
Click to expand...
+1 for this. Works well and a bottle lasts ages. Also use it on my chrome exhaust tips.
 
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poorboys wheel sealant is just about the worst detailing product I've every tried! complete waste of time and money...

to the question in hand - wheels...

firstly, I take the wheels off the car, much easier to get them cleaned and sealed up.

I clean with Sonax wheel cleaner.

adding in tardis if needed.

I then usually go over with a cleanser to ensure the wheel is perfectly clean

lastly I add either 2 coats of definitive Rotundus and/or a more durable ceramic coating (that goes in first)

after that, my wash routine is just using snowfoam and shampoo, no need for anything else.
 
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Poorboys wheel sealant for me as well.

I have no issues with it, i cleaned, polished and coated in poorboys and have had no issues with it.

I can wipe it with my finger and it has all disappeared to be honest.
 
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Never new there were so many products to clean your wheels.
I've ordered bilberry wheel cleaner to make a start, now going to have a look at sealant's, poorboys isn't doing it for me on the matte wheels I'm afraid.
Cheers guys
JG
 
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Treat yourself to some wheel woolies and a brush to do the wheel arches
 
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Forums cost u money, someone's holy grail is someone's else's thorn.
Not heard 1 bad thing about g techniq for wheels or glass for sealing
 
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Also in my earlier description I forgot I also use autofinesse iron out to remove iron particles

In my wheel cleaning products I have the best part of £200 in products and same again in microfibres clay brushes etc etc

I'd hate to add up the complete cost of all my detailing stuff it would scare me
 
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118d4d82b8d390969e6f8911928ccfb3.jpg


+1 for Angel wax Ti-22 sealant on wheels. Above picture was treated with this sealant (absolute bargain by the way) and still lots of beading and keeps their shine after 3 months since application. Once clean I give them a once over with Dodo Juice Red mist. Excellent shine and repellent properties - more like a spray on wax.

The new S3 wheels are very delciate so have found that a vikan wheel brush and the Sonax super soft brush work wonders. I personally don't use wheel cleaner - just body shampoo and some iron-x now and again. Keeps them looking brand new and one pass with the karcher is sufficient to get 95% of brake dust off.
 
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Pulp84, I'd love to have a finish on my rotors like that, are your wheels a gloss finish though? My previous rotor reps were gloss finish, I kinda miss them for their clean shiney look, :(
JG
 
They are lacquered but the diamond cut areas on mine are the same as your rotors.

I owned an A1 with rotors and found because of the Matt finish I found it needed a couple more coats of sealant but could get similar results as to what I get with these wheels. The Angelwax Ti-22 sealant seems to offer the long lasting beading I was after. Much of the stuff on the market would last two washes tops.....
 
Get them super clean before applying and then I'd do two / three coats with the Ti-22 and then get some good quality wax on. Let us know how you get on :)
 
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lee_fr200 said:
Treat yourself to some wheel woolies and a brush to do the wheel arches
Click to expand...
Wheel woolies are without doubt, in all my time Detailing, the best bit of kit I have EVER bought!

If you haven't got any, why not? lol
 
RobbieWebs said:
Not heard 1 bad thing about g techniq for wheels or glass for sealing
Click to expand...

Sorry to disappoint you Robbie ... ;)

I've used both Gtechniq G1 (Clearvision smart glass) & C5 (Wheel armour)

I found the G1 very temperamental to apply and TBH quite expensive for what it is

I use Angelwax H2GO for all my exterior glass surfaces
http://www.angelwax.co.uk/?wpsc-product=h2go-rain-repellent

Not only is H2GO significantly cheaper, but way easier to apply. Yes, it doesn't last as long as G1 but with it being so easy to apply it doesn't really matter

C5 is a great product, but it is expensive IMHO

I use CarPro DLUX, which is the similar type of product
http://www.carpro.uk.com/cquartz-dlux-plastic-rubber-coating-stl-kit/

You get twice the amount of DLUX compared to the C5 for similar money. Plus I find DLUX to me, more of a versatile product

As always, just my opinion of course ... :hi:
 
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H2GO is ridiculously cheap for how long it lasts and probably THE best rain repellant I've used.

I've always thought Meguairs or Auto Finesse where some of the best "all rounder" ranges on the market as a compromise between performance and cost. But now thinking Angelwax might be that brand - yet to have anything that hasn't wowwed me or been poor value.....
 
At last, some products I do have knowledge of "Angel Wax". I've used H2GO and a few other of their great value for money products, I find they do what they say on the tin, or bottle. Yes there are probably better products out there, but £ for £, Angel Wax meets my expectations and budget needs.
Hope the Ti-22 I ordered is just as good as my other Angel Wax stuff.
JG
 
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Bristle Hound said:
Wheel woolies are without doubt, in all my time Detailing, the best bit of kit I have EVER bought!

If you haven't got any, why not? lol
Click to expand...

Looks like a set of these could be on the list.
Ever wondered why you asked a question, it's probably going to cost me a fortune now, heyho, as long as it's money well spent. ;)
JG
 
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Slippery slope this detailing lark. Addictive past time.

I cringe when I look at my order history over the last 7 years on clean your car.co.uk. Average of £40 spent every two months religiously.

Oh well keeps me occupied
 
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JG51 AUD said:
Looks like a set of these could be on the list.
Ever wondered why you asked a question, it's probably going to cost me a fortune now, heyho, as long as it's money well spent. ;)
JG
Click to expand...
Seriously, you won't regret the wheel woolies :)
 
i cant get to grips with that Dlux stuff took me ages to get it off my alloys, might have been badly applied granted but went back to wheel seal and shine tremendous H2go is good for the price windscreen needs to be ultra clean before applying, mines smears sometimes.
 
Pulp84 said:
118d4d82b8d390969e6f8911928ccfb3.jpg


+1 for Angel wax Ti-22 sealant on wheels. Above picture was treated with this sealant (absolute bargain by the way) and still lots of beading and keeps their shine after 3 months since application. Once clean I give them a once over with Dodo Juice Red mist. Excellent shine and repellent properties - more like a spray on wax.

The new S3 wheels are very delciate so have found that a vikan wheel brush and the Sonax super soft brush work wonders. I personally don't use wheel cleaner - just body shampoo and some iron-x now and again. Keeps them looking brand new and one pass with the karcher is sufficient to get 95% of brake dust off.
Click to expand...


red mist now there's a blast from the past, this is prime example of how DW can ruin a good product don't get me wrong it has it flaws but used correctly its very good.
its a sealant so your topping the Ti22 sealant with another sealant.
 
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manor13 said:
red mist now there's a blast from the past, this is prime example of how DW can ruin a good product don't get me wrong it has it flaws but used correctly its very good.
its a sealant so your topping the Ti22 sealant with another sealant.
Click to expand...

No it's actually a quick detailer. You will always find it sold under quick detailer or wax. It does have a greasy application like a sealant spray but it's instructions says its best used as a wax top up or to enhance shine after a wash or just use as a quick detailer.

Good stuff actually - very good on the S3 wheels I have.
 
Last edited:
JG51 AUD said:
At last, some products I do have knowledge of "Angel Wax". I've used H2GO and a few other of their great value for money products, I find they do what they say on the tin, or bottle. Yes there are probably better products out there, but £ for £, Angel Wax meets my expectations and budget needs.
Hope the Ti-22 I ordered is just as good as my other Angel Wax stuff.
JG
Click to expand...

You won't be disappointed with the Ti-22
 
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So here's the planned cleaning routine;
Remove wheels, clean with Bilberry wheel cleaner, spray with Angel Wax Revelation, rinse, 2 coats of Ti-22, then ???? to finish.
JG
 
For a quick fix I find Britemax Spray & Shine works well. Great QD too.
 
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Might as well keep it in the family and go for AW bilberry wheel wax to finish it off
 
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RobbieWebs said:
Might as well keep it in the family and go for AW bilberry wheel wax to finish it off
Click to expand...

Cheers Robbie, was thinking I would maybe have a go with the bilberry wheel wax if I didn't get many suggestions about using another product.
JG
 
I think it's fantastic mate, very easy on and off and red in colour making it easy to see when taking it off
I should have taken a picture of my rotors before and after i added a coat the other day
 
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I've just sent Mark a message asking him to add bilberry wheel wax to my Ti-22 order, as you say, may as well stick to products I know.
Guess what I'll be doing this weekend? :eek:
JG
 
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