Wheel cleaning tips?

[Buxton2901]

So I cleaned my wheels for the first time since buying the car.
They were refurbished before I bought it.
But im bit happy with the results. Tiny scratches in the face and brake dust residue that will not come off.
Any tips on how to keep them clean and scratch free?
I used autoglym wheel cleaner btw
Cheers

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[Gazwould]

Buy low dust ceramic pads .

 

[45bvtc]

Domestic Flash for cleaning alloy wheels

For some time now I've been recommending the use of domestic Flash (you most probably have some already under the sink, so it ain't expensive) for the removal of brake dust from alloy wheels and here again I recommend the product.

I use a mix of 3 to 5% Flash to water, spray on, and within 2-minutes sponge/hose/wash off.

This has worked for me for 20-years and more with a variety of alloy wheels on both classic and modern cars.

I then polish off with a light spray of Autoglym Rapid Aqua Wax and here you are, job done:



RS3 (pic #2) runs EBC Redstuff brake pads, the TT (pic #3) runs OEM.

 

[Buxton2901]

So literally 5% flash to 95 water and that works eh?
I don't like the idea of using harsh chemicals on alloy wheels. But obviously need to brake down the brake dust.

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[45bvtc]

So literally 5% flash to 95 water and that works eh?
I don't like the idea of using harsh chemicals on alloy wheels. But obviously need to brake down the brake dust.

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If Flash was a "harsh chemical" then for sure it wouldn't be sold for domestic household use without a LARGE note of CAUTION on the bottle; in fact, the label suggests it can be used 'neat.'

Start with 1% Flash, just a splash of it in the water, and watch the brake dust lift and run-off.

You can see the 'colour' of the mix in my spray bottle and wine glass.

And I've the same style wheels as you on both my RS3 and A1.

Oh, and 7-years use on both the RS3 and TT.

 

[DonkeyIce]

Standard wash and wax if doing Normally seems to work well but only after
My own concoction of fleet clean and TFL, then with a bit of tar remover on a cloth for any spots, washed down again and then poor boys wheel sealant twice a year when swapping to and from winter wheels.

Wheels have lasted well in 5 years or so and still look good without scratches, only one refurb thanks to a clumsy tyre guy.


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[DonkeyIce]

If Flash was a "harsh chemical" then for sure it wouldn't be sold for domestic household use without a LARGE note of CAUTION on the bottle; in fact, the label suggests it can be used 'neat.'

Start with 1% Flash, just a splash of it in the water, and watch the brake dust lift and run-off.

You can see the 'colour' of the mix in my spray bottle and wine glass.

And I've the same style wheels as you on both my RS3 and A1.

Oh, and 7-years use on both the RS3 and TT.

Liking that idea! Looks the same colour as my de greaser spray - with Tesco’s own floor cleaner


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[Buxton2901]

Tescos floor cleaner ? Tell me more

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[Gazwould]

Hey look what I found .

The Woodberry 'flavour' smells divine .

 

[45bvtc]

Liking that idea! Looks the same colour as my de greaser spray - with Tesco’s own floor cleaner

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I'll be honest, I've used Flash at 100% strength with Spontex non-scratch sponge-scourers on other Audi owners wheels to get seriously brake-dust encrusted wheels clean, and everytime without issue; keeping 'em clean with a dash-of-Flash and some spray-on wipe-off wax is a no brainer...

 

[DonkeyIce]

my degreaser, lasted 5 years so far haha


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[Gazwould]

I've given the Flash a 2.5 month trial now and I'm sold .

I've been using it on wheels with evil OE brake pads with a 50/50 mix up to 3 weeks between cleans , spray and the brake dust starts to float away .

 

[45bvtc]

I've given the Flash a 2.5 month trial now and I'm sold .

I've been using it on wheels with evil OE brake pads with a 50/50 mix up to 3 weeks between cleans , spray and the brake dust starts to float away .

That's GREAT news, Gazwould; now reduce the concentration of Flash to 10% and it'll still do the business....

And at £1.25 (ish) for 500ml and dilute it is for sure the most cost effective wheel and brake cleaner available:



But we prefer the "Crisp Lemons" to the "Woodberry" - that's what rs3copilot has under the sink and what I tend to 'borrow' ...

 

[Gazwould]

Yeah 10% or less for Redstuff pads...

 

[45bvtc]

Yeah 10% or less for Redstuff pads...

TT and A1 running OEM...

 

[marriedblonde]

ceramic coat them. Nothing sticks to them after that. Although I am going to give the flash a try on the wifes car

J.