I have Mickey Thompson Classic II's (polished aluminum) and this winter is really beating them up. Does anyone have any tricks or tips they use to clean their rims??

What chemicals do you trust to use - what do you think works best?

I was *thinking* about getting one of these -- but not sure -- thoughts?

 

Obviously the softer your washing mitt or sponge, the better. It should also be devoid of any debris or particulate like small twigs or tiny pieces of leaf. This can get scrubbed between the sponge and the surface and be abrasive. If you have debris stuck to your wheels or paint, hose it off thoroughly with water first. You shouldn't need any special chemicals to clean your wheels, standard car wash soap should be fine. The most ideal approach would be to hold the hose in one hand and let water flow right onto the sponge in the area where it is in contact with the surface. This will help prevent scratches as the water acts as a lubricant. If you still feel like you need a cleaning chemical, contact the company that made them first and find out what not to use. Sometimes it can cause your wheel coating to come off and ruin your wheels. As with just about any job, take your time and do it right, don't get in a rush.

Ok, that sounded like some sort of educational video dweeb, but there you have it. lol

 

With polished aluminum wheel you do not want to use ant chemicals on them just soap and water. If they start to dull out then you need to polish them up and a coat of wax when you wash them will help keep dust and what not off them.

 

I don't trust any chemicals to put them on my wheels. I had 17" Konig Monsoon on my previous ride, and i tried using rim cleaners on those. Let's just say that my clear coat got f'ed up. Since then, i don't use any wheel cleaners.

The best way to clean wheels, is to get a soft sponge or washing mitt. Just hose them down, wash with soapy water, and hose them down again. Works like a charm. But you should wash them at least once a month, otherwise the break dust might stick to them, and it will be harder to wash them clean.

 

Valvoline makes a GREAT tire cleaning spray.. that stuff finds dirt in areas you cant even tell it has..

Spray on, rinse off stuff. Amazing.

 

Laughingstok -- what type of wheels do you use that on??
I've heard of it - but never used it.

 

I believe that HookNLadder was asking about WHEEL cleaners, not TIRE. lol

 

I use simple green and elbow grease with a sponge....

the spray on wheel cleaner is actually just acid, also sold as concrete cleaner...


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrochloric_acid

its not friendly to rims at all!

if you want the job done fast, it works, but it will ruin them long before they wear out...

 

The Valvoline stuff I'm talking about is actually for both, sorry.

It cleans both very good.. it's called "Eagle One Wheel and Tire Cleaner"

 

Best stuff for polished aluminum is Simichrome metal polish.

http://www.legacytack.com/p/10327/Si...al+Polish.html

Try it, you'll like it.