Autoglym 'Clean Wheels' product...

Technical Area Cleaning & Detailing
2

Hello,

Just purchased the ‘Clean Wheels’ Autoglym spray and the instructions say it should only be used “on lacquered alloy, painted or plastic finishes”.  I own a MK2.5 MX-5, would this product be ok to use or should I return it?  If return, what would be a great alternative?  Picture of my alloys attached below.

Thanks

 

3

Hi David, Very nice :slight_smile: They’re painted I think so should be fine. It really means not to be used on bare metal such as chrome or polished alloy. These cleaners usually contain a mild acid and may attack bare metal. I use Wonder Wheels just one or twice a year on the stubborn black streaks then follow it with a good sponge over with car shampoo and thorough hose off. The advantage of WW is the agitation and control the brush gives over where you put the stuff compared with a spray which may blow anywhere inc over your clothes.

4

Just a tip - Mazda wheels are notorious for having minimal paint and lacquer thickness and often deteriorate very quickly with bubbling round the wheel cente and valve holes and creeping from the edge of the spokes.

Be prepared to have them properly refurbished in the not too distant future !

5

I’ve been using Clean Wheels on my alloys for the past 10 years or so with no problems.

 

Gra

6

Thanks for the replies.  Useful!  I think I’ll give the ‘Clean Wheels’ product a go, followed by the Autoglym Alloy Sealant.  I completely forgot about Wonder Wheels.

 

Cheers.

7

I’ve used Clean Wheels in the past and never had any issues with it, but have since used Autoglym’s Custom Wheel Cleaner which is (allegedly) safer, and I’ve also found it to be much more effective - I use it concentrated once a year when it is time to swap summer/winter wheels and diluted periodically when required.

I’ve also used their Alloy Sealant which may well help to protect the wheel, but don’t be too convinced by any marketing spiel that it will make them easier to clean - it may well be marginally, but I never noticed any real difference!

8

Personally I would avoid many wheel cleaners acid or alkali they are just as bad. Try something like Iron X or Bilt Hamber autowheel and watch them remove iron contamination to.

Then seal, my current wheels take 10 minutes inners included sealed with a coating.

 

9

Clean Wheels is quite acidic.

 

It’s fine a one off on heavily soiled wheels but over time it WILL dull the finish.