Stock wheel cleaning question
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 5,520
Likes: 5
From: Long Island NY
Stock wheel cleaning question
My 2002 stock polished aluminium wheels are starting to look a liitle dingy. I try to clean them as much as I can and they still look good but lately especially on the front wheels I cant seem to get the real dug in grime off just with washing. Especially on the outside corners of the spokes, its like baked in dirt . Is there any special cleaners out there or can this be buffed to look new again, or should I find a wheel shop and have them professionally done. Any suggestions?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 6,937
Likes: 21
From: Waldorf MD
Meguiers makes a All Wheel Cleaner that will remove a lot of grime. Only leave it on for 30 seconds or so (read directions). You can repeat applications.
I use Meguiers brushes when cleaning my wheels (I use regular Meguiers Tech 2 Car wash), they work fine.
I use Meguiers brushes when cleaning my wheels (I use regular Meguiers Tech 2 Car wash), they work fine.
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 368,390
Likes: 24,795
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
MO Events Coordinator
St. Jude Co-Organizer
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
NCM Sinkhole Donor
CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
You might try a very mild cleaner/polisher like 3M Hand Glaze or Adams Revive. I've found these two things can make clear coated items look pretty good.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 629
Likes: 0
From: Oceanside CA
Funny, but I've had good luck with Formula 409 of all things...
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 10,295
Likes: 4
From: Downers Grove IL
St. Jude Donor '15
If you have a Harley Davidson dealer near you, stop in and pick up some S100 wheel cleaner. It's about 10 bucks for a spray bottle, but it works very well. Use it on my BMW that has a TON of brake dust. 
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 10,554
Likes: 33
From: Not on either liberal coast.
Whatever you chose to use, read the manufacturers caveats/directions.
Some wheel cleaning products are intended for painted/clear coated wheels and some for uncoated machine polished wheels. It has to do with the chemical makeup of the solution. The more caustic products can cause damage if not used correctly.
I use diluted WINDEX on my oem clear coated/polished Z16 wheels.
http://carcarebuzz.com/what-to-watch...ing-chemicals/
Some wheel cleaning products are intended for painted/clear coated wheels and some for uncoated machine polished wheels. It has to do with the chemical makeup of the solution. The more caustic products can cause damage if not used correctly.
I use diluted WINDEX on my oem clear coated/polished Z16 wheels.
http://carcarebuzz.com/what-to-watch...ing-chemicals/
