Wheel Wax?
 

I've been noticing a fair amount of brake dust on my nice new 19" Rays rims. Just a swipe with my finger, and it's quite a black mess. Even after just a few drives, it's got a coating starting up again. So my question is, would waxing the wheels help and if so, what are you guys using as a product you like? Next question is, the articles I've read about wheel wax, it will come off if you clean your wheels, so is there really a point in doing it in the first place? What kind of wheel soap do you guys like to use? I have a separate bucket and grit guard I use just for the wheels.

it makes cleaning easier. on my dd's i use polymer based spray sealant called Prima Hydro. you can buy it from detailersdomain (vendor) or amazon. ive tried 'wheel wax' products and they're not that much better.


on my hobby cars i just use the wax in the QD (griot's speed shine). spray into towel and just wipe off the dust. i dont drive my Z in the wet.

I work for a company that actually specializes in repairing , refinishing and custom finishing wheels . The best product we've found over the years to keep your wheels looking good and to keep brake dust from building up is honda polish in the aerosol can . If you clean the wheels very good then spray the honda polish directly on the wheels then let it sit for a few mins , take a microfiber rag and wipe the wheel off . it will take the brake dust takes 2 to 3 times as long to build up . Usually we suggest that you do this 2 to 3 times a year and use a dish detergent ( this removes any old wax ) before you wax them again . Almost all of the so called wheel cleaners are horrible for wheels . most of them contain silicone or acidic products that actually break down the finish on your wheels over time and cause them to fade/corrode . you can pick up the honda polish at most motorcycle dealers or online . We always say never use anything on your wheels you wouldnt use on your paint .

i wouldnt spray honda polish on my paint, so i guess i wont spray that on my wheels either. :icon17: polish is usually abrasive material.. i would definitely not want to polish my wheels and paint every time i wash.

I find that a little wax or sealant will give the dust and dirt a harder time of sticking to the wheel. If you drive the car no matter what its sealed up with, you will have dirt on the surface. For certain wax or sealant will help making cleaning them a lot easier as well.

Keep in mind your wheels need to be clayed more often then paint does. Especially the inside barrels.

I clay then use Armor Sealant for stayfreshcarcare.com

I use there clay towel, makes things so much easier!

Soap and water, if they get dirty just clean them again :) You can also get a less dusty brake pad like Wagner, JMO.

Dish soap? The regular car wash soap isn't quite strong enough.

LOL'ed at Armorall mention..

To clean your wheels, make sure they're cold, and use Simple Green.

As for wax... Unless there is specific wheel wax, don't do it.

Try these:

http://www.amazon.com/Wheel-Ultimate...=1416427295785

Amazon.com: Smartwax 10100 Rim Wax Ultimate Shine and Protection - 8 oz.: Automotive

http://www.amazon.com/Chemical-Guys-...ords=wheel+wax

honda polish is a spray on wax not an harsh abrasive cleaner wax . you want something that will clean the wheels a little as it waxes . i like to get all the road grim off i dont know about you . like i said this is a field i specialize in from years of exp and many many diff products we have found it to work the best . as far as spray wax goes honda polish is the best . there are some better hand waxes out there but its not practical to hand wax your wheels a couple of times a year . the spray wax is a much easier way to go and the reason we suggest it to all our customers . also i didnt say every time you clean your car to use it . i said 2 to 3 times a year and to use dish soap before you apply more to make sure there is no build up of wax because if you allow it to build up it just makes the brake dust stick worse . also someone made a comment about ebc pads . you have to watch using these pads . yes they dont make as much dust but it seems that the particles that come off them are larger and tend to burn into the finish of the wheels . you can actually feel what feels like sandpaper embedded in the finish of wheels . the larger particles dont cause a coating of dust but they hold more heat as they fall and burn into the finish of the wheels over time . ive had multiple sets of white wheels and i currently have white pearl wheels on my z now . believe me i have come up with the best ways to keep brake dust off my wheels . honda polish and micro fiber is the way to go .

I would never ever use anything except car wash soap and water on a clean microfiber wash mitt dedicated for your wheels. I am very anal with my wheels and thats why they still look new after 6 years since I had them painted

I periodically use this wheel wax from Chemical Guys and it helps to get the brake dust off my wheels easier

Chemical Guys Wheel Guard WheelWax & Rim Cleaner

They also give the wheels a great shine that lasts for a few washes!

then why the call it polish? you dont need to use dish soap if you are using similar base materials. it's only when you change base material like between polymer and natural wax that you want to remove the residue.

and i use alcohol after the wash instead to remove old wax as it is more effective and more efficient. if it's the same wax/sealant i am reinforcing, i dont remove the old. Plus, if you do it right, grime washes off from the polymer that's already on there.

and why spray only 2-3 times a year if it's that easy?
i use hydro each time i wash the dd's. i use it on paint, glass, seals, exterior plastics, wheels.

years of experience huh? :icon17: i think we all here have like in excess of at least a decade experience. glad to hear that honda polish option works for you though. gives the readers something to check out.

ill try your way . do you have a specific kind of wax you use . im always open to new options . im just going off what people in the detail business and fam have beat into my head over the years . this method has always worked well for us . the years of exp thing i wasnt trying to be a **** if it came off that way . ive worked in the business of wheels for years and this is just they method weve used for awhile and it works well for us and our customers love it . its served us well