How to CLEAN new wheels???

ThorRacing01 · 08-29-2006, 01:46 AM

I just got my Intro wheels and getting ready to wash my truck. I was wonder what i should use to clean the wheels and prevent water spots? The wheels have very little miles on them so i would call them brand new. I dont think they need to be polished. Or is that the only way to clean them? If not what would you recommend to CLEAN them?

thanks

s10cyncrvr · 08-29-2006, 04:26 PM

I'm guessing they are polished aluminum and not chrome?

If so, this is what you want to do.

1) Clean them often. Not letting brakedust or other road grime build up and sit on them will help keep the finish in good condition.

2) Before cleaning them, look at them to see whats all on the wheel. If there is a spot of tar that collected a few cinders, you'll want to remove that before washing the wheel. If you would just rub over it with your wash mit, it would dislodge the cinders and grind them into the soft aluminum resulting in scrtaches. I use wax and grease remover with a dedicated soft rag. Put some wax and grease remover on the rag and blot the area that is dirty. This will loosen up the tar or dirt. After it has sat for about 30 seconds, try and wipe off the area and at the same time, don't spread it around. Meaning a quick wipe with low pressure just in the dirty area will reduce the amount of scratching. Do this to all the wheels.

3) Now the only thing left on the wheels should be brakedust, dust, or waterspots. Go ahead and clean the wheels with car soap and a soft clean mit of some sort. A wash mit or microfiber mit would work good for this, just make sure it is clean. Hose them off, wash them up, and then rinse them off. Stay away from the wheel cleaners. If you clean your wheels once or twice a week, you won't need a wheel cleaner chemical.

4) Dry them off with a clean chamois, microfiber towel, or 100% cotton towel. Try and dry them before they waterspot. You can use compressed air if it's available.

5) If you are wanting a perfect shine, then you can polish them.

The main this is, is to keep your towels and rags clean, and to prep the wheel by removing the major dirt. Your trying to avoid scratching the wheel, which aluminum does very easily.

96blazer · 09-03-2006, 11:06 PM

You should ask other guys with Intros what do they use. I know Mothers Billit Polish is the best for the Centerlines and other polished things I have, but never tried it on Intros metal.

Keep a small box in your truck with items to keep your wheels polished. And everytime you see them dirty, clean them.

ThorRacing01 · 09-04-2006, 06:24 PM

s10cyncrvr- what do you use for wax and grease remover??

s10cyncrvr · 09-04-2006, 06:32 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by ThorRacing01

s10cyncrvr- what do you use for wax and grease remover??

It usually says "Wax and Grease Remover" on the side of the container. It may also be called Paint Prep. If you go to an automotive paint supply store, they'll know what your wanting.

neuronyx · 09-06-2006, 01:50 AM

I take my wheels off when I want to give them a really good cleaning. That way its easy to clean the inside of the rims. I usually use some light steel wool (NOT on the clear coated areas), and goo gone for the tar spots. Aside from the pitted areas they come up pretty nice! Took a black rim and made it shiny again with some time & elbow grease.

***orangesonoma*** · 09-06-2006, 01:58 AM

on my intros i used mother incredible polish...but it takes me way longer to polish my intros then it did my boyds....dunno why...

08-29-2006, 01:46 AM	#1
ThorRacing01 Registered User Age: 26 Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 1,509 Location: newport news,va User is: OffLine	How to CLEAN new wheels??? I just got my Intro wheels and getting ready to wash my truck. I was wonder what i should use to clean the wheels and prevent water spots? The wheels have very little miles on them so i would call them brand new. I dont think they need to be polished. Or is that the only way to clean them? If not what would you recommend to CLEAN them? thanks
	[Reply w/Quote]

08-29-2006, 04:26 PM	#2
s10cyncrvr Canyon Carver Age: 29 Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 2,852 Location: Columbia, IL User is: OffLine	Re: How to CLEAN new wheels??? I'm guessing they are polished aluminum and not chrome? If so, this is what you want to do. 1) Clean them often. Not letting brakedust or other road grime build up and sit on them will help keep the finish in good condition. 2) Before cleaning them, look at them to see whats all on the wheel. If there is a spot of tar that collected a few cinders, you'll want to remove that before washing the wheel. If you would just rub over it with your wash mit, it would dislodge the cinders and grind them into the soft aluminum resulting in scrtaches. I use wax and grease remover with a dedicated soft rag. Put some wax and grease remover on the rag and blot the area that is dirty. This will loosen up the tar or dirt. After it has sat for about 30 seconds, try and wipe off the area and at the same time, don't spread it around. Meaning a quick wipe with low pressure just in the dirty area will reduce the amount of scratching. Do this to all the wheels. 3) Now the only thing left on the wheels should be brakedust, dust, or waterspots. Go ahead and clean the wheels with car soap and a soft clean mit of some sort. A wash mit or microfiber mit would work good for this, just make sure it is clean. Hose them off, wash them up, and then rinse them off. Stay away from the wheel cleaners. If you clean your wheels once or twice a week, you won't need a wheel cleaner chemical. 4) Dry them off with a clean chamois, microfiber towel, or 100% cotton towel. Try and dry them before they waterspot. You can use compressed air if it's available. 5) If you are wanting a perfect shine, then you can polish them. The main this is, is to keep your towels and rags clean, and to prep the wheel by removing the major dirt. Your trying to avoid scratching the wheel, which aluminum does very easily.
	[Reply w/Quote]

09-03-2006, 11:06 PM	#3
96blazer """"""""""""""""""""""""" Join Date: Jul 2001 Posts: 28,369 Location: ? User is: OffLine	Re: How to CLEAN new wheels??? You should ask other guys with Intros what do they use. I know Mothers Billit Polish is the best for the Centerlines and other polished things I have, but never tried it on Intros metal. Keep a small box in your truck with items to keep your wheels polished. And everytime you see them dirty, clean them.
	[Reply w/Quote]

09-04-2006, 06:24 PM	#4
ThorRacing01 Registered User Age: 26 Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 1,509 Location: newport news,va User is: OffLine	Re: How to CLEAN new wheels??? s10cyncrvr- what do you use for wax and grease remover??
	[Reply w/Quote]

09-04-2006, 06:32 PM	#5
s10cyncrvr Canyon Carver Age: 29 Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 2,852 Location: Columbia, IL User is: OffLine	Re: How to CLEAN new wheels??? Quote: Originally Posted by ThorRacing01 s10cyncrvr- what do you use for wax and grease remover?? It usually says "Wax and Grease Remover" on the side of the container. It may also be called Paint Prep. If you go to an automotive paint supply store, they'll know what your wanting.
	[Reply w/Quote]

09-06-2006, 01:50 AM	#6
neuronyx Seeking Insight Age: 22 Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 554 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: How to CLEAN new wheels??? I take my wheels off when I want to give them a really good cleaning. That way its easy to clean the inside of the rims. I usually use some light steel wool (NOT on the clear coated areas), and goo gone for the tar spots. Aside from the pitted areas they come up pretty nice! Took a black rim and made it shiny again with some time & elbow grease.
	[Reply w/Quote]

09-06-2006, 01:58 AM	#7
*orangesonoma* forum idiot Age: 31 Join Date: Oct 2002 Posts: 46,856 Location: Indian Trail, NC User is: OffLine	Re: How to CLEAN new wheels??? on my intros i used mother incredible polish...but it takes me way longer to polish my intros then it did my boyds....dunno why...
	[Reply w/Quote]