Cleaning Alloys

[samsonite]

When I first cleaned my car, the alloys came up nice and clean just using the car shampoo. Since I have had some new tyres fitted, there are dark oily smudges all over the alloys. I could shift these marks with shampoo and a sponge - it just smeared it all-over the place! Will a special alloy cleaner get rid of these sticky smudges or do I need use something just designed to remove grease first?

Boring I know, but now I have a clean car with dirty wheels!

[oakley]

the stuffs always helpful to have so buy some if u havent got any...i always just used water and a sponge and really worked up a sweat!! I did however get some a few weeks back and it really does work! Nomore hard work its great..If it doesnt remove the marks then at least u have some cleaner anyways then just use a de-greaser..(i always use de-greasing hand wipes..so easy to use and so much less mess and nice clean hands afterwards!)

[1canary]

Bimmer Angel where are you ??????????????

[samsonite]

I'll get some cleaner and see how it works. Hopefully I won't need to do it much though :)

[jasonf860]

I never had that greasy stuff on my wheels until i switched from a spray type tire shine to a gel type that lasts longer. Now I get that goo all the time, even after I switched back.

[Bimmer_Angel]

Bimmer Angel where are you ??????????????

I'M HERE :D

WD40 Buddy. I would spray it onto a lint free cloth and gently rub away the grease. Then, wash immediately with warm soapy water - Hey Presto - oil gone!!

A good tip for cleaning alloys - remove excess dust with a DRY soft cloth. It comes off amazingly easy and leaves the alloys clean and shiny.

When your alloys are clean make sure you give them a waxing. Do this regularly and you build up a protective layer.

Let me know how you get on.

You say clean car - dirty wheels. If you look at anyone who is looking at your car you can guarantee the first thing they look at are the wheels :mad:

:angel:

[buster318is]

You say clean car - dirty wheels. If you look at anyone who is looking at your car you can guarantee the first thing they look at are the wheels :mad:

:angel:

+1! :thumbup:

[jason_recliner]

Angel, you are an amazing source of tips like this.

[Bimmer_Angel]

Angel, you are an amazing source of tips like this.

Why thank you kind Sir :whip:

:angel:

[straytowel]

instead of using a wax on wheels i prefer to use an acrylic sealant, like klasse all-in-one. works better at stopping brake dust buildup imo.

[Bimmer_Angel]

Have not heard of this in the UK but I am sure there is an equivalent.

[samsonite]

I will try your tips Bimmer Angel as I always have a can of WD-40 somewhere. Will let you know how it goes! :)

[Bimmer_Utd]

WD-40 is like an all-round wonder liquid - It is the best bit of equipment to have in your garage for general lubricating etc.

[spoddy]

yes its true, everyone looks at your wheels 1st, for a 1994 everyone tells me how well the original alloys are, just need new centre caps as mine are flaking, but only grime on the front alloys and a few scratches on the rear alloys, but shine up well with same stuff i wash the car with.

anyone know what the colour is for touch up paint for alloys, or do you have to know alloy model etc?

[oakley]

wurth alloy wheel spray mate.. (most paint shops sell it)

[rwg]

WD40 isn't a lubricant. It's a cleaner. Just thought I would throw that out there.

Cleaning alloys with a dry cloth can leave swirl marks just like on paint (although not as easily as the finish is tougher). if you have enough build up that you have to rub, I wouldn't use a dry cloth. It makes them look better than they did, no question. But it's possible to do harm.

Those citrus cleaners will work well for this stuff too - the goof offs of the world. So does straight dishwashing liquid and water. All of this stuff will take wax off though, so you have to wax afterwards if you need to use it.

[Bimmer_Angel]

It will only leave swirl marks if you clean in circles. I NEVER polish my car's bodywork by using swirls ALWAYS straight lines.

You would only use a dry cloth to get rid of 'dust' on the alloys not the ground in dirt. Most people's annoyance stems from the fact that even if they have only been up the road and back they return home to find brake dust on their beloved alloys. This is where the soft cloth tip is most useful.

+1 on your last paragraph regarding re-applying wax