Car Detailing Question!!!

So I went to PepBoys to get some car was supplies. I needed to get something to help with cleaning the brake dust off of my wheels. I got 2 different kinds (BlackMagic and Meguires) that say to just to spray on the wheel, let it sit for 10 mins and wash off with water. Well, needless to say, they both sucked and didn't do a thing.

My question is, where can I get the stuff they use at car washes? They spray that stuff on the wheels and presto, brake dust just disappears.

Originally Posted by hartman1081

So I went to PepBoys to get some car was supplies. I needed to get something to help with cleaning the brake dust off of my wheels. I got 2 different kinds (BlackMagic and Meguires) that say to just to spray on the wheel, let it sit for 10 mins and wash off with water. Well, needless to say, they both sucked and didn't do a thing.

My question is, where can I get the stuff they use at car washes? They spray that stuff on the wheels and presto, brake dust just disappears.

From someone who supplies car washes and dealer detail shops. There are several detailing forums online. Be careful with that spray, it can damage the finish on your wheels. I wouldn't leave that on for ten minutes. I use a sponge, car wash soap and water and it works fine.

Craig

I tried that and there is still brake dust on the wheel. Almost like its caked on from the heat. I try scraping it off with the towel and it just won't come off.

Originally Posted by hartman1081

I tried that and there is still brake dust on the wheel. Almost like its caked on from the heat. I try scraping it off with the towel and it just won't come off.

Check with your BMW dealer. At one time, BMW had a wheel cleaner. I used it on some of my other BMW's. You must have left the brake dust on for a long time for it not to come off? I'm not sure BMW still makes a wheel cleaner, but it's worth asking the dealer. Also, check with their detail dept. to see what they would use to remove your caked on brake dust.

Regards,

Craig

Originally Posted by Craig B

Check with your BMW dealer. At one time, BMW had a wheel cleaner. I used it on some of my other BMW's. You must have left the brake dust on for a long time for it not to come off? I'm not sure BMW still makes a wheel cleaner, but it's worth asking the dealer. Also, check with their detail dept. to see what they would use to remove your caked on brake dust.

Regards,

Craig

I don't leave it on there that long depending on when I can get a chance to was the truck. I think this last time it was on there for like a week and a half to 2 weeks. Maybe my brake pads are giving off to much dust?

If the brake dust residue is truly baked on, it may take a careful application with a clay bar...
if not fully baked, I use Meguiars Hot Wheels or the like: rinse cool wheel, spray on, let sit
a min or less, and gently but thoroughly wipe off with a good sheep wool mitt drenched in
water and the soap bubbles of your fave car wash product. Should clean right up; if not,
clay is the only method I know to really get the crap off.
GL,mD

Originally Posted by motordavid

If the brake dust residue is truly baked on, it may take a careful application with a clay bar...
if not fully baked, I use Meguiars Hot Wheels or the like: rinse cool wheel, spray on, let sit
a min or less, and gently but thoroughly wipe off with a good sheep wool mitt drenched in
water and the soap bubbles of your fave car wash product. Should clean right up; if not,
clay is the only method I know to really get the crap off.
GL,mD

Ill have to try that brand.

Thanks

+1 for Meguiars. but the persistent stuff still has to be scrubbed off.

You owe it to yourself and your Bimmer to visit the Detailers Domain website.

www.detailersdomain.com

Here is a link to an overkill how to on cleaning your wheels/brakes et al. It really is over the top but you can garner some tips to get it done to the level you desire.

http://detailersdomain.wordpress.com...rake-calipers/

P21s has a great wheel kit and the really stubborn stuff can be removed with a clay bar. Einszett is also a really top quality manufacturer with a complete line that is probably all you will need for an X5. After claying do not forget to apply a really good wax to the wheel, I use Swissvax Autobahn high temperature wheel wax. I dress the tires with Swissvax Pneu...very nice matte finish.

I got really anal a few years back with my new Carrera S and believe me, Detailers Domain is top notch, gives great advice and does not steer you to overkill products for a daily driver. Another hint is to search the detailing forum(s) as Phil will provide discount codes to use while checking out...10-20% off. I have no affiliation other than as a satisfied customer. He also shows details he does with before/after photos. I'm not that into it however one nice touch is he will list in the text a list of all products and tools he used. A nice touch considering he uses different products from different companies. I thought Swissvax waxes were overpriced until I used them for the 1st time, unbelievable results.....I use Mystery however they now have a BMW specific wax.

One thing you will discover after using the higher quality products is that Pep Boys doesn't stock much that you will allow to touch your vehicle after experiencing the difference. Good luck.

I wash my X5 every other week. I have no issue cleaning the brake dust. Just keep it up. The longer you wait, the harder it will get it out. I wouldn't spray the chemical onto the rims.

Ok, so I just washed my wheels today. I washed them last Monday 8/3. This time I just used Meguires car was soap and scrubbed as hard as I could. Here is the results. I cant get rid of this crap. Ill have to try that P21s stuff I guess.

Why not get your wheels chromed by that outfit on Ebay?

Originally Posted by tonywintn

Why not get your wheels chromed by that outfit on Ebay?

Not a big fan of chrome wheels. Just clean ones.

Originally Posted by hartman1081

Ok, so I just washed my wheels today. I washed them last Monday 8/3. This time I just used Meguires car was soap and scrubbed as hard as I could. Here is the results. I cant get rid of this crap. Ill have to try that P21s stuff I guess.
...

As I suggested in my first reply, I would cop a clay bar at your local AutoZone, et al,
and give that a try. With clay, less is more, pressure-wise.
GL,mD

1. Clay bars don't work very well on most wheels, unless the wheel is painted with a clearcoat. Clay bars work via a shearing process that is only effective for very slick surfaces (like smooth painted finishes on your sheetmetal, not the somewhat textured surface of most wheels.

2. If you have a BMW dealer nearby, get their BMW wheel cleaner spray. It is the same as P21S. P21S makes it for BMW on an OEM basis. Same product. Actually a bit cheaper from BMW than P21S directly. If no BMW dealer nearby, order the P21S via mail. Great product that is STRONG and yet is perfectly safe for the wheel finish.

- Wet the wheel with water.
- Spray on the P21S, fully drenching the wheel.
- Let soak for 45 seconds.
- Brush wheel with a wheel brush, including all nooks and crannies.
- Spray wheel with fresh water.

Wheels will look new.

Originally Posted by BradATL

1. Clay bars don't work very well on most wheels, unless the wheel is painted with a clearcoat. Clay bars work via a shearing process that is only effective for very slick surfaces (like smooth painted finishes on your sheetmetal, not the somewhat textured surface of most wheels.

2. If you have a BMW dealer nearby, get their BMW wheel cleaner spray. It is the same as P21S. P21S makes it for BMW on an OEM basis. Same product. Actually a bit cheaper from BMW than P21S directly. If no BMW dealer nearby, order the P21S via mail. Great product that is STRONG and yet is perfectly safe for the wheel finish.

- Wet the wheel with water.
- Spray on the P21S, fully drenching the wheel.
- Let soak for 45 seconds.
- Brush wheel with a wheel brush, including all nooks and crannies.
- Spray wheel with fresh water.

Wheels will look new.

Same advice I gave earlier. Check with your dealer. I don't have that problem on my new X5...

Craig

No cleaner will help with that. You are going to need to clay bar it (small pieces). Then you will need to wax the wheels. Easier to do with the wheels off the car so plan on an hour+ per rim. You try the 21s and then get your finger in there to try and loosen the brake dust.