best way to protect new wheels? - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

scott's45 · 12-29-2014, 04:28 PM

bought some new wheels, niche milan, silver finish. no tires are mounted yet. was wondering, what do you guys suggest i should use to best protect them against brake dust, dirt, road grime etc?

CamaroDreams07 · 12-29-2014, 04:29 PM

I'd use a coating like Opticoat

myold88 · 12-29-2014, 05:26 PM

Even if the car doesn't get cleaned, I clean my wheels at least once a week to keep the road grime off.
They still look like new after 5 years and 36,000+ miles. Added photo, taken this month VVVVV.

Adam's Polishes · 12-29-2014, 05:33 PM

Coating is going to be the #1 option simply for longevity and the 'self cleaning' properties to it. Theres a number of them out there, you'll pay handily for them, but most of them are worth it.

If you're not going to spend the $$$ on a coating then a sealant is the next best option. We have a spray on sealant product that will resist high heat and a fair amount of road abuse.

Quick Sealant

This product has been a hit with our customers for a long time for its ease of application on wheels and the optically clear cross linking polymer protection. Its about the best option if you're going to go sealant.

Last on the list would be a wax, the problem here is that most waxes won't withstand the heat produced by wheels under most driving conditions so the effect won't last long.

scandata · 12-29-2014, 06:50 PM

Wow, and I was going to say just keep them waxed. I didn't know there were products specifically for protecting wheels. That's why I like coming here and reading threads that I don't even think will apply to me: I learn something new every day.

SSJ455 · 12-29-2014, 07:19 PM

Ceramic pads.

scott's45 · 12-30-2014, 02:59 AM

thanks for the replies! i learned a lot, that's why i love this forum.

JTruck · 12-30-2014, 03:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SSJ455

Ceramic pads.

That doesn't solve the dust and road grime.

SSJ455 · 12-30-2014, 06:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JTruck

That doesn't solve the dust and road grime.

I've had ceramics in the past and it definitely solved 90% of the brake dust issue. True, road grime may be a different issue but not having to deal with brake dust is a BIG plus.

CamaroDreams07 · 12-30-2014, 11:47 AM

Ceramics dust less but it's still there. The difference is that it isn't visible like traditional pad dust. It blends in with the wheels.

charlietuna · 12-30-2014, 04:18 PM

They are already off the car. I would wash with dawn. Then clay them. Then coat them. Then have the tires mounted. Although a wheel wax or scealant will protect them short term a coating like Modesta or Opticoat would be a better choice for long term protection.

12-29-2014, 04:29 PM	#2
CamaroDreams07 Drives: Slow V6 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: East Lansing, MI Posts: 9,361 View My Garage	I'd use a coating like Opticoat __________________ [B]

12-29-2014, 05:26 PM	#3
myold88 Drives: SUMMIT WHITE 2SS/RS CAMARO Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: 2018: Lakewood Ranch, Fl. Posts: 8,112 View My Garage	Even if the car doesn't get cleaned, I clean my wheels at least once a week to keep the road grime off. They still look like new after 5 years and 36,000+ miles. Added photo, taken this month VVVVV. Attached Images __________________ Last edited by myold88; 12-30-2014 at 06:51 AM.

12-29-2014, 06:50 PM	#5
scandata Drives: 2015 2SS/RS vert, Spring Green Edtn Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Sarasota, FL Posts: 1,284	Wow, and I was going to say just keep them waxed. I didn't know there were products specifically for protecting wheels. That's why I like coming here and reading threads that I don't even think will apply to me: I learn something new every day. __________________ 2015 2SS/RS vert, Spring Edition Green Flash (2015 - present) 2014 1LT vert, Blue Ray Metallic (2014 - 2015)

12-29-2014, 07:19 PM	#6
SSJ455 Drives: "Kara Zor-El" 2017 2SS HBM Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Lower Hudson Valley Posts: 2,036 View My Garage	Ceramic pads. __________________ Lead me not into temptation. I already know the way. Lana? Lana? LANA! LAAANAAAA!!!! What? Dangerzoooooone.

12-30-2014, 02:59 AM	#7
scott's45 Scott's45 Drives: 2012 2SS 45th Anniversary Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: New Hampshire Posts: 557 View My Garage	thanks for the replies! i learned a lot, that's why i love this forum. __________________ 2012 2SS 45th Anniversary, Hurst short throw shifter, Stainless Power LT headers, high flow cats, SW Retro Chambered 3" cat back, CAI, Heritage grill, tinted windows, red/silver hash stripes, AAC LED sidemarkers, blacked out turn signals/tail lights, splash guards. 402RWHP

12-29-2014, 04:28 PM	#1
scott's45 Scott's45 Drives: 2012 2SS 45th Anniversary Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: New Hampshire Posts: 557 View My Garage	best way to protect new wheels? bought some new wheels, niche milan, silver finish. no tires are mounted yet. was wondering, what do you guys suggest i should use to best protect them against brake dust, dirt, road grime etc? Attached Images __________________ 2012 2SS 45th Anniversary, Hurst short throw shifter, Stainless Power LT headers, high flow cats, SW Retro Chambered 3" cat back, CAI, Heritage grill, tinted windows, red/silver hash stripes, AAC LED sidemarkers, blacked out turn signals/tail lights, splash guards. 402RWHP

12-29-2014, 05:33 PM	#4
Adam's Polishes Drives: The shiny ones. Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: In the detail shop! Posts: 5,979	Coating is going to be the #1 option simply for longevity and the 'self cleaning' properties to it. Theres a number of them out there, you'll pay handily for them, but most of them are worth it. If you're not going to spend the $$$ on a coating then a sealant is the next best option. We have a spray on sealant product that will resist high heat and a fair amount of road abuse. Quick Sealant This product has been a hit with our customers for a long time for its ease of application on wheels and the optically clear cross linking polymer protection. Its about the best option if you're going to go sealant. Last on the list would be a wax, the problem here is that most waxes won't withstand the heat produced by wheels under most driving conditions so the effect won't last long.

12-30-2014, 11:47 AM	#10
CamaroDreams07 Drives: Slow V6 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: East Lansing, MI Posts: 9,361 View My Garage	Ceramics dust less but it's still there. The difference is that it isn't visible like traditional pad dust. It blends in with the wheels. __________________ [B]

12-30-2014, 04:18 PM	#11
charlietuna Drives: 2013 ZL1 Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 1,342 View My Garage	They are already off the car. I would wash with dawn. Then clay them. Then coat them. Then have the tires mounted. Although a wheel wax or scealant will protect them short term a coating like Modesta or Opticoat would be a better choice for long term protection. __________________ Laus Deo