care of wheels? - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

adams293 · 11-10-2009, 07:44 AM

I have polished aluminum wheels on my new camaro can you tell me how to keep them shiny and what kind of wax to use?

adams293 · 11-10-2009, 08:44 AM

?

Moose · 11-10-2009, 08:51 AM

Give them a good bath first.
Then, use a good quality wax/polish on them and you'll be fine.

In my experiences, I've used Zaino Car Wash, and Polish on wheels, and I've never had a problem keeping them clean and protected.

Get a separate wash mitt to clean them with too.

If you're going with an "over the counter" wax/polish, look at either Mothers or Meguires.

Ed

myold88 · 11-10-2009, 08:58 AM

Use only a mild commercial car soap- The ones that say use one ounce per gal. That's all you need if you clean them every week or so. The main thing is to keep the brake dust off of them and don't use anything strong like fantastic, windex, etc. I clean my polished wheels twice as much as I wash the entire car because of the abrasive brake dust. I don't know that a wax is necessary.

Moose · 11-10-2009, 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by myold88

Use only a mild commercial car soap- The ones that say use one ounce per gal. That's all you need if you clean them every week or so. The main thing is to keep the brake dust off of them and don't use anything strong like fantastic, windex, etc. I clean my polished wheels twice as much as I wash the entire car because of the abrasive brake dust. I don't know that a wax is necessary.

Good point, re; brake dust.

I detailed a Mercede's, whose owner let the wheels turn black...wheels became pitted from the brake dust.

I'd highly recommend a wax/polish though...it can't hurt and will offer additional protection.

When my new set of rims arrived for the SS, they received about 5 coats of polish prior to be installed...they still look brand new.

Chris@glimmerglass · 11-10-2009, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moose

Good point, re; brake dust.

I detailed a Mercede's, whose owner let the wheels turn black...wheels became pitted from the brake dust.

I'd highly recommend a wax/polish though...it can't hurt and will offer additional protection.

When my new set of rims arrived for the SS, they received about 5 coats of polish prior to be installed...they still look brand new.

You too huh? Whats w/ those Mercedes owners

Check out these wheels from a MB I detailed as well. The brake dust was just caked on there!

Not all wheels were torn up from the brake dust, but a lot of them, covering 90% of the wheels, were pitted and damaged from neglect.

And yes, I also highly recommend a wheel sealant. It will make those weekly cleanings significantly easier and, as a result, means you wont have to use any wheel cleaners to assist in cleaning... just soap and water

Heres a link to a wheel sealant w/ a proven track record: Poorboys Wheel Sealant

Sir Nuke · 11-10-2009, 10:03 AM

AND on top of what has already been said, DO NOT FORGET to clean the BACK SIDE of the wheels. Our wheels have enough space, as long as you don't have monster sized hands, that you can reach in between the spokes and get all the nasty stuff easily off if you do it often enough, once every week or two. I do it every time I clean my car, which is often. I quick wipe down is all it takes if done often enough, even if the car doesn't need cleaning.

Moose · 11-10-2009, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris@glimmerglass

You too huh? Whats w/ those Mercedes owners

EXACTLY!

What is it with folks who own "higher end" vehicles??? I see more Merc's, BMW's, etc., with wheels that look like CRAP, and I feel sorry....FOR THE CAR!

Oldrocker · 11-10-2009, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moose

EXACTLY!

What is it with folks who own "higher end" vehicles??? I see more Merc's, BMW's, etc., with wheels that look like CRAP, and I feel sorry....FOR THE CAR!

I work on Mercedes Benz vehicle regularly in my shop. Most of the owners never wash these high dollar cars! I have a brown 2005 SLK 350 with black wheels in here that would white if it was cleaned!

Moose · 11-10-2009, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oldrocker

I work on Mercedes Benz vehicle regularly in my shop. Most of the owners never wash these high dollar cars! I have a brown 2005 SLK 350 with black wheels in here that would white if it was cleaned!

The brake dust might have something to do with the type of pads they use, but regardless...have a little pride and at least try to keep them clean.

Some of the owners of the higher end cars Ive detailed should be ashamed.

MrGood · 11-10-2009, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oldrocker

I work on Mercedes Benz vehicle regularly in my shop. Most of the owners never wash these high dollar cars! I have a brown 2005 SLK 350 with black wheels in here that would white if it was cleaned!

They spent all their money on the car and can't afford to wash it now..

But my gma drives a '08 S550 and its always dirty too haha..

Nexus6 · 11-10-2009, 02:28 PM

I have had some good luck with this on my powdercoated wheels

http://www.wheelwax.com/ . it's co-branded by American Racing Wheels

I hope that didn't offend anyone....

DkknightX · 11-10-2009, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moose

EXACTLY!

What is it with folks who own "higher end" vehicles??? I see more Merc's, BMW's, etc., with wheels that look like CRAP, and I feel sorry....FOR THE CAR!

Problem is I think 70% are leased and don't care. :(

Mr_Draco · 11-10-2009, 10:34 PM

Moose, what tire cleaner would you recommend that is also safe on the Zainoed rims?

We live on a dirt road and when it rains it turns to red clay mud. I hand wash the rims but this doesn't work on the tires so I have to spray them down with some kind of cleaner and scrub them.

11-10-2009, 07:44 AM	#1
adams293 Drives: white Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: ky Posts: 11	care of wheels? I have polished aluminum wheels on my new camaro can you tell me how to keep them shiny and what kind of wax to use?

11-10-2009, 10:03 AM	#7
Sir Nuke Master of All Things Drives: '26 Corvette Stingray Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Southeast of Houston, Texas Posts: 22,676 View My Garage	AND on top of what has already been said, DO NOT FORGET to clean the BACK SIDE of the wheels. Our wheels have enough space, as long as you don't have monster sized hands, that you can reach in between the spokes and get all the nasty stuff easily off if you do it often enough, once every week or two. I do it every time I clean my car, which is often. I quick wipe down is all it takes if done often enough, even if the car doesn't need cleaning. __________________

11-10-2009, 02:28 PM	#12
Nexus6 More human than human Drives: 2010 IOM 2SS/RS Join Date: May 2008 Location: The mouth of hell Posts: 1,887 View My Garage	I have had some good luck with this on my powdercoated wheels http://www.wheelwax.com/ . it's co-branded by American Racing Wheels I hope that didn't offend anyone.... __________________ 1100 - 10/22/2008 3000 - 05/27/2009 3300 - 06/06/2009 3800 - 06/29/2009 4B00 - 06/29/2009 Warehouse 13 survivor Blood stains,speed kills,fast cars,cheap thrills,rich women,fine wine,i lost my sense i lost control i lost my mind.

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11-10-2009, 08:44 AM	#2
adams293 Drives: white Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: ky Posts: 11	?

11-10-2009, 08:51 AM	#3
Moose Moderator Drives: '99 Camaro SS #1392 Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Newtown, Pa. Posts: 3,982	Give them a good bath first. Then, use a good quality wax/polish on them and you'll be fine. In my experiences, I've used Zaino Car Wash, and Polish on wheels, and I've never had a problem keeping them clean and protected. Get a separate wash mitt to clean them with too. If you're going with an "over the counter" wax/polish, look at either Mothers or Meguires. Ed

11-10-2009, 08:58 AM	#4
myold88 Drives: SUMMIT WHITE 2SS/RS CAMARO Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: 2018: Lakewood Ranch, Fl. Posts: 8,163 View My Garage	Use only a mild commercial car soap- The ones that say use one ounce per gal. That's all you need if you clean them every week or so. The main thing is to keep the brake dust off of them and don't use anything strong like fantastic, windex, etc. I clean my polished wheels twice as much as I wash the entire car because of the abrasive brake dust. I don't know that a wax is necessary.

11-10-2009, 10:34 PM	#14
Mr_Draco Drives: 2SS/RS Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Western North Carolina Posts: 7,344	Moose, what tire cleaner would you recommend that is also safe on the Zainoed rims? We live on a dirt road and when it rains it turns to red clay mud. I hand wash the rims but this doesn't work on the tires so I have to spray them down with some kind of cleaner and scrub them.