[SirBedevere]

Brake dust on the front wheels, especially from Performance Friction pads, is very hard to wash off the seven spoke wheels. Does anyone here use a power washer to get those babies clean? I've spent too many hours trying to clean wheels, and seek an easier and better way to do a good job. Is a 3000 psi washer the way to go, or would it do more harm than good?

 

[ItsThaMonsta]

I only ever use the power spray option on my standard $7 head that I bought from home depot. I spray them done, then wash them with the car wash I use, then I spray them with the same blast to rinse clean. I do that once a week when I wash my car. Work good for me. But then against I have stock brake pads.

 

[shadowhusky]

you really dont want to use excessive pressure when doing your wheels. If you get too close with 3000 psi you could take the finish right off the wheel. Of course the brake dust would come off too.rotfl I just wash mine once a week and sometimes I just wipe then down. keeping the wheels waxed helps out a lot too.

 

[RoadDad]

If your wheels are painted, a pressure washer can lift the paint off.

I clean mine really well and then wax them. It makes the cleaning much easier.

 

[deddie]

I use a power washer on all of my cars. Wheels, body...everything. Just make sure you are not using a super high pressure nozzle. I have never had a problem.

 

[kestrel74]

Yep, I use a 1600 lb electric on mine......BUT >>> I never get closer than about 8 inches from anything. I put my hand in front of the spray to initially judge how far away to stay. Been doing it for years now, and no problems. JUST don't get too close !

 

[Vishus_1]

I use wax/polish on the wheels - I would never use high pressure on any automotive surface. You may get away with it a few times but it will damage the finish over time.

I would highly reccommend a steam cleaner. It's low pressure and the heat and steam just help lift it right off. I'm talking about the portable ones you use around the house. You can buy them at Walmart, Target, Bed Bath and Beyond, etc. These work fantastic on aluminum rims and brake dust. It's an old trick I have been using for a while combined with wax/polish.

The best polish I have found for the rims is Rejex. You could use Zaino too but I would rather save that for the body. Rejex provides a fantastic coating that allows water out of a hose to clean it off.

If you put a steam cleaner and use Rejex - it literally takes seconds to clean the wheels.

Keep in mind not all steam cleaners are created equal - some take a while before they are hot enough to use. Many have attachments too, but all you should really need is a long, flexible nozzle (nothing with a brush). Some are portable - some are plug in. Portables will last so long on a charge. Some hold more water than others. It's all a matter of preference.


Oh and also --- these are great for wheel wells and other hard to reach places.

 

[glb]

p21s gel

spray on, let sit a bit, wash off

here:

! Car Care Specialties, Inc. - Your Source For Quality Car Care Products, How-To Articles and Product Evaluations.


Waxing does help, and the better the wheel finish, the easier to clean.

 

[LARRY]

Dilute this stuff with water in a spray bottle.

Spray it on your wheels. Hose it off.

No pressure sprayer needed on the wheels.

Really inexpensive and great to use...

 

[pla_time]

One reason I went with the "black package" was that I hate cleaning the wheels. Since the brake dust is black and the wheels are black, I don't even bother rinsing them off.