MINI2

LMB · Dec 13th, 2001, 11:34 AM

Could someone please recommend a product that they have found to be the excellent at getting their alloy wheels looking like new.

Thanks

LMB

kjs · Dec 13th, 2001, 11:51 AM

TutleWax alloy cleaner, with a brush in the top of the can.

otherwise a bit of spit and polish and some elbow grease!

kjs

Dom · Dec 13th, 2001, 12:24 PM

I've got the white wheels and I find any brake dust comes off easily with a sponge. Just gotta keep it polished, that's all...

Dom

dietcokeplease · Dec 13th, 2001, 02:04 PM

Wonder Wheels. Has a nifty little brush and pot so there's little wastage as with some spray on products. Use a good quality wax afterwards. I use Autogylm Super Resin Polish followed by Extra Gloss Protection. Result: Super Clean, Super Slippery Alloys.

BruceK · Dec 13th, 2001, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by dietcokeplease
Wonder Wheels. Has a nifty little brush .......

See, I thought you might say Diet Coke was the perfect wheel cleaner as it is mildly acidic, easily foams, comes pressurized, and with no sugar it won't leave a sticky residue.

(Just kidding - I'm drinking a DC as I type this -- well actually its sitting on the desk next to the keyboard

)

dietcokeplease · Dec 13th, 2001, 02:21 PM

........it just has a funny aftertaste(!)

LMB · Dec 14th, 2001, 02:25 PM

Thank you

I do have one question:

Quote:

Originally posted by dietcokeplease
..... Use a good quality wax afterwards. I use Autogylm Super Resin Polish followed by Extra Gloss Protection. Result: Super Clean, Super Slippery Alloys.

Are you mean't to wax alloys? I can't say I have ever done that

Cheers

LMB

Dom · Dec 14th, 2001, 03:26 PM

I think this is relating to the white wheels... waxing helps make them easier to remove the brakedust. Not sure what to do with unpainted though...

Dom

BruceK · Dec 14th, 2001, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Dom
I think this is relating to the white wheels... waxing helps make them easier to remove the brakedust. Not sure what to do with unpainted though...

Dom

Remember that most "unpainted" wheels aren't. The paint just happens to be a clearcoat finish. Can't say if they should be waxed though...

dietcokeplease · Dec 14th, 2001, 07:46 PM

LMB,

I know it sounds weird but yes I do wax the wheels on my cars - always have done. When "I were a young lad" I had a Golf - took my wheels for refurbishment and the owner said that the best way to keep your wheels clean and prevent corrosion was to wax them regularly.

The wheels are just like paintwork. They get more extremes of hot/cold and water/grit/brakedust than the bodywork. Waxing helps prevent the brakedust from etching into the surface of the wheels (preventing that horrible "pitting")and more importantly makes cleaning them easier the next time round.

LMB · Dec 15th, 2001, 05:57 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by dietcokeplease
LMB,

I know it sounds weird but yes I do wax the wheels on my cars - always have done. When "I were a young lad" I had a Golf - took my wheels for refurbishment and the owner said that the best way to keep your wheels clean and prevent corrosion was to wax them regularly.

The wheels are just like paintwork. They get more extremes of hot/cold and water/grit/brakedust than the bodywork. Waxing helps prevent the brakedust from etching into the surface of the wheels (preventing that horrible "pitting")and more importantly makes cleaning them easier the next time round.

Cool,

I like the sound of that

I will try that, thanks for you advice

Wow, you learn something new everyday

LMB

MINIMARK · Dec 15th, 2001, 08:16 AM

Is car wax the same stuff that my missus uses on her legs then? Or is it different!

Mark

InsiderMINI · Dec 21st, 2001, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by MINIMARK
Is car wax the same stuff that my missus uses on her legs then? Or is it different!

Mark

How about shaking some out of ears? - That's even better, it's free!

Might be a bit whiffy or greasy though!

Garry · Dec 24th, 2001, 06:06 AM

Just make sure that you use soapy water, and don't let the brake dust build up!

Basil · Dec 26th, 2001, 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by LMB
Could someone please recommend a product that they have found to be the excellent at getting their alloy wheels looking like new.

Thanks

LMB

WD40.....just DONT spray it directly on the wheel.....not good for brakes. But I have found it does remove brake dust and tar marks generaly. I can't see why you wouldn't use a wax product on the white or silver wheels. White is probably powdercoat and the silver would be clear laquer.

I use WD40 for removing tar and bugs from the paintwork and provided you re-wax the car afterwords seems to work fine. Taxi Drivers use kerosene in water for their paintwork, but I have never been game to try it. Might work for wheels too, and a lot cheaper than proprietary products.

cheers

smiffy · Dec 27th, 2001, 03:33 AM

Use some water, a good soft brush & some elbow grease

Works a treat

Applejack · Dec 31st, 2001, 03:05 PM

Has anyone used Wonder Wheels, it says not to be used on coated alloys, does that mean the MINI 17" i've got?

dietcokeplease · Jan 1st, 2002, 10:48 AM

Apple,

I use Wonder Wheels on my MINI. The product is approved by loads of wheel manufacturers such as Wolfrace/Alloy Wheels International. The MINI wheels have are sprayed silver/alu and then clear coated with a lacquer. As long as the lacquer is intact then it's ok to use. Just follow the instructions on the box. The most important thing to note is that the contact period of the acid solution is not of paramount importance - just make sure it does not dry out by spraying it lightly with water. Also don't forget to wax afterwards.

Basil · Jan 1st, 2002, 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Applejack
Has anyone used Wonder Wheels, it says not to be used on coated alloys, does that mean the MINI 17" i've got?

Oi!!!.......someones gone and pinched me flag !!!

TJL · Jan 10th, 2002, 08:28 AM

Many wheel cleaning solutions are very corrosive/caustic and can actually damage wheels when used over long periods of time. It is very difficult to know which ones are safe and which ones aren't.

I asked my BMW dealer what they would recommend for my MINI's 16" white wheels. They have their own cleaner which they sell for around £10 a litre which seems to work very well and its also peace of mind that since it is recommended (and presumably validated/approved) by BMW it won't damage those nice white alloys.

Incidentally, even the 'silver' 16" wheels are not actually alloy finish - they are painted silver and lacquered so have exactly the same cleaning properties as the white ones.

Generally I find that they clean up very easily. They don't have awkward profiles to get dirt out of and the surface seems to be 'slippery' and well lacquered so that dirt washes off without much effort.

I would recommend the BMW cleaner itself and I'd be sceptical about any others.

TJL

Dec 13th, 2001, 11:34 AM	#1
LMB Toon Toon.. <div><a href= Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Up North Local Time: 01:28 PM Posts: 24,964 Offline	What's the best product to clean alloys??? Could someone please recommend a product that they have found to be the excellent at getting their alloy wheels looking like new. Thanks LMB Global Moderator

Dec 13th, 2001, 02:04 PM	#4 (permalink)
dietcokeplease Official MINI2 Fluffer Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Spearmint Rhino Local Time: 12:28 PM Posts: 5,315 Offline	Wonder Wheels. Has a nifty little brush and pot so there's little wastage as with some spray on products. Use a good quality wax afterwards. I use Autogylm Super Resin Polish followed by Extra Gloss Protection. Result: Super Clean, Super Slippery Alloys. There is just one moon and one golden sun; And a smile mean friendship to ev'ryone; Through the mountains divide, and the oceans are wide; It's a small world after all.

Dec 13th, 2001, 02:18 PM	#5 (permalink)
BruceK Moderator & Sponsor Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: San Antonio, Texas Local Time: 06:28 AM Posts: 3,759 Offline	Quote: Originally posted by dietcokeplease Wonder Wheels. Has a nifty little brush ....... See, I thought you might say Diet Coke was the perfect wheel cleaner as it is mildly acidic, easily foams, comes pressurized, and with no sugar it won't leave a sticky residue. (Just kidding - I'm drinking a DC as I type this -- well actually its sitting on the desk next to the keyboard ) + 2002 MINI Cooper S - Dark Silver / White roof, Sport, Premium, Lapis blue leather + 1965 Mini Traveller - Tartan Red / White roof, 1275, Cooper S discs, fully restored/renewed

Dec 13th, 2001, 02:21 PM	#6 (permalink)
dietcokeplease Official MINI2 Fluffer Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Spearmint Rhino Local Time: 12:28 PM Posts: 5,315 Offline	........it just has a funny aftertaste(!) There is just one moon and one golden sun; And a smile mean friendship to ev'ryone; Through the mountains divide, and the oceans are wide; It's a small world after all.

Dec 14th, 2001, 02:25 PM	#7 (permalink)
LMB Toon Toon.. <div><a href= Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Up North Local Time: 01:28 PM Posts: 24,964 Offline	Thank you I do have one question: Quote: Originally posted by dietcokeplease ..... Use a good quality wax afterwards. I use Autogylm Super Resin Polish followed by Extra Gloss Protection. Result: Super Clean, Super Slippery Alloys. Are you mean't to wax alloys? I can't say I have ever done that Cheers LMB Global Moderator

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Dec 13th, 2001, 11:51 AM	#2 (permalink)
kjs MINI2 Regular Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Dreaming Spires, Oxf Local Time: 01:28 PM Posts: 334 Offline	TutleWax alloy cleaner, with a brush in the top of the can. otherwise a bit of spit and polish and some elbow grease! kjs

Dec 13th, 2001, 12:24 PM	#3 (permalink)
Dom Test thread infiltrator Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Swindon Local Time: 01:28 PM Posts: 8,543 Offline	I've got the white wheels and I find any brake dust comes off easily with a sponge. Just gotta keep it polished, that's all... Dom

Dec 14th, 2001, 03:26 PM	#8 (permalink)
Dom Test thread infiltrator Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Swindon Local Time: 01:28 PM Posts: 8,543 Offline	I think this is relating to the white wheels... waxing helps make them easier to remove the brakedust. Not sure what to do with unpainted though... Dom

Dec 14th, 2001, 03:29 PM	#9 (permalink)
BruceK Moderator & Sponsor Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: San Antonio, Texas Local Time: 06:28 AM Posts: 3,759 Offline	Quote: Originally posted by Dom I think this is relating to the white wheels... waxing helps make them easier to remove the brakedust. Not sure what to do with unpainted though... Dom Remember that most "unpainted" wheels aren't. The paint just happens to be a clearcoat finish. Can't say if they should be waxed though... + 2002 MINI Cooper S - Dark Silver / White roof, Sport, Premium, Lapis blue leather + 1965 Mini Traveller - Tartan Red / White roof, 1275, Cooper S discs, fully restored/renewed

Dec 14th, 2001, 07:46 PM	#10 (permalink)
dietcokeplease Official MINI2 Fluffer Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Spearmint Rhino Local Time: 12:28 PM Posts: 5,315 Offline	LMB, I know it sounds weird but yes I do wax the wheels on my cars - always have done. When "I were a young lad" I had a Golf - took my wheels for refurbishment and the owner said that the best way to keep your wheels clean and prevent corrosion was to wax them regularly. The wheels are just like paintwork. They get more extremes of hot/cold and water/grit/brakedust than the bodywork. Waxing helps prevent the brakedust from etching into the surface of the wheels (preventing that horrible "pitting")and more importantly makes cleaning them easier the next time round. There is just one moon and one golden sun; And a smile mean friendship to ev'ryone; Through the mountains divide, and the oceans are wide; It's a small world after all.

Dec 15th, 2001, 05:57 AM	#11 (permalink)
LMB Toon Toon.. <div><a href= Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Up North Local Time: 01:28 PM Posts: 24,964 Offline	Quote: Originally posted by dietcokeplease LMB, I know it sounds weird but yes I do wax the wheels on my cars - always have done. When "I were a young lad" I had a Golf - took my wheels for refurbishment and the owner said that the best way to keep your wheels clean and prevent corrosion was to wax them regularly. The wheels are just like paintwork. They get more extremes of hot/cold and water/grit/brakedust than the bodywork. Waxing helps prevent the brakedust from etching into the surface of the wheels (preventing that horrible "pitting")and more importantly makes cleaning them easier the next time round. Cool, I like the sound of that I will try that, thanks for you advice Wow, you learn something new everyday LMB Global Moderator

Dec 15th, 2001, 08:16 AM	#12 (permalink)
MINIMARK MINI2 Regular Join Date: Oct 2001 Local Time: 12:28 PM Posts: 306 Offline	Wax!!! Is car wax the same stuff that my missus uses on her legs then? Or is it different! Mark MINIMARK

Dec 21st, 2001, 08:40 AM	#13 (permalink)
InsiderMINI MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Oct 2001 Local Time: 12:28 PM Posts: 46 Offline	Re: Wax!!! Quote: Originally posted by MINIMARK Is car wax the same stuff that my missus uses on her legs then? Or is it different! Mark How about shaking some out of ears? - That's even better, it's free! Might be a bit whiffy or greasy though!

Dec 24th, 2001, 06:06 AM	#14 (permalink)
Garry MINI2 Regular Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Bristol, UK Local Time: 12:28 PM Posts: 213 Offline	Just make sure that you use soapy water, and don't let the brake dust build up! Cooper Delivered 11 Jan 02 - Chili red with white roof, sunroof, chili, 17" wheels, trip, ASC, radio boost & CD stack, alarm, climate control

Dec 26th, 2001, 07:42 PM	#15 (permalink)
Basil MINI2 Master Join Date: Nov 2001 Local Time: 10:28 PM Posts: 5,956 Offline	Re: What's the best product to clean alloys??? Quote: Originally posted by LMB Could someone please recommend a product that they have found to be the excellent at getting their alloy wheels looking like new. Thanks LMB WD40.....just DONT spray it directly on the wheel.....not good for brakes. But I have found it does remove brake dust and tar marks generaly. I can't see why you wouldn't use a wax product on the white or silver wheels. White is probably powdercoat and the silver would be clear laquer. I use WD40 for removing tar and bugs from the paintwork and provided you re-wax the car afterwords seems to work fine. Taxi Drivers use kerosene in water for their paintwork, but I have never been game to try it. Might work for wheels too, and a lot cheaper than proprietary products. cheers

Dec 27th, 2001, 03:33 AM	#16 (permalink)
smiffy MINI2 Master Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Here Local Time: 12:28 PM Posts: 5,778 Offline	Use some water, a good soft brush & some elbow grease Works a treat S for Smiffy "Kids in the front seat cause accidents, accidents in the backseat cause kids!"

Dec 31st, 2001, 03:05 PM	#17 (permalink)
Applejack MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Cheshire. Flash if you pass!! Local Time: 12:28 PM Posts: 44 Offline	Has anyone used Wonder Wheels, it says not to be used on coated alloys, does that mean the MINI 17" i've got?

Jan 1st, 2002, 10:48 AM	#18 (permalink)
dietcokeplease Official MINI2 Fluffer Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Spearmint Rhino Local Time: 12:28 PM Posts: 5,315 Offline	Apple, I use Wonder Wheels on my MINI. The product is approved by loads of wheel manufacturers such as Wolfrace/Alloy Wheels International. The MINI wheels have are sprayed silver/alu and then clear coated with a lacquer. As long as the lacquer is intact then it's ok to use. Just follow the instructions on the box. The most important thing to note is that the contact period of the acid solution is not of paramount importance - just make sure it does not dry out by spraying it lightly with water. Also don't forget to wax afterwards. There is just one moon and one golden sun; And a smile mean friendship to ev'ryone; Through the mountains divide, and the oceans are wide; It's a small world after all.

Jan 1st, 2002, 06:14 PM	#19 (permalink)
Basil MINI2 Master Join Date: Nov 2001 Local Time: 10:28 PM Posts: 5,956 Offline	Quote: Originally posted by Applejack Has anyone used Wonder Wheels, it says not to be used on coated alloys, does that mean the MINI 17" i've got? Oi!!!.......someones gone and pinched me flag !!!

Jan 10th, 2002, 08:28 AM	#20 (permalink)
TJL MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Warwickshire Local Time: 12:28 PM Posts: 11 Offline	Cleaning alloy wheels Many wheel cleaning solutions are very corrosive/caustic and can actually damage wheels when used over long periods of time. It is very difficult to know which ones are safe and which ones aren't. I asked my BMW dealer what they would recommend for my MINI's 16" white wheels. They have their own cleaner which they sell for around £10 a litre which seems to work very well and its also peace of mind that since it is recommended (and presumably validated/approved) by BMW it won't damage those nice white alloys. Incidentally, even the 'silver' 16" wheels are not actually alloy finish - they are painted silver and lacquered so have exactly the same cleaning properties as the white ones. Generally I find that they clean up very easily. They don't have awkward profiles to get dirt out of and the surface seems to be 'slippery' and well lacquered so that dirt washes off without much effort. I would recommend the BMW cleaner itself and I'd be sceptical about any others. TJL TJL

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