So I try to take care of my car. All of it. Right down to the tips, and even the engine bay. So after my night's wash and paint inspection I cleaned my wheels as usual but that's not alarmed me.



I ran my fingers across the wheel, at places it's normal business - the nice smooth glass feeling. This spot, specifically is growing. It's not smooth at all. It feels like the coating came off the wheel at this spot.

Is there any cure?

 

More than likely something was splashed on the wheels while driving.

 

get some wheel cleaner.

 

Ill try some different wheel cleaning products. after I get paid today.

 

what wheel cleaning product are you using? Are you sure you didn't get any tire cleaning compound on the wheel itself? Could have run down on the face of the wheel and caked on.

I found that Sonax Full Effect is by far the best wheel cleaner that I have used so far. Gets all the garbage and brake dust off with minimal agitation and doesn't leave a film of crap on the wheel.

As far as tires go when I used to use those spray on tire shiners, no matter how careful I was it would eventually run down onto the face of the wheel over night.

 

I don't use tire shine products, generally.

I usually do my heavy cleaning at night since I have to do it outside without shade.
1. Rinse off with some water.
2. Fresh Meguiar's Gold Class car wash, then I follow up with water from the hose to rinse off anything else.

I've used specific wheel cleaners, but i used to go through those products really quickly. I like to wash each week.

when I do, rarely unless it's a family thing, I use tire gel to shine them up. I don't spray. Anyways, I like the grape smell of the meguiar's tire gel :P

 

Most tire stuff likes to make the tire rot so I've heard and many wheel cleaners are bad for the finish. I've heard it's best to just use soap/wax like everything else that is painted on the car.

 

I just use the cold class car wash on the wheels as well. I figured if it's easy on the clear coat on paint, it should've been easy on the coating on the wheels.

But again, that's why i'm here. Whether it's what i'm doing wrong and how to keep these wheels/rims clean.

 

In one of your other posts, you talk about using wheel cleaner. I'm saying DONT USE WHEEL CLEANER lol.

 

im not, not any longer. I haven't used wheel cleaners since.. febuary?

I was about to do, as per post responses. I bought below yesturday, but didn't have time yesturday.

 

I have used the above with no ill effects, not as good as the sonax i mentioned, but gets the job done, and no damage to the wheel finish.

 

Well, I might need to make a attempt to plead a case to my other half for new wheels. I'm sure she'll want to plead her case for the neighbor's "Yorkei" puppies.

But honestly I like these wheels!

 

yorkie puppies are better

 

you may need something a lil' more abrasive than a simple wheel cleaner.

may i suggest:

http://www.meguiarsdirect.com/product_detail.do?q=4849

or

http://www.mothers.com/02_products/81132.html

both provide a rubbing compound that doesn't really hurt the overall finish. I've been looking for a light rubbing compound that doesn't strip a clear coat primarily because i'm trying to restore a cf hood that's been oxidized. May or may not work but eh- worth a shot..

 

Maybe it can be covered by warranty?

 

She seen the puppy and immediately let go of a "Awe, it's cute" and sparked a conversation with our neighbor about the puppy and she's getting a puppy for 600. that'll buy me 2 new tires!

 

Here they go for between 1200-2000. That's a lot more tires so consider yourself lucky lol.

 

What about a claybar and maybe ultimate compound?

 

I would give this a shot. What have you got to lose? Worst case scenario is they say no. But they might give you a new wheel.

 

it looks like brake dust to me, that was left there and rusted. try with a quality wheel cleaner, not the car you can find in large surface store. I like sonax but its expensive. check out griot's HD wheel cleaner, DP wheel cleaner, p21s is good also but expensive. it's better when the product is not acid and safe for all finish(chrome, painted...)

after a good clean, put some wax on your wheels, it will prevent build ups, be easier to clean and look better. I use ultima tire and trim guard + on tires trim and wheels, seals everything for months and look really nice, never found a better looking dressing. but again its not cheap but a little goes a long way. otherwise check poorboy wheel sealant, dp wheel glaze or wheel wax products. those take alot more time to apply and buff out than UTTG.