New wheels - again ...
- Thread starter pvr
- Start date
flimper said:I originally used the Autoglym wheel cleaner, and when that ran out I've used the body shampoo, thinking that if it was safe for the bodywork it would be safe for the wheels
The Autoglym wheel cleaner is acid based. The Custom Wheels cleaner however, is not.
The acid is mild, but if it is left to dwell (like it may have done at the base of the V of the top-pointing spokes), then it may well attack weak areas (ie, brake dust that has been left to dwell there, or thin lacquer being more suceptible anyway)
I think the bodywork cleaner would be fine... it'll be the wheel cleaner that is a likely culprit imho!
Dave
id check the label, i use ag custom wheel cleaner, which says acid free on the back " a special blend of biodegradable surfactants, solvents and alkalis provides a balanced acid-free formulation which rapidly dissolves brake dust, corrosion and traffic film from the most intricate and elaborate wheel designs"
I have made the mistake with the AG 'clean wheels' stuff before.
It is nasty. Anything with acid is. Great to make wheels clean with minimal effort, once, before you sell a car, while the new owner wonders why their wheels have gone crap 6 months later.
Acid just wears down the lacquer and if it's not rinsed really well will dwell in contact, and if the lacquer is thinner to start with then it's just got no hope after a years worth of washing using this stuff as normal wheel cleaner
I've stopped using anything specific for wheels, as they are all ultimately a more aggressive cleaner and thus need careful use vs normal bodywork shampoo.
PS Flimper, did you buy your MZ4 new? Have the wheels ever been reconditioned?
Dave
It is nasty. Anything with acid is. Great to make wheels clean with minimal effort, once, before you sell a car, while the new owner wonders why their wheels have gone crap 6 months later.
Acid just wears down the lacquer and if it's not rinsed really well will dwell in contact, and if the lacquer is thinner to start with then it's just got no hope after a years worth of washing using this stuff as normal wheel cleaner
I've stopped using anything specific for wheels, as they are all ultimately a more aggressive cleaner and thus need careful use vs normal bodywork shampoo.
PS Flimper, did you buy your MZ4 new? Have the wheels ever been reconditioned?
Dave
Autoglym Clean Wheels is a super effective spray on, brush and wash off cleaner which rapidly dissolves most contaminants from alloy, chromium, painted and plastic trimmed wheels.
Do take special care to use this product carefully. If you have non standard or anodised wheel surfaces, or only superficial road grime, use Autoglym Custom Wheel Cleaner instead.
Great, I think I'm going to go back to the good old days with a bucket of soapy water a la fairy liquid :headbang:
Do take special care to use this product carefully. If you have non standard or anodised wheel surfaces, or only superficial road grime, use Autoglym Custom Wheel Cleaner instead.
Great, I think I'm going to go back to the good old days with a bucket of soapy water a la fairy liquid :headbang:
Scott-Land
Member
Yours look similar to mine. You should take it back to the dealer. They may replace. Mine is heading in to get checked later in August, i'll let you know how i get on.
I've only used AG body shampoo on mine. It's been like this for a while on mine though, getting gradually worse
I've only used AG body shampoo on mine. It's been like this for a while on mine though, getting gradually worse
As PVR says the secret is to treat the wheels with some sort of wheel wax to protect the lacquer from attack by brake dust and tar. I've treated mine that way since I got the car and so have only ever cleaned them with AG bodywork shampoo. So far they seem fine (there's a pic of one from last week on the detailing section)
Scott-Land
Member
Great to hear they agreed. Mine is due to go in next Wed for a brand new set too. Might decide not to sell if I see it with a brand new set of shoes!
Pictures of my new wheels as promised...
All seems to be good apart from a slight blemish in picture 3 and the fact that the centre caps are loose on 2 of the wheels :roll:
That'll be another trip to the dealer.... Oh, and new wheels stay looking new for about 2 miles then they look the same as everyone elses, DIRTY :evil:
All seems to be good apart from a slight blemish in picture 3 and the fact that the centre caps are loose on 2 of the wheels :roll:
That'll be another trip to the dealer.... Oh, and new wheels stay looking new for about 2 miles then they look the same as everyone elses, DIRTY :evil:
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