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Spray-On Wheel Cleaners
An easy way to hose off grime
Robert Sharp / autoMedia.com
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Wheels make the loudest visual statement about a car. Rock stars and pro "ballers" aren't the only ones who know that huge, shiny rims personalize a ride more than any other single component. But as wheels get taller, they become larger targets for brake dust and road grime.
As wheels get taller, they become larger targets for brake dust and road grime.
Luckily, keeping newer wheels clean can be relatively easy. Several "one-step" wheel cleaners are available that lift and dissolve crud from rims. The residue can then be hosed off, returning the wheels to their full glory.
Etching
Wheel washing can actually etch the rim's surface: Minerals in hard water can etch into aluminum in the form of white-spotting. Left unattended, white-spotting can permanently damage the wheel's skin.
Surface contamination can also embed itself if allowed to sit too long on the wheel. This can include oxidation, oil, tar, dirt and the generic grime that migrates upward from the road.
One other infamous contaminant is brake dust. As the pads or shoes wear, their friction surfaces give off airborne particles that tend to cling to wheels. Brake dust makes rims look prematurely old. Heat generated by braking doesn't help the situation, as it tends to bake any bugaboos onto the wheel.
Copyright autoMedia.com 2000-2009
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Working in the shade, hose off the wheels to remove any loose dirt.
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Read the instructions on the product. Formulations vary depending on what metal the wheel is made from.
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Spray the wheel cleaner onto the wheel. For hard-to-reach areas, it might be necessary to apply the product with a special wheel brush or pad.
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Give the cleaner about a minute (or however long its label specifies) to dissolve and lift dirt.
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Use a strong stream of water to hose off the cleaner before it dries.
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Once the wheel is clean, thoroughly dry it with a soft towel to get rid of water spots. Extra shine and protection can then be achieved by using a chrome or aluminum polish.
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