Guest DetailingDude Posted December 27, 2002 Share Posted December 27, 2002 Here is My "Ultimate Wheel Care Guide". Editor's Note: I feel like the most of the car care industry has wheel care all wrong. They produce a rather strong wheel acid rather than producing a wheel care system. Zymol is the exception. They have a fantastic wheel care kit. Just remember that your wheels are subject to as much abuse as your paint but in different ways so it is best to be pro-active to damage rather than reactive with chemicals. By that I mean that an ounce of protection goes a long way. This Winter if your Ride is put away and you are going to methodically clean it up I suggest you take each wheel off and Detail it in your house on some newspaper in front of the TV. Without further ado Here's my Ultimate Wheel Care Guide....... Chrome and painted lug nuts may scratch during removal and installation. Here's my guide for Safely Removing Lug Nuts: Before you start make sure that you have the following: Lug Nut Wrench Thick plastic Freezer Bag Jack Jack Stand Car Wash Solution Wash Bucket Detailing Brush 100% Cotton Towel Step 0: Make sure that the wheels are cool to the touch. Step 1: Wash them as you normally would Step 2: With a Detail Brush get down and clean the recesses as best as possible. Step 3: Wrap a heavy-duty Plastic Freezer Bag over one Lug Nut. The plastic will stretch but will not tear for metal to metal contact. When using a rag for protection ---- a rag will tear and thus damage the lug nut. Step 4: Place the Lug Wrench over the Wrapped Lug Nut. Make sure that the Lug Nut remains covered. Step 5: Position your body in such a way to eliminate the effect of torque on your back. Step 6: Release the Lug Nut and give two full rotations. Step 7: Repeat Steps 4, 5, and 6 in a 'Star Pattern'. Start with a fresh section of plastic for each lug. Step 8: Jack up your Wheels one at a time and secure a Jack Stand in the appropriate support area. Step 9: Remove the Lug Nuts and store in a safe place. Step 10: Remove the Wheel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest DetailingDude Posted December 27, 2002 Share Posted December 27, 2002 Here's my guide to Detailing your wheels: Before you start make sure you have the following: Clay Bar Non-Abrasive Paint Cleaner and Applicator Wax and Applicator MicroFiber Towel Step 0: Make sure that the wheels are cool to the touch. Step 1: Wash them as you normally would Step 2: With a detail brush get down and clean the recesses as best as possible. Step 3: Use your clay bar to clean up the surfaces. Step 4: Use a non-abrasive paint cleanser to polish the surfaces. If you need to polish the wheels use the appropriate polishing material. Zymol's HD Cleanse, Lusso Paint Revitalizing Creme or the equivalent. Step 5: Wax (I suggest that you apply a few coats) Your wax can be your regular car wax be that Zaino, Pinnacle, Zymol, Lusso, P21S, Mother's or Meguiar's. If you have chrome wheels DO NOT wax them as chrome needs to breathe. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest DetailingDude Posted December 27, 2002 Share Posted December 27, 2002 Here's my guide for maintaining your wheels: For best results wash once a week Before you start make sure you have the following: Spray Bottle with Car Wash Solution diluted 35:1 with water Wheel Detailing Brush 2x 100% Cotton Towel (Hand Towel Size) Garden Hose Step 1: Make sure wheels are cool to the touch Step 2: Spray off as much brake dust as possible Step 3: Spray on diluted Car Wash Solution Step 4: With one Cotton Towel wash the Wheel Step 5: Hose off Step 6: Spray on diluted Car Wash Solution Step 7: With the Wheel Detailing Brush clean the recesses Step 8: Hose off Note: Wash all 4 wheels, then wash and dry your Ride's body then dry off the wheels with the other Cotton Towel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikeyboy Posted December 27, 2002 Share Posted December 27, 2002 great post man! i am getting a new set of silver 18s soon and this guide will be a good way to make sure they stay looking new. thanks again. peace. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bk4293 Posted January 16, 2003 Share Posted January 16, 2003 Sure is, I'm glad you added that part about chrome needs to breathe, becuase I've gotten into the habit of waxing my stock SE wheels. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Contour98SVT Posted February 2, 2003 Share Posted February 2, 2003 What would you recommend doing to chrome if waxing is not good? Mat :'! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smoothy Posted March 17, 2003 Share Posted March 17, 2003 Is that washing solution 35 parts water and 1 part solution. Or is it 35 parts solution and 1 part water? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest DetailingDude Posted March 18, 2003 Share Posted March 18, 2003 water 35 and solution 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stylin550 Posted June 22, 2006 Share Posted June 22, 2006 For someone looking to refinish a set of wheels with a polished/machined finish on the lip and "dish" part of the wheel, what product do you suggest that would polish the aluminum wheel sufficiently but will not have adverse affects when the wheel is clearcoated. If such a polish cannot be found do you suggest cleaning the wheel after polishing with a solvent such as acetone, or paint thinner, then rinsing with isoproply alcohol? not sure if you know the answer but i thought id ask. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wiaggie Posted June 23, 2006 Share Posted June 23, 2006 great post! this guide will be very usefull in keeping your wheels looking good. Thank's Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CSVT16john Posted January 3, 2007 Share Posted January 3, 2007 this "detailin dude" hasnt posted in ages. look to other sites etc.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Please sign in to comment
You will be able to leave a comment after signing in
Sign In Now