Can I safely power wash my OEM 19' rays? I want to get all the "hard to reach" debris that is on the wheels before I use that wheel protectant stuff from armorall... supposed to keep your rims brake dust free for a while.

Also... I just bought the M2 exhaust and since the tips tend to start rusting after a short period of time, is there any way I can protect them with a specific product? Would that product just melt right off?

Thanks.

 

You should be fine power washing your wheels. As far as the rust, I don't know of anything that will prevent it.

 

this is a good question actually?

 

Powerwashing the wheels is fine, but you'll need more than that if you want to get them clean. Just don't get the tip too close to the rims(less than a couple inches). I pressure wash to get off the top layer, use rim cleaner, then pressure wash of the rim cleaner. Good as new!

 

I know this is a cleaner but may have some protecting capabilities, Todd would be able to answer your question for sure. Oh its $60 lol

http://www.detailedimage.com/Optimum...-Coating-P554/

 

The Armoral stuff only lasts 3-4 weeks and apparently leaves a hazy/white residue.


DO NOT WANT

 

Opti-Coat 2.0 is NOT a cleaner by any means and has no cleaning properties at all. It's actually decently hard to use. Opti-coat 2.0 is an extremely strong sealant that lasts a very long time and has outstanding protection from pretty much everything. It's a relatively new technology on the market.

For rims, honestly if they aren't too bad you won't need cleaner at all, just a brush for the inner barrel of the wheel and something for the outside. You can use car wash soap and just dip the inner wheel brush in it. Just make sure that soap isn't used for anything else except rims. I think you guys would be surprised at how much brake dust comes off just from agitating it with a brush.

 

As stated above - power washing will not clean your wheels adequately. In order for a protectant to work properly, the first step is to prepare the surface being protected properly.

Cleaning your wheels front and rear is simple if you use the right tools and aren't lazy about it.

I've washed my wheels inside and out every time I've washed the car since I bought it in 2004. Wheels look brand new today - a couple of tiny tool marks from rotation removal is all.

 

Power washing rims doesn't hurt anything and while your at it hit the inside of your wheel wells too. Be careful never to use house hold products on your wheels, auto wash soap and high pressure hose will get the job done! Rust on your exhaust tips, you could try wax/polish but if they're going to rust replace them with quality stainless tips....
Gary

 

Avoid Armor-All products completely. Far better products out there.

 

This^




This too... ALL Armor All product are complete and utter crapp. They might be a bit cheaper, but that doesn't justify how bad their products are....


You can get this one tire/wheel cleaner at your local Pepboys or something. Eagle 1 tire/wheel cleaner. It's in one of those gray plastic spray bottles. Buy that and get one of those dedicated wheel brushes and you'll be set. Might want to buy some wax or some kind of protectant to apply on your wheels afterwards too. That'll help to keep them looking nicer for longer periods between washes.