Care of polished aluminum rims

[ETBee]

I'm debating the cost difference between polished aluminum and chrome rims. I've been told polished aluminum requires lots of work to keep them polished. For those of you that own polished aluminum rims, how much time and effort goes in to keeping them shiny? What do you do and what products do you like?

[forrest]

Polished aluminum oxidizes slowly, so you'll need to polish every 3-4 weeks to keep them shiny.

In addition, you'll need to use a specific wheel cleaner to remove brake dust, as harsh cleaners can etch or stain the aluminum.

I run billet aluminum on a couple of my cars, and I polish them every 3 weeks, and every 3 months pull them off to polish the back side.

I wouldn't recommend running polished aluminum in the winter time, if they use salt or other chemicals on your roads.

Chrome is, admittedly, easier to care for, but I prefer the polished aluminum look.

[Sci-Fi]

Mother's Mag & Aluminum Polish is an excellent product to re-shine or keep your polished aluminum wheels shiny. Using a claybar is a good way to remove brake dust from your wheels. A good wax will provide some protection and make your wheels easier to keep clean and shiny, most use a synthetic wax (Klasse, Zaino, etc.) for longevity. Some like to remove the wheels periodically to clean (and even polish and wax) the inside part. And some have their wheels clearcoated after polishing.

Polished aluminum and chrome wheels have their plus and minus, it all depends on the look you like. Either one requires regular care and maintenence (at least once a month or more often). As far as time, it depends, usually 10-15 minutes per wheel (for me). If your wheel design has a lot of small spaces or spokes to clean and polish, then the amount of time goes way up.

Hope this helps.

[joseph szostek jr]

there's something called "zoop seal" i think supposed to last a long time on billet wheels and ect. maybe sci-fi has heard of it i seen it on a show called hot rod tv a few months ago.

[Sci-Fi]

Originally posted by joseph szostek jr
there's something called "zoop seal" i think supposed to last a long time on billet wheels and ect. maybe sci-fi has heard of it i seen it on a show called hot rod tv a few months ago.

One has to remember, some of those shows "feature" certain products. Besides, do you really think "Zoop Seal" will last the claimed: "Typically lasts 3+ years if not in an abrasive environment"??? Zaino at best, lasts about 6 months. Any product that makes claims of lasting more than 6 months, I would be wary of. This is not to say the product isn't good or doesn't protect, but at $99-130, there are plenty of excellent alternatives.

You can read this review: http://www.ffcobra.com/cgi-bin/ultim...=1;t=014759;p=
Notice they mention mixing part "A" and "B" in the proper ratios and protective gloves are shown. Applying thin coats is in order, to prevent any heavy concentration or runs from occuring/accumulating/drying. The reviewer seems happy with the product. There isn't any followup on product longevity or subsequent ease of cleaning, nor any mention if it has to be applied under controlled conditions (to prevent dust from settling and drying in the product).

[joseph szostek jr]

ya,just a thought.

[GregsPT]

A couple of of other demons are brake dust and ANY kind of winter weather will play havoc on your wheels chrome or polished.

[PT CHIX]

mothers makes a great polish { hi forrest } there one of my sponsors and they sent me the polish and whoa makes a huge difference but i reather take chrome any day mothers also makes a chrome polish that works better then windex

[Not fast or furious]

I use Mothers polish on my polished aluminum wheels. I also tried Meguires all wheel cleaner today and it worked great getting the brake dust off and left the wheels very clean and shiny.

[PT Ted]

Yep Mothers is one of the best out there..I use it on mine and it works great. Give it a try and see for your self..What do you have to lose???