Chrome Wheel Care

[CruiserBoi]

What is the best procedure to clean the stock 01 5-spoke chrome wheels?

(and hurry up, it seems to be cooling down alot here in Michigan!)

[StOnEwHiTePt]

Every time i wash the car i wash the rims first to rid the brake dust then dry the rims so their isnt any water spots on the chrome. Use a Chrome polish on the rims and it should be blinging.
If you just want touch them up without washing the car just wipe the brake dust away and throw some polish on their.

[joseph szostek jr]

I use a bristle brush, a little eagle one car wash, and some zaino, thats it, but i also have kleen shields installed they help too keep them clean.

[PTGLENN]

I use windex on mine kepps em nice and shiny, And I do periodicly
polish them with the Zaino car polish too.

[daaper]

I use Meguiar's Gold Class Instant Wheel Cleaner that I bought at Auto Zone for about $5. I used it after a 4 month spell of not cleaning them (I know, I know it was winter though) and it took TONS of brake dust off really well -even when other cleaners wouldn't. I have used it several times since on the same wheels you have and it has never discolored or anything else. Hope this helps

[jlsl1081]

I run my chrome wheels all year, even through the snow (which we had a lot of last year.) In the winter I try to wash them off about every week or two. A couple times a year I use Blue Magic chrome polish. But the rest of the time, after washing the PT, I use a product called "Never Dull". It comes in a tin can & it is like a wad of cloth or cheesecloth type stuff. You tear a little off and just wipe it on the wheels, & then off with a clean cloth. I've found this stuff is faster than using polishes, etc. And it does a great job. I also use it on my lake pipes.

[turbomangt]

I have a product that puts a layer of protection on chrome along with cleaning ability, It's not on my website. but i offer it at cost to PT owners. It's professional grade, contact me direct for more info, Gary

[Sci-Fi]

Care for your wheels like you would for your paint. Make sure your wheels are cool before your start washing them. Use a Car Wash Shampoo to clean your wheels. Buy a claybar that is to be used only/strictly for your wheels (do not use on your paint, buy another claybar for that). The claybar will remove any remaining brake dust from your wheels.

Many prefer to use a synthetic wax/polish/sealant (Zaino, Klasse, Meguiar's #20, etc) to protect their chrome wheels and make subsequent cleaning/maintenance easier. A non abrasive carnuaba wax would work as well, although there is some question about longevity due to the heat from the brakes. American Racing manufacturers the OEM wheels and markets their own "Wheel Wax", which AR says is a sealant, and "Metal Polish".

Some like to use a wheel cleaner, but I would caution their use. Need to read the label carefully to make use the formula doesn't contain any acids or lyes. Usually, look for a wheel cleaner thats states "Clearcoat Safe", "Non-Acid", or Acid-Free" on the label. If I *have* to use a wheel cleaner, most motorcycle shops carry S100 Special Performance Wheel Cleaner for ~$8-9, and it is considered one of the best and safest products to use on your wheels.

A few buy and use a California Duster just for their wheels for maintenance in-between scheduled washings.

The type of towels you use to wash and wax is important too. Some will leave scratches in the finish, so buy towels like you would for your paint.

[MsBoop]

Great information. Thank you everyone. It's helped me too

[StOnEwHiTePt]

good info. ill will try a claybar on my rims