Pick my next wheel cleaner

Currently I use Griots Garage wheel cleaner for maintenance washes and P21S for the really bad stuff. I am looking to replace the Griots, since I am almost out. It seems to be a pretty good bang for the buck at $9.99 for 35oz. I only detail my personal car, but I am looking for something that is a good value that will work well. I could order more Griots but, I am really interested to try something new.

 

People have been raving about Sonax Full Effect lately. I can't really endorse it myself as I barely used any on a mildly soiled wheel. That comes in at $100 for a 5 liter canister, which isn't terrible, but is still on the pricey side. For a maintenance wash, you can use soap and water to keep up with your wheels. If you still want a wheel cleaner, I'd suggest Autoglym Custom Wheel Cleaner which can be had from Ken @ Autowerkes Exclusive for much cheaper. It cleans mildly soiled wheels really well, foams great, leaves behind a little shine/gloss, and works phenomenal on tires. It's a really great AIO wheel/tire product.

Half the price of Sonax, and has the ability to clean tires.
Autowerkes Exclusive :: Autoglym Custom Wheel Cleaner :: 2008 :: Shop

 

I picked up some AG CWC from Ken a few months ago and I am glad I did. I use soap and water for most of my washes but about once a month I use a wheel cleaner. CWC really does leave a nice look to my wheels (which are hyper silver in color). What really sold me was not just the wheel cleaning ability but the way it cleans tires is crazy. Can't go wrong with CWC and the Raceglaze XL brush to keep those barrels looking good.

 

If Ken were here now, he would agree, and probably say something inappropriate to boot.

 

I have some CG citrus wash and clear. If I mixed some , would it still be usable if dont use it all in one wash? I also have some S100 total cycle cleaner.

 

I am here and yes, i would suggest AG CWC especially if you clean your car regularly. CWC can be cut 1:1 on well maintained wheels as well making it very economical. And I would have said something inappropriate but Kyle spoiled the surprise, so not this time! :hmph:

 

CG sticky wheel gel works pretty good too.

 

AG CWC is an amazing tire and wheel cleaner...it cleans out dirt out of tires that others fail. And @ $45 for 5 litre it's a very good value too.

 

AutoGlym CWC is a very good rim/tyre cleaner, but I want to try out Brown Royal too.

 

I use Adams, but rims are never that dirty. I use Sonax on the wife's LR3 because that think produces break dust like its going out of style. If the rims are protected and waxed often, with Sonax, you just spray on, let sit, and high pressure off. Sometimes you dont even need to use sponge if your in a hurry. (I will do if I have to drive it.....i cant stand dirty rims)

 

Sonax wheel cleaner is only good if the wheels have a lot of brake dust. Perhaps try the Custom Wheel Cleaner, CG Diablo Gel or Sticky Gel.

 

How often are you washing wheels? Weekly wash nothing gets cheaper than shampoo. Sonax won't get anything that regular cheaper cleaners won't get - cost not there to me.

 

Some cars are much much worse than others with brake dust. I only get around to washing my parents' cars every 2-3 weeks. Their front wheels are completely black when it's time for a wash. No clue why their cars are so bad (they each drive the same exact model of car). I only look to Sonax, P21S Gel, Espuma Revolution, or Meg's Wheel Brightener for cleaning their wheels.

 

What kind of car do they drive? German?

 

It does seem that its usually german cars which get a lot of brake dust on its front wheels (possibly the weight of the cars), however it could again be the fact that in my area, the cars are neglected to car washes cuz most of the expensive cars are driven by old women/new immigrants/17 year olds/etc. Where else would u find a 21 year old with a 430 scuderia not even a day old getting impounded for a month cuz he went street racing with a m3 or a R8 V10 with a New drivers badge on it. Welcome to Richmond, Vancouver.
My Mazda5 doesnt get much brake dust in between washes anyhow and hopefully my new GLK wouldnt either or I might as well get the rims painted black to match the grey body lol

 

ya, nazi sleds.

 

I drive a Subaru Legacy. The wheels have some brake dust that wont come off.

 

Get a 32oz sampler of Meg's Wheel Brightener from ADS. This is assuming you have clearcoated wheels.
Meguiar's D140 Wheel Brightener 32 oz.

After that, get CWC to maintain.

 

Seconded. Make sure you wear gloves with Meg's WB.

 

I have never needed actual wheel cleaner for my cars... I guess I clean mine enough where just regular soap has been enough, but I always have some kind of protection on my wheels...