May need a new Wheel Cleaner

Hey guys, so I'm having some issues with Sonax. This past weekend I was working on a Honda Accord and the wheels were pretty rough, like they hadn't been washed in probably four years. Thought Sonax would've tackled them no sweat. I was wrong. I let it dwell for like 10 minutes or more on the first wheel, gave it a good scrubbing with some elbow grease. Rinsed and there was a ton of dirt and grime on the wheels. It was like it was stuck and not going anywhere. Gave it another coat and let it dwell for some time and same thing. Next wheel I let it sit for like 15 and same experience. Third wheel let it sit for probably 15-20 min and used a pressure washer and same thing happened, maybe even a little worse. I'm thinking I need to get some more P21S and let that do some work, but I don't have time to let it dwell for 2 hours. So I'm thinking getting some Megs Wheel Brightener at a 2:1 dilution and let it sit for 45 seconds. Thoughts on this? Or should I just go for the P21S gel? I'm open to all suggestions! Thanks, Elliott

 

Sonax will only work on iron brake dusts which are mostly on European vehicles
P21s is a good choice

 

I use sonax for the light stuff and break out the p21s gel for the super tough nasty wheels, it works miracles. id hit it with sonax first then what ever is left coat some p21s on there and wait about 30 min.

 

That sounds like a plan, thoughts on the Wheel brightener, though?

 

Brown Royal, its safe, strong, and effective. Also leaves a shiny finish and $16 for a gallon. Nuff said. I too have P21S, but waiting on wheels to warrant the use of it.

 

Megs wheel brightener will work well, but it is acid based, so be careful. Make sure you rinse those wheels WELL, and do one wheel at a time. 4:1 is a good dillution ratio for it... Another good choice is Gloss It wheel gel, which is also acid based...

 

I agree... no need to go stronger than 4:1, it should remove all that brake dust no problem. The stuff is amazing on trashed wheels

 

Oh dang it pretty cheap for a gallon also. Might have to pick some up you guys say megs works so good.

 

Brown Royal or Megs WB????

 

I use Blackfire wheel cleaner pretty much always.

 

I have heard about Brown Royal before... where can you buy it? I am in the United States.

 

Wheel Cleaners and Polishes

 

I get mine from my local PBE store as the owner is close friends with the guy that makes it. Good stuff

 

A non acid wheel cleaner will only do so much whether it is P21S, Sonax, Gloss it or what have you. If one of these doesn't work, chances are you will need an acid based product like Megs Wheel Brightener to finish the job. For what its worth, a lot of APCs are just as capable and safe as these overpriced wheel cleaners on factory clear coated wheels. Save the expensive cleaners for expensive aftermarket or 2 and 3 piece wheels.

 

I'd say that P21S is still the best overal wheel cleaner, but yes, there is some waiting involved. If you want something quick and dirty, get Meg's Wheel Brightner. Has never let me down.

 

Is there anymore feedback on the Brown Royal? If I can use it to take the place of Sonax then I will and will get some WB to handle nasty wheels

 

AG CWC on custom wheeles. APC (zeps, megs or OPT depending on the mood) on daily driver wheels, Megs WB on really messed up factory wheels. Works for me, and its cost effective.

 

I use these 3 products in order. they all attack wheel grime differently and have tackled a lot of baked on Honda wheel grime for me.

1. Sonax FE
2. AG custom wheel cleaner
3. megs wheel brightener 4:1

 

agree with shane. i also like the brown royale and got it from the mfg in florida . looks disgusting but lifts dirt really well. also great on tires so it double hits.

 

No one has mentioned that these wheels may just be pitted beyond cleaning. once the pitting is beyond the clear and effecting the metals below it is going to look like ass whether or not he uses an acid wheel cleaner.