[DML] Re: wheels

[Mike Substelny <msubstel@xxxx>]

Marc A Levy wrote:

> I have been using a variety of caustic wheel cleaners for a few years
> now, along with many brushes, and hours of kneeling next to the car and
> scrubbing. I dont know if it has to do with my brake pads in
> particular, but I find the wheels very hard to keep clean.

Do you have the earlier, dark wheels? I do, and I have a difficult time
keeping mine clean, too. In my experience, a pressure washer works better
than chemicals.

> I have found that the stronger stuff has started to peel the paint off
> the two "original" rims.

I *might* have an explanation. I think someone warned me just before I did
the same thing. The warning label on those stronger chemicals should say
"do not apply when wheels are hot!" I almost did not notice it, but a
friend pointed it out.

Apparently your car must sit undriven for up to an hour for the wheels to
cool before you apply the harsher chemicals. If the wheels are hot the
chemicals are more corrosive, and they WILL strip paint!

- Mike Substelny