Keeping Wheels Looking Good.

[cghbuilder86]

I have a Silverado with it's standard stock GM wheels. I guess they are aluminum. Does anybody else have trouble keeping these wheels looking good. My look kinda splotchy, or stained or something. Not that bad. Just not real pure and shiny. The only thing I use on them is simple green soap to clean the tires and some gets on the wheels. I noticed in the auto store they have a polish for chrome or aluminum wheels. Would this do any good?

It's not a bad look, but just after detailing the truck and cleaning every little thing I hate to see the wheels not looking so good.

[C. Charles Hahn]

Factory wheels are clear coated; don't use metal polish on them, just use regular paint compounds/polishes to polish them.

 

Also, be very careful about using Simple Green (note that it is a degreaser, NOT a soap), it can and does corrode wheels if you're not careful with it.

[Harvey Halabookie]

Use a good, non-corrosive wheel cleaner. Mothers and Eagle One versions are sold in most auto parts stores, but I prefer this:

 

http://www.griotsgarage.com/product/car+ca...2C+35+ounces.do

 

And use a good quality wax on them when you wax the truck.

[Ryoku89]

I use the Mothers powerball and polish on my factory wheels and haven't had any problems with that. They stay looking pretty damn good now.

[cghbuilder86]

hmm....the aluminum is clearcoated? So I guess I could try a paste wax or swirl remover and see if that has enough cut to shine 'em up. Is there a tire cleaner that is less harmful than simple green? I really don't care for the spray on tire shine because every kind I have tried leaves a greasy or at least tacky surface and I live on a dirt road. Dirt just sticks all over it. So I usually like to just scrub my tires nice and clean and let them dry. Stays looking better longer. I see lots of wheel cleaners and leave on tire shine. But not much for actually scrubbing the tire clean and rinsing off.

[RyanbabZ71]

This is what I use. Very good long lasting stuff

 

http://www.autogeek.net/pbws.html