Keeping Polished Wheels Shiny...

[bassadict69]

I found got around to getting the wheels on my truck polished. I knew they looked bad but didn't realize how bad til now.

 

Question is...What do I use to clean them when washing the truck that will keep them shiny?

 

How often can I plan on having to repolish them?

[bassadict69]

Can't believe noone has any ideas on this!

[NHolds]

If they are not clear coated, you will need a good polish like Mother's, 3M Alum Polish, or Eagle One Alum Polish. If they are clear coated, then a good spray on wheel cleaner should do fine. Just don't get an etching cleaner..... it will eat through the coating. Get an all wheel cleaner.

[mcaje]

Depends upon the wheel.

 

I have the chrome 17's so I just wash them with the same stuff I use to wash it with, any Wash & Wax that contains carnuba wax. Just make sure you wipe them down last and with a different rag.

 

If they are dirty, or you have a problem with brake dust, Maguires Hot Wheels works great.

[ThorsHD]

aluminum are alot of work. if they are clearcoated it is better My bro uses a power ball on his and loves it.

[Nytemare]

believe it or not, I use windex. cleans them up nicely, and than wash them off with some of whatever your using to wash the truck. dry everything up and wax them.

 

This will only work on cleared wheels though.

[facn8me]

Polished wheels can be a pain. Unlike chrome or coated they are bare metal finely polished to a hi shine. Basically they are a fairly hi maintanance wheel. Mothers polish and some elbow grease is the best. Actually as soon as you realize that hardly any pressue at all is required to polish them it goes easier. I have a powerball and have practiced with it once. Not real impressed but I haven't given it a chance yet. It hasn't stopped raining long enough for me to get free and the truck clean to use it. But to get back to your second question. Damm while typing this I remember seeing something on two guys garage or maybe it was trucks that went on like water and protected coated wheels. I'm gonna have to search for that. But you can wax them and the shine will last a little longer. Basically you have bare metal wheels and they get dull from time to time. I guess the bonus is by the time you notice and polish them again it feels like you just got new wheels. I also noticed mother had a scratch remover polish available now for our wheels. You can clear coat them but it can start to yellow or pit.

 

Wheel finishes Definitions

 

Painted: Aluminum wheels that have been painted. Painted wheels are clear-coated to make cleaning easier and protect the finish from chipping.

 

 

Polished: Polished wheels have no finish on them whatsoever; they have simply been polished to a high shine. Polished wheels can take long periods of time to restore to their original luster. However, with a little elbow grease, nicks and scratches can be buffed out like they were never there.

 

 

Machined/Clear Coated: Machined wheels have been polished and clear coated to protect their shine. Machined wheels are easier to care for than their unfinished polished counterparts.

 

 

Chrome: Chrome plating an aluminum wheel is a three-step process which involves plating the wheel in copper, nickel, and finally chrome.