Wheel cleaners
Content
Wheel cleaner allows not only to wash complex and old contaminants on their surface, but also to protect discs during operation from the negative effects of abrasive dust, bitumen and various reagents on them. There are currently alkaline (neutral) and acid wheel cleaners on the market. The former are simpler and cheaper, but they can be used to wash only simple pollution. Acid samples, on the other hand, are designed to remove complex and old stains, but their main drawback is their high price and specific application.
The choice of a wheel cleaner should be based on the material from which the wheel is made (steel, aluminum, cast or not), as well as the degree of contamination. There are quite a few disc cleaners on the market. This material provides a rating of the most popular means used by both domestic and foreign drivers.
| Purifier name | Brief description and features | Package volume, ml/mg | Price as of spring 2022, rubles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Koch Chemie REACTIVE WHEEL CLEANER | One of the best and most effective professional products without acids and alkalis. Perfectly washes even difficult pollution. Used in car washes. | 750 | 2000 |
| Autosol rim cleaner acidic | Very effective, but aggressive composition, which includes three acids. Used only in professional car washes. | 1000 5000 25000 | 420 1850 9160 |
| Turtle Wax Intensive Wheel Cleaner | Great tool for garage use. Safe for rubber, but dangerous for paintwork. Thick quality foam. | 500 | 250 |
| Meguiar's Wheel Cleaner | Very good disc cleaner, safe for rubber and paintwork. Sometimes it does not cope with old bitumen. | 710 | 820 |
| Disc cleaner Sonax FelgenReiniger Gel | A very popular composition among motorists. High performance and average cost. | 500 | 450 |
| Liqui Moly rim cleaner | It has an average efficiency. The composition includes an indicator of work - it changes color when a chemical reaction occurs to remove dirt and metal chips. | 500 | 740 |
| Wheel cleaner DAC Super Effect | Similar to the previous one. Average efficiency and also contains an indicator of work. | 500 | 350 |
| Disk Cleaner Lavr | Can be used with any disc. Has an unpleasant pungent odor. The efficiency is average, but it is compensated by the low price. | 500 | 250 |
| Car disc cleaner Grass Disk | Efficiency is below average, besides an inconvenient sprayer. It has a sharp unpleasant odor, it is necessary to work in rubber gloves and a respirator. | 500 | 360 |
| Wheel cleaner IronOFF | Good efficiency is noted and there is an indicator of work in the composition. However, in last place was because of the terrible pungent smell. You need to work with him in personal protective equipment, up to a gas mask. | 750 | 410 |
Types and Features of Disc Cleaners
On sale, you can find wheel cleaners in one of four types of aggregate states - paste-like, gel-like, in the form of a spray and liquid. However, it is liquid products that have gained the greatest popularity due to the convenience of their use (they are sold both in finished form and in the form of a concentrate).
Acid-free (they are also neutral or alkaline) products, as the name implies, do not contain acids, so they have a milder effect on the treated surface, however, in some cases (especially if it is a cheap and ineffective composition) they are not able to cope with complex pollution. But you still need to work with them carefully, since alkalis, as well as acids, can adversely affect the paintwork of both the disk and the car body. And interestingly, the negative effect can appear after a long time!
Acidic cleaners are more "powerful". When working with them, it is imperative to adhere to safety precautions so as not to get a chemical burn. Be sure to read the instructions for use of the product before use, and not after! usually, such compositions are based on one of the following acids: hydrochloric, orthophosphoric, oxalic (ethanedioic), hydrofluoric, hydrofluoric, phosphoric (often several of them in different percentages).
In some cases, separate subspecies of cleaners are distinguished - for aluminum and steel wheels, as well as chrome, anodized and simply painted. Some professional properties have an interesting feature - when they are applied to the surface of the disc, a chemical reaction occurs, accompanied by a change in the color of the washing liquid (for example, from yellow or red to purple). You should not be afraid of this, this is how a reaction occurs with abrasive metal dust and other frozen elements on the disk and is a kind of indicator.
Rating of wheel cleaners
Based on reviews and tests of wheel cleaners conducted by motorists and posted on the Internet, a rating of the most popular products was compiled. We hope the information from it will help you choose and buy the best wheel cleaner that is best suited for your car. If you have used any similar tool that is not in the rating, and have your own opinion on this matter, share it in the comments below.
For most disc cleaners, the algorithm for using them is the same, and consists of several simple steps - applying the product to a disc washed in advance with water and a rag, waiting a few minutes (not allowing the cleaner to dry) and removing dirt from the disc. This can be done with the help of water pressure (hand washing) and, if necessary, rags or microfiber (preferably, because it copes with this more efficiently). Sometimes you can use a medium hard brush. In completely “neglected” cases, repeated exposure to the agent is allowed (if it is ineffective or if the pollution is very ingrained into the surface of the disk).
Koch Chemie REACTIVE WHEEL CLEANER
This is perhaps one of the most popular professional disc cleaners. It does not contain any alkalis or acids (that is, the pH is neutral), and at the same time it has excellent detergent properties. Koch Chemie REACTIVEWHEELCLEANER cleaner can be used on almost any rim - lacquered, polished, anodized aluminium, chrome and more. The product can be on the surface to be treated for up to 10 minutes or more, without drying, and at the same time effectively dissolving dirt. Absolutely safe for car paintwork.
Real tests have shown the extraordinary effectiveness of the Koch Chemie REACTIVEWHEELCLEANER cleaner. This has been repeatedly confirmed by checks in professional detailing centers. There is also a tool similar to it - the universal cleaner Koch Chemie FELGENBLITZ, which is positioned as a universal cleaner for disks. However, it can also be used to clean sills, moldings, anodized aluminum parts. Both compositions belong to the "premium class". The only drawback of these cleaners is their extremely high price, so they are more suitable for professional use in car washes.
The Koch Chemie REACTIVEWHEEL CLEANER disc cleaner is sold in a 750 ml can. Its article number is 77704750. The price of such a package as of spring 2022 is about 2000 rubles. As for the universal cleaner Koch Chemie FELGENBLITZ is sold in cans of one and eleven liters. Their article numbers are 218001 and 218011, respectively. Similarly, the price is 1000 rubles and 7000 rubles.
Autosol rim cleaner acidic
The Autosol Felgenreiniger Sauer wheel cleaner is one of the most effective on the market, but also one of the most dangerous. The fact is that it is a concentrated composition, which includes phosphoric, citric, oxalic acid, as well as ethoxylated alcohols. The value of the acid number pH is 0,7. When used according to the instructions, it must be diluted in proportions from 1:3 to 1:10, depending on the degree of contamination. In this case, the use of specialized equipment is mandatory - a low and / or high pressure apparatus. Therefore, the product is more suitable for professional use at car washes and detailing centers.
This cleaner must be handled with great care. Firstly, it is harmful to the paintwork of the car, and secondly, to the human body. Therefore, it is advisable to work with him in personal protective equipment - rubber gloves and a mask (respirator). In fairness, it must be said that despite all the effectiveness of this tool, it should be used only in extreme cases, to wash off heavily ingrained dirt, when other, less aggressive compounds are powerless.
Autosol Felgenreiniger Sauer Concentrated Disc Cleaner is sold in three volume containers - one, five and twenty-five liters. Their article numbers, respectively, are 19012582, 19012583, 19014385. Similarly, their prices are 420 rubles, 1850 rubles and 9160 rubles.
Turtle Wax Intensive Wheel Cleaner
Turtle Wax Intensive Wheel Cleaner is positioned by the manufacturer as a professional tool that can be used not only in garage conditions for washing the wheel with your own hands, but also in commercial car washes. It contains acid, but the product is safe for most modern discs. So, with its help it is possible to process steel, chrome-plated, light-alloy, ground, polished, painted and other disks made of aluminum and steel. Please note that the product is safe for rubber, however harmful to the paintwork, so it must not be allowed to get on the elements of the car body! If this happens, you need to quickly rinse the product with water.
The test of Turtle Wax cleaner showed its high efficiency. When sprayed, a dense thick white foam is formed, under the influence of which the boiled metal chips on the discs are dissolved, and reddish streaks are formed. Unfortunately, it is unlikely that dirt can be removed simply by the pressure of water, so you need to additionally use microfiber and / or a brush. In some cases, it is noted that old stains or dirt in deep cracks are quite problematic to wash off. However, for this you can use the repeated application of the product or spot cleaning.
Sold in a 500 ml manual spray bottle. The item number for this item is FG6875. The price, respectively, is about 250 rubles.
Meguiar's Wheel Cleaner
this cleaner can be used with cast aluminium, chrome, anodized as well as steel rims. It contains neutralizing agents that can effectively dissolve and wash away dirt, bitumen and other debris. The manufacturer claims that Meguiar's cleaner does not harm the paintwork of the car, but in order to avoid trouble, it is better to apply it so that it still does not fall on the body.
Real tests showed a fairly good result in terms of efficiency. Meguiar's cleaner produces a thick cleaning foam that does a good job of hardened brake dust on discs, dirt, as well as small pieces of bitumen. However, with serious bituminous stains, especially those that have long been frozen, this remedy is unlikely to cope. Meanwhile, Meguiar's wheel cleaner is still recommended for garage use.
Meguiar's Wheel Cleaner comes pre-packaged in a 710ml hand spray bottle. The article of such packaging is G9524. Its average price is 820 rubles.
Disc cleaner Sonax FelgenReiniger Gel
The Sonax Disc Cleaner performs reasonably well and is praised by many drivers who have used it. It can be used for cast aluminum and chrome rims as well as steel. The bottle contains a solution that is completely ready for use. The cleaner contains no acid, the pH level is neutral, so it does not harm the plastic, varnished and metal parts of the car.
Conducted tests have shown a fairly high efficiency in removing medium-strong dirt, stubborn brake dust, oil residue, small bituminous stains, street dirt, and so on. Therefore, the tool can be quite possible to buy for independent use at home. However, with regard to severe pollution, whether it will cope with them is in question. Still, it's definitely recommended.
It is sold in a 500 ml bottle with a manual sprayer. Its article number is 429200. The price of the package is 450 rubles.
Liqui Moly rim cleaner
The Liqui Moly rim cleaner is designed for use with cast aluminum rims as well as steel rims. The value of the acid number pH is 8,9. The bottle contains a ready-to-use solution. An interesting feature of this tool is the presence of metal dissolution indicators in it. In the initial state, the composition has a green color, and after being applied to a contaminated disc, it changes its color to purple during operation. And the dirtier the disc, the more saturated the color.
Real tests have shown that Liquid Moli copes with pollution quite mediocrely. That is, the product can only wash off pollution of medium complexity, and deeply ingrained stains of metal or bitumen, most likely, are beyond its power. A significant drawback is the value for money. With mediocre effectiveness, the drug is quite expensive. Meanwhile, the cleaner can be used for self-cleaning discs.
Liqui Moly Felgen Reiniger wheel cleaner is sold in a 500 ml hand spray bottle. The packaging article is 7605. Its price is 740 rubles.
Wheel cleaner DAC Super Effect
The DAC Super Effect wheel cleaner has an operation indicator. namely, after applying it to the treated surface, it changes color to purple, and the stronger the reaction, the more intense the shade. The composition of the cleaner does not contain acids and alkalis, so it can be used without problems with the car paintwork, as well as with its individual rubber, plastic and other parts. The manufacturer recommends working with the cleaner in personal protective equipment - rubber gloves and a respirator. Do not allow the product to get on the mucous membranes of the body! Otherwise, rinse them with plenty of running water.
The effectiveness of the DAC disc cleaner can be described as average. It can quite cope with weak pollution, however, it is unlikely to cope with stubborn elements in the form of bitumen. The situation can be corrected by its regular use as a preventive measure. However, this is not always feasible from a financial point of view. Therefore, to buy such a tool or not is up to the car owner to decide.
The cleaner is sold in a package of 500 ml, and article number 4771548292863, which has a manual sprayer. Its price is around 350 rubles.
Disk Cleaner Lavr
A good disc cleaner "Laurel" allows you to wash medium-sized pollution. According to manufacturers, it is safe for car paintwork, rubber, plastic. However, it is better to apply it carefully, allowing it to hit only the disk surface. Lavr cleaner can be used with any discs - aluminum, chrome, steel and so on.
The test wheel wash showed good, but not outstanding results. The trigger is quite convenient to use, dirt is well washed off even with a contactless wash, it has an unpleasant, but not very intense smell. Summing up, it can be argued that this wheel cleaner is definitely recommended for use in garage conditions, especially considering its relatively low price.
It is sold in a 500 ml bottle with a trigger (atomizer). The article number is Ln1439. The average price of such a bottle is about 250 rubles.
Car disc cleaner Grass Disk
Wheel cleaner "Grass" can be used with any of their types - steel, light alloy, chrome, and so on. The cleaner contains acid! Therefore, work carefully, do not allow the product to get on the skin surfaces. Otherwise, it must be removed quickly with copious amounts of water. At the same time, it is safe for rubber, car body paintwork, plastic and non-ferrous parts.
However, many drivers note that the Grass Disk wheel cleaner is somewhat inconvenient to use, since the sprayer is of very poor quality, and often the composition of it is poured directly onto their hands. That's why Be sure to wear rubber gloves and a mask! As for efficiency, it can be described as average. With small pollution, the tool really copes, but it is unlikely to cope with serious tasks. After use, the surface becomes greasy. also has a very unpleasant pungent odor. Of the advantages, only a low price can be noted.
It is sold in a standard 500 ml bottle with a manual spray. The article of this product is 117105. Its price is about 360 rubles.
Wheel cleaner IronOFF
In our rating, the IronOFF disc cleaner with indication was at the end of the list based on numerous reviews from car owners who claim that the tool has disgusting pungent odor, so you need to work with him either in the assistance with forced ventilation, or in a gas mask and gloves. But in fairness, for the sake of it is worth noting that its effectiveness is quite good. The composition of the cleaner does not contain any acids or alkalis, so the pH is neutral. also one feature is the presence of an operation indicator in it. That is, when the agent is applied to the treated surface, it changes color. And the more it enters into a chemical reaction, the more intense the color.
Please note that the manufacturer Shine Systems directly indicates that the product should only be applied using a high or low pressure apparatus, and that the composition should not get on the skin, and even more so in the eyes. If this happens, you need to rinse them with plenty of water. Do not apply cleaner to hot discs and do not work in direct sunlight.
Sold in a 750 ml package. Her article number is SS907. It has a price of about 410 rubles.
Disc cleaner recommendations
In general, there are a number of recommendations that will help car owners choose a wheel cleaner:
Cleaner operation with indicator
- Form of issue. The most acceptable option is liquid. On the package for ease of use, there may be a trigger (manual sprayer) or a pump.
- Active element. In most cases, it is better to use an acid-free cleaner, such compounds are not so aggressive for the paintwork.
- Special additives. For example, in acid-containing cleaners, the presence of corrosion inhibitors (namely, acetylenic alcohols, sulfur-containing compounds, aldehydes, and so on) will not be superfluous.
- What can be used for. This information must be read on the label. For example, cast aluminum rim cleaner is not suitable for steel chrome surfaces and vice versa. The label directly says for which types of discs a particular tool can be used. However, at present, most of these tools are universal and suitable for any disc.
- Manufacturer. Now the range of compositions is very wide, so it is advisable to focus on reviews and tests of selected cleaners.
The most popular rims currently fitted to production vehicles are lacquered aluminum rims and painted lacquered aluminium/steel rims. Both types are afraid of aggressive chemical compounds. Therefore, it is better to wash them with neutral cleaners. At the same time, most of today's cheap disc cleaners sold in stores, are just acidic. Check this information further.
How and why you need to care for rims
The first and simplest reason why you need to look after, that is, wash the rims, is the aesthetic component. Simply put, in order for them to be clean and pleasing to the eye of both the car owner and the people around the car.
The second reason is their protection from harmful factors. The last ones in this case are brake dust (formed during natural abrasion of brake pads during their operation), road bitumen, various dirt, including those with abrasive components. Brake dust has a high temperature, and its red-hot particles literally dig into the disc coating, thereby destroying it. This can lead to yellow (or a different color) spots over time, especially where brake dust accumulates.
Similarly, with road bitumen. Its composition is harmful to the paintwork of both the disc and the car body as a whole. If these stains are not removed in time, then over time, bitumen can greatly “corrode” the paintwork, and in this place a stain will turn out, and eventually rust (irrelevant for aluminum wheels, however, they are also mechanically damaged). Therefore, bituminous stains are recommended to be cleaned as early as possible and preferably with special means.
Finally, a few tips on what can and cannot be done when washing machine wheels:
- before using a disc cleaner, the surface of the latter must be washed with water and detergent in order to wash off the simplest dirt, and then allow the disc to dry;
- do not wash hot discs, otherwise they will leave stains from the detergent;
- it is recommended to wipe the discs approximately once every one or two weeks with a damp rag or sponge, this will further facilitate the process of capital washing;
- depending on the operating conditions of the car, it is recommended to wash the disks completely every three to four weeks (in some cases it is possible even less often);
- when washing disks, it is better to remove the wheels in order to wash them both from the outside and from the inside;
- in order not to damage the surface of the disc, washing is best done with soft brushes, sponges and / or rags or simply with water under pressure;
- alloy wheels cannot be exposed to high temperatures and steam, because of this they lose their original appearance and luster;
- do not allow the cleaner composition to dry on the surface of the disc, this may damage the latter.
In addition to the professional disk cleaners listed above, there are also several "folk" ones. The simplest of them is a solution of citric acid, with which you can wash not old stains of brake dust. You can also use apple cider vinegar for this purpose. By the way, he can even cope with oil stains, albeit not at once. In some cases, it is convenient to use not rags or microfiber, but professional brushes for washing the car and disks.
Also one interesting life hack with which to remove yellow plaque from aluminum disks is the use of Sanox toilet bowl surface cleaner. It contains oxalic acid and soap solution. In tests, he showed himself from the best side. And given its low cost, it is highly recommended for use.
Be aware that some wheel cleaner formulations are harmful to the rubber and/or paintwork that the tire is made from. Read this carefully in the instructions. Many modern products for rubber are safe, but for body paintwork they are harmful. Therefore, if you do not remove the wheel, apply the composition so that the cleaner does not get on the body paintwork. If this happens, it is advisable to wash it off as soon as possible.
