Wheel stains

08ChevImpala

08ChevImpala

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Just picked up a nice Impala LTZ. The 18 inch wheels are stained from the brake dust laying in the corners that have been neglected. What is the BEST and easiest way to get rid of those stains?? It's driving me nuts. I did try a very small section with some chrome polish, and it seemed to work, but wondering what you suggest. Thanks a bunch.
 
Wheel acid is your best bet. But over the counter, check out Dub Wheel cleaner by Megs. It's meant to help break up those deposits.
 
What year impala did you get?

If the wheels are OEM they are more than likely clear coated. You could treat them like paint.
 
The Guz said:
What year impala did you get?

If the wheels are OEM they are more than likely clear coated. You could treat them like paint.
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It's an '08 with the 18 inch OEM wheels.
Treated them like paint by doing what to them? They are clear coated.
 
DUB wheel cleaner with a little agitation should knock that off. Then seal them to make it easier to clean up during future washes.
 
Do you have pictures of the stains? Did the Clear Coat Fail?
 
Meguiars Wheel Brightener undiluted, Auto finesse ObliTARate, and Carpro IRON-X Paste is my heaviest combo I would reach for in a situation like your describing.

I would start with a heavy application of wheel brightener. rinse off. Reapply and agitate. Rinse then dry.

Making sure the wheel is completely dry, an application of IRON-X Paste. Dwell, then agitate with a brush, rinse , dry.

Again making sure wheel is dry apply the TAR remover. Dwell, scrub with a coarse MF towel, then rewash the wheel with Meguiars Wheel brightener.

If this process doesn't work for me, I typically give up and just deal with the damage leftover. My next consideration would be to have the wheel refinished from a local guys for about 75 to 125$ per wheel.
 
An OTC wheel cleaner like suggested above should clean them right up. Spray on, dwell for a few minutes, keep wet, agitate with brush, keep wet, rinse thoroughly then wash with your regular car wash mixture.

Did I mention that you should keep the wheel wet with cleaner the entire time you work on it? Make sure the wheels are cool to the touch before starting. Touch them with the back of your fingers to verify that they're cool before starting.
 
I actually just tried a spot test with Simple Green. That takes it right off with minimal agitation!
Good stuff. We used a ton of it in the Air Force.
 
Give them a good polish and seal them up. I would use something a little less harsh than Simple Green.
 
The Guz said:
Give them a good polish and seal them up. I would use something a little less harsh than Simple Green.
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Just use a regular paint sealant on them? Or do you mean to put to give em a good waxing?
 
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