Ok, so I was at Advance Auto for another purpose and I always glance at the car care isle when visiting these places. I saw this stuff for $15 and thought I would give it a shot.
Anyone that has owned, detailed, or even briefly looked at a german auto has seen the brake dust they spew everywhere. Years ago I remember thinking why would somone buy that car and never ever wash it (basing my opinion on the condition of the front wheels). Anyway, German OEM pads are juast horrible when it comes to brake dust - This effect can only be matched by a few brands of track pads.
I may eventually change pads but for now I have been on the lookout for a prodect that would actually prevent brake dust from adhering to the wheel and not simply make it easier to clean.
So here is a test of an Armor All product that specifically states that it does just that - Prevent adhesion of brake dust and other dirt. Spray on, let dry for as long as possible and thats it. This is probably the first Armor All product I have purchased in 15 years.
The Setup
I began with a perfectly clean and dry front wheel - IronX etc. I taped a line down the center and sprayed the top portion of the wheel with the product - Liberally as directed. I specifically coated my tires more liberally than usual to make sure any overspray didnt stain my tire (not sure it would but I didnt want to run the risk with a new product. Just remember going forward that the protected side is the side with the valve stem.
As you can see, the product left a visible line at the tape. The product did not overtly impact the shine of the wheel. However, after about 24 hours (still not driven yet) I touched the surface of the wheel with my fingertips. I was not comforted by what I found. A chalky residue was certainly present (although it appears clear while undistrubed on the wheel). At this point, I was already losing hope.
Day One
Hmmm. 60 miles in and the brake pads are certainly shedding some dust - As Always. Do you see a difference?
Treated side
Untreated side
Day Two
125 miles in.
Treated side
Untreated side
Another closeup of the opposite end of the wheel. You can see where the product got under the tape so the line is not perfect.
So for now, this stuff works. I mean really works. You can see how much dust I get after only 120 miles of driving (mostly interstate, some traffic). And there is litterally no dust on the protected side - It is interesting that the dust falls together into little clumps on the protected side and then eventually flings off itself. I circled one of those clumps under the first Day One photo.
I will update the thread with more days as time goes on. The only question is longevity - Will it remain on the wheel after washing? Granted a spray of water would clean them if completely protected - But will it remain on the wheel after getting wet? If not, is the spray worth it the price/effort? The can makes no mention of how often it needs to be applied. So we will see. But so far, wow, it actually repells brake dust.
Anyone that has owned, detailed, or even briefly looked at a german auto has seen the brake dust they spew everywhere. Years ago I remember thinking why would somone buy that car and never ever wash it (basing my opinion on the condition of the front wheels). Anyway, German OEM pads are juast horrible when it comes to brake dust - This effect can only be matched by a few brands of track pads.
I may eventually change pads but for now I have been on the lookout for a prodect that would actually prevent brake dust from adhering to the wheel and not simply make it easier to clean.
So here is a test of an Armor All product that specifically states that it does just that - Prevent adhesion of brake dust and other dirt. Spray on, let dry for as long as possible and thats it. This is probably the first Armor All product I have purchased in 15 years.
The Setup
I began with a perfectly clean and dry front wheel - IronX etc. I taped a line down the center and sprayed the top portion of the wheel with the product - Liberally as directed. I specifically coated my tires more liberally than usual to make sure any overspray didnt stain my tire (not sure it would but I didnt want to run the risk with a new product. Just remember going forward that the protected side is the side with the valve stem.
As you can see, the product left a visible line at the tape. The product did not overtly impact the shine of the wheel. However, after about 24 hours (still not driven yet) I touched the surface of the wheel with my fingertips. I was not comforted by what I found. A chalky residue was certainly present (although it appears clear while undistrubed on the wheel). At this point, I was already losing hope.
Day One
Hmmm. 60 miles in and the brake pads are certainly shedding some dust - As Always. Do you see a difference?
Treated side
Untreated side
Day Two
125 miles in.
Treated side
Untreated side
Another closeup of the opposite end of the wheel. You can see where the product got under the tape so the line is not perfect.
So for now, this stuff works. I mean really works. You can see how much dust I get after only 120 miles of driving (mostly interstate, some traffic). And there is litterally no dust on the protected side - It is interesting that the dust falls together into little clumps on the protected side and then eventually flings off itself. I circled one of those clumps under the first Day One photo.
I will update the thread with more days as time goes on. The only question is longevity - Will it remain on the wheel after washing? Granted a spray of water would clean them if completely protected - But will it remain on the wheel after getting wet? If not, is the spray worth it the price/effort? The can makes no mention of how often it needs to be applied. So we will see. But so far, wow, it actually repells brake dust.
