Initial Impressions: Wolfgang Uber Wheel Cleaner

[mjlinane]

Initial Impressions: Wolfgang Uber Wheel Cleaner

Introduction:

I was another of the lucky members to receive some of the new Wolfgang products to try/review. I had not intentionally tried to be the "final word" with my review but weather got in the way. I seem to collect wheel cleaners. Unlike WOWAs & rinseless washes, it is more because I've never really liked any of them. An unofficial count, I have 2 from CG, Sonax, Griot's Garage HD, Wolf's, EcoTouch, Amazing Roll-off and several other I have not tried. For horrible wheels, PBW Spray & Rinse works exceedingly well but, because it works so well, I am reluctant to use frequently or on expensive wheels in spite of Pockets assurances otherwise. (Now, if I daily drove a BMW, I might change my mind.)

Why am I hard to please? I just want an economical, effective, safe (to me and my wheels) that doesn't gas me out of the area. I don't want to work hard. (I am willing to agitate but don't want to scrub.) And I don't want to have to wait. Is that unreasonable?

Thanks again to Corey for providing the format and to Nick & Autogeek for providing the samples.

Product

Product Claims:

From Autogeek.net site - Wolfgang ber Wheel Cleaner, color changing wheel cleaner

"Cleaning really dirty wheels has never been easier!

If you’ve been looking for a wheel cleaner that’s powerful and safe Wolfgang Über Wheel Cleaner is for you! Wolfgang Über Wheel Cleaner destroys built up brake dust and road grime faster than you thought possible. Wolfgang Über Wheel Cleaner will quickly become your go-to wheel cleaner when nothing else works. When it comes time to clean neglected wheels, Wolfgang Über Wheel Cleaner enables you to get the job done quickly and safely. Finding a wheel cleaner that is strong enough to remove brake dust, yet safe enough for use on delicate wheel finishes without staining was once a daunting task. In the past you couldn’t find a wheel cleaner that was both powerful and safe but now you get both features with Wolfgang Über Wheel Cleaner.

Approved for all wheels

Wolfgang Über Wheel Cleaner is safe for all wheels including, chrome, aluminum, clear coated, anodized, billet, and painted wheels. It’s even safe for painted and chrome wheel covers!

Heavy Duty Cleaning Action

Wolfgang Über Wheel Cleaner is non-acid and pH neutral and yet is powerful enough to melt away brake dust with ease. Traditionally, acid was used to break the bond between metallic brake dust particles and your wheel’s finish. While acid works well it is harsh and damaging to most wheel finishes. Wolfgang Über Wheel Cleaner uses new advanced chemistry that dissolves brake dust and oily road grime off your wheels so well that in most cases minimal agitation is all that’s required.

Color Changing Shows You It’s Working!

Wolfgang Über Wheel Cleaner sprays on clear and instantly starts attacking baked on brake dust, dissolving it and removing it. You can tell it’s working because when it comes into contact with any metallic brake dust particles it turns red!

Perfect for BMWs and other European Automobiles

European automotive companies are known for the powerful engineering that goes into their vehicles and to bring that power to a safe stop they are also known for their incredible braking ability. A result of tremendous braking power is a lot of brake dust and Wolfgang Über Wheel Cleaner can easily remove the worst brake dust off the best of cars.

Best Choice for Severely Neglected Wheels

Wolfgang Über Wheel Cleaner is the best choice for heavily neglected wheels that have not been properly cleaned in months, or even years! Wolfgang Über Wheel Cleaner cleans and restores the beauty to even the most neglected wheels. In most cases Wolfgang Über Wheel Cleaner will not require any agitation from a wheel brush. For severely neglected and stubborn brake-dust build-up, simply agitate the cleaner using a quality wheel brush."

Details:

1.- Packaging: Plastic Bottle with Trigger Sprayer
2.- Directions: Clearly labelled
3.- Viscosity: About the same as water
4.- Color: Clear
5.- Scent: Chemical with sulfur
6.- Price at time of review: 16oz = $ 19.99
7.- Manufacturer: Wolfgang
8.- Made in: USA

Other Products Used:

5 gallon Bucket
Wheel Woolies
Daytona Speed Master Jr. (broken)
Grout Sponge
Pressure washer
(OPC & Tuf Shine brush for tires)

Test Car:

2011 Flamenco Red Metallic Volvo C70 T5

Preparation:

Other than put in driveway and straightening the wheels, nothing.

Application:

I made a video. Easier than explaining. Not sure how well it shows, but these were pretty bad. The rear brakes dust badly and there was at least a month (probably several) of build up (& several rains).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6z6JAuC3Mhw

Observations:

First thing I didn't noticed was the scent. Today, now that my allergies are a touch better, I realize that it isn't that good. This isn't a deal-breaker for me but a nice to have.

The clingy foam was excellent.

Next, after a short dwell (and a pretty color change), the brake dust and crud came off easily with only light agitation - of both me and the wheel.

I didn't get great after shots but the wheels finished quite nice.

Does it meet its claims? Pretty much.

Pros:
1.- Cleans well
2.- Works on dirty wheels with only light agitation
3.- Clingy suds.

Cons:
1.- Smell isn't that great
2.- A little pricey.

Final Observations and Summary:

Wolfgang Uber Wheel actually met my some of my requirements for an excellent wheel cleaner. I really liked how easy it made cleaning some pretty dirty wheels. I did not personally measure the pH but will take AG's word for it - means it is safe. So, will I use it going forward? I had a car with expensive wheels and brakes that dusted badly, yes, I would. I don't have either but will still use it.

Comments and questions are encouraged. Thanks for viewing!

 

[Bunky]

Thanks for the review. :xyxthumbs:

I had missed this earlier. The youtube link did show up as embedded for some reason so did not see the link.

It looks like a nice product.

The video emphasizes the time needed to really clean the wheel area. At around 5 minutes per wheel (including time to move to each wheel), a good thorough wheel area cleaning add 20 minutes to a wash process.

One also has to usually have at least 2 to 3 brushes or wash media types to clean all surfaces (wells, wheel face, barrel, lug nuts) and often two chemicals (APC and dedicated cleaner for brake dust).

 

[GS2011]

A recent thread about Iron-X and Sonax wheel cleaners mentioned that sometimes they put a green tinge on wheel weights. Just curious if anyone who has already used the new Wolfgang has had the same problem with it? I just received my first bottle yesterday, but have yet to try it.

 

[mjlinane]

Thanks Al.

I couldn't get the frame to show on this one. I'll try again here:
[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6z6JAuC3Mhw&feature=g-upl]WG Uber - YouTube[/video]

You are correct. I remember one particularly nasty set of BMW wheels taking more than 2 hours to get clean - and they still weren't perfect. These brushes and sponge (scored, I might add) are my preferred tools. I've got several others but these work best for me.

 

[Wors]

Thanks for taking the time to create the video and complete a write up. The Uber Wheel Cleaner looks to be a very good product. I am curious how well it will work on some BMW wheels.

 

[mjlinane]

Thanks for taking the time to create the video and complete a write up. The Uber Wheel Cleaner looks to be a very good product. I am curious how well it will work on some BMW wheels.

I have a customer dropping off either a Civic or a 3-series this afternoon. The other will come next weekend. Neither have been washed this year and I doubt neither has had its wheels ever really cleaned. I'll document the results.

 

[maxniman]

A recent thread about Iron-X and Sonax wheel cleaners mentioned that sometimes they put a green tinge on wheel weights. Just curious if anyone who has already used the new Wolfgang has had the same problem with it? I just received my first bottle yesterday, but have yet to try it.

let me know how it works on your GS, I use simple green now on the huge amount of brake dust on my GS

 

[BobbyG]

Mike, talk about a step by step on how to properly clean the wheels and tires, this is it!

Great review and video!! rops:

 

[mjlinane]

Thanks Bobby.

 

[mjlinane]

Here are some really dirty BMW wheels. A 2007 model and doubt they had ever been cleaned. Uber didn't get it perfectly clean but then neither did PBW Spray & Rinse followed by CG Sticky Gel Citrus Wheel Cleaner. Still, it did a better than reasonable job.