Tires and wheels - if your not a pro

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dpmanley

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So you guys helped me with the interior, now for wheels and tires.
My 2003 Suburban has what appears to be alloy wheels. The surfaces are textured except the spoke fronts which are smooth.

The smooth ares appear milky and the wheels need a good cleaning. They are not too bad. I saw some good threads on cleaning, so there are good recommendations already here on AG.
What I plan to do:
Clean with Megs tire and wheel cleaner
Clay with Griots Wheel clay
Then.....?
Questions:
I don't know if these are clear coated. How can I tell?
After cleaning, do I need to "treat" - seal, protect, whatever?
Should I just wax the wheels like I do the paint?
I don't like "shiny" tires, but I do want deep black to last a couple of weeks.

I buy OTC or order if I can't get quality products. I don't mind spending on quality but I am not a pro and my cars are not classics so cost is still a factor. (no Turtle Wax):)

I can't figure out how to post a picture in my post. :dunno:

Thanks for any help.
 
Might I ask if you have a daytona wheel brush? If not I would totally get one. It reaches every where. If it was me I would clean them normally and then possibly use iron X on the wheels. Then move onto the clay baring. I know of people having specific clay for wheels. I don't think using reg clay would hurt it. Just don't use it on the paint afterwards. 😂 then seal it with a proper wheel wax or sealant.

And yes a picture would help. What are you on a phone or pc?
 
I plan to order a wheel brush with whatever products I decide on after feedback.
I was going to order the Griots clay partially to remind me to keep it separate from clay I use on the cars. Also to keep my kids from mixing them. I am not sure I need the Ironx only because I don't see extensive embedded material - I assume clay will get it.
I am on a PC. I have a picture ready but don't see how to insert it in the text as I see in many posts.
 
Steve just posed a great review for a tire cleaner...While I haven't personally used it, Steve's a Pro out of Limerick, PA and trust his opinion and recommendations....:props:

Mother's Back to Black Tire Renew

A couple of Daytona Brushes are designed specifically for wheels and barrels.

Tire & Wheel Brushes

Meguiar's Super degreaser diluted 1 part product to 4 parts water will clean even the toughest grime and at $16.00 per gallon of concentrate you simply cannot pass this up...:dblthumb2:

Meguiar’s Super Degreaser
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/product-reviews/83375-review-mother-s-back-black-tire-renew.html
 
As far as knowing if there is clear coat: if you can see clearcoat flaking off, that's a dead giveaway. Otherwise, apply a fine polish with a microfiber towel, if there is color transfer or black residue generated, there is no clear coat. Color transfer indicates paint, black residue indicates bare aluminum. No transfer indicates clearcoat.
 
Stock wheels? Then probably clear-coated.

Where are you located? Anywhere in the 'snow belt?' If you do, the snow removal chemicals (read-salt) will make short work on that clear coat.

Bill
 
The opposite of snow belt - California coast.
View attachment 29403

Ok so it seems I can load pictures from my phone but I am too dumb.... I mean too busy..... To do it from my PC.

I will try the polish test today. Any recommendations on dressing after cleaning?
 
OK I have a plan:

Clean with Megs super degreaser (or Simple Green)
Megs tire and wheel brushes
Clean wells while I'm there
Dry everything

Clean tires with Mother BTB Tire (I already use BTB trim and like it)
Finish tires with either Megs Endurance or Surf City (have not decided yet)

Clay wheels
Polish with Megs Ultimate
Hand wax with ? AG has recommendations but I did not see a lot of comments in the forums on wheel wax

This is my daily driver and I can't do this weekly. Should look OK for monthly process...?
 
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