Recommendations to Clean Brake Dust from Wheels?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around methods for cleaning brake dust from alloy wheels, particularly focusing on effective and efficient cleaning techniques without extensive scrubbing. Participants share their experiences and recommendations for products and approaches to prevent brake dust from becoming a more significant issue.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Product recommendation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests using brake cleaner followed by soapy water for removing fresh brake dust.
  • Another participant recommends starting with soapy water and then using a degreaser or tire cleaner at a carwash, cautioning against brake cleaner due to potential contact with rubber.
  • Several participants mention an Armor-All product designed for cleaning brake dust, noting its effectiveness without harming tire rubber.
  • There is a discussion about the potential overkill of using brake cleaner, with some expressing curiosity about the ingredient comparison between brake cleaner and Armor-All.
  • Participants discuss the recommendation of waxing wheels, with one suggesting it may be a marketing strategy while another believes it helps with easier cleaning in the future.
  • Concerns about allergies to aerosol products are raised, with one participant indicating they prefer to avoid such products.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the effectiveness of Armor-All for cleaning brake dust, but there is no consensus on the necessity or appropriateness of using brake cleaner. The discussion about waxing wheels also reveals differing opinions on its benefits.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the long-term effects of various cleaning products on wheel and tire materials, and there are unresolved questions regarding the actual benefits of waxing wheels beyond aesthetics.

Who May Find This Useful

Car owners looking for efficient methods to clean alloy wheels and those interested in product recommendations for maintaining vehicle appearance.

Saladsamurai
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I'm not talking about caked on or burnt on brake dust due to years of neglect. I'm talking my car has 5000 miles on it and came out from an oil change with greasy brake dust all over my alloy wheels. I am not the type to scrub my wheels all weekend, so I want to nip this in the bud before it burns on. If I let it go too long, I am sure it will burn on.

Any thoughts on how I can remove this fresh stuff without it being an all day event? I am thinking of using brake cleaner and then washing it off thoroughly with soapy water.
 
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Soapy water first followed by degreaser/tire cleaner at the coin-operated carwash. I wouldn't use brake cleaner if it is possible that it might come in contact with rubber, especially if the rubber (tire) is a key safety component.
 
Amour-All has a product for getting brake dust and grime off of wheels, spray it on and watch everything run off. It doesn't do anything to the tire rubber itself.
 
Dr Transport said:
Amour-All has a product for getting brake dust and grime off of wheels, spray it on and watch everything run off. It doesn't do anything to the tire rubber itself.

^ That's what I do.

http://www.armorall.com/products/view_product.php?product_id=28&main_group=3&category_index=wheel

I wouldn't use brake cleaner unless you're actually planning on cleaning your brake pads or rotors.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
I think I'll give that Armour-All all a shot. Brake cleaner is a bit overkill, though I wonder how the ingredients compare to what's in the Armour-All. I notice in the link they recommend waxing the wheels. Maybe I'll give that a shot as well.
 
Good to know about Armor-All cleaner. I have alloy wheels on my Ridgeline, and they could afford to look a little nicer.
 
turbo said:
Good to know about Armor-All cleaner. I have alloy wheels on my Ridgeline, and they could afford to look a little nicer.

Aren't you allergic to that?
 
micromass said:
Aren't you allergic to that?
I can get my wife to spray the wheels and rinse them off with a hose. I don't use any aerosol products.

She's the one who sprayed the wasp-killer in our woodshed after I got stung.
 
Saladsamurai said:
I think I'll give that Armour-All all a shot. Brake cleaner is a bit overkill, though I wonder how the ingredients compare to what's in the Armour-All. I notice in the link they recommend waxing the wheels. Maybe I'll give that a shot as well.

I think they recommend waxing the wheels so that you will spend more money on their products. :wink:

Waxing the wheels makes the rubber look squeaky clean, but I'm unaware of any mechanical/performance related advantages to doing so.
 
  • #10
Dembadon said:
I think they recommend waxing the wheels so that you will spend more money on their products. :wink:

Waxing the wheels makes the rubber look squeaky clean, but I'm unaware of any mechanical/performance related advantages to doing so.

I am pretty sure waxing the wheels (not the tires) is intended to make the next washing easier. Just like waxing your car: the dirt and grime adheres to the wax and makes for less scrubbing next car wash.
 

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