Cleaning Wheels on Tacoma

[Hot_Ajax]

Good afternoon gents: I have a Tacoma with an alloy with some unknown finish that makes the wheels lool like aluminum. In truth, they are not aluminum. The wheels have these little brown specks that I thought may have been tar. So far, I have tried:

1. Dawn detergent

2. Bug and Tar Remover

3. Ardex Wheel Brightener.

None of them work. I cannot get too aggressive with the treatment, or I will rub the finish right off the wheels. Any ideas for how to remove the little specks from the rims? Thanks.

 

[Ed_Flecko]

Have you tried "Iron-X" or "clay-bar"?

Ed

 

[Hot_Ajax]

Iron-X. What is that?

 

[Ed_Flecko]

"Highly effective, acid-free and pH balanced, CarPro Iron X stops rust spots and pre-mature failure of the clear coat by making short work of iron contaminant removal across the entire vehicle! Using Iron X saves time and helps avoid the laborious claying process used in traditional car care regimes. This formulation of CarPro Iron X is safe and effective for use on all car surfaces and will not deteriorate clear coats. This preventative measure puts a stop to pre-mature corrosion."

https://bit.ly/2MPdiAq and https://bit.ly/2kQnAUi

Ed

 

[PimTac]

Originally Posted by Hot_Ajax
Iron-X. What is that?




Duck Duck Go is your friend.

 

[buck91]

I'm pretty impressed with Meguiars non-acid wheel and tire cleaner (D143) so far.

 

[iahawk]

Originally Posted by Ed_Flecko
Have you tried "Iron-X" or "clay-bar"?


I'd give both of those a shot..

 

[montero1]

I haven't come across anything this stuff won't remove. Stinks as all get out, but hasn't damaged the finish on any of my wheels. My Z4 wheels tend to get some rust specks after a while, but this stuff gets everything off, just let it sit 2- 3 mins.


https://www.meguiars.com/automotive/products/meguiars-ultimate-all-wheel-cleaner-g180124-24-oz-spray

 

[Hot_Ajax]

Thanks, gents. It looks like the Meguiar's product is pretty easy to use. Will definitely give it a shot. My wheels like like crap.

 

[WylieCoyote]

Curious.....what wheels do you have that look like aluminum, but aren't? I know my sister's Highlander has "caps" that provide the bright finish on her wheels, but what's underneath is still aluminum. Please post a pic....I'd like to see what you're talking about.

 

[Delta]

Originally Posted by buck91
I'm pretty impressed with Meguiars non-acid wheel and tire cleaner (D143) so far.


While this is a somewhat safe bet, it can in-fact ruin your wheels. The wheels on the OP's vehicle are probably clear-coated but if they're anything like mine there's probably very little left.

 

[Hot_Ajax]

Originally Posted by Delta
Originally Posted by buck91
I'm pretty impressed with Meguiars non-acid wheel and tire cleaner (D143) so far.


While this is a somewhat safe bet, it can in-fact ruin your wheels. The wheels on the OP's vehicle are probably clear-coated but if they're anything like mine there's probably very little left.



Delta: You're right. Not a whole lot of coating left. Thanks.