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Thread: Is acid based wheel cleaner safe for chrome wheels?

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Dec 2002
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    Chicago
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    E39 M5

    Is acid based wheel cleaner safe for chrome wheels?

    Is acid based wheel cleaner safe for chrome wheels?
    I'm reading the overview on Eagle One Mag Cleaner and they say its safe for chrome-plated wheels. Here is the link:
    http://www.eagleone.com/pages/produc...=1001&cat=5006
    What do you think?

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jun 2007
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    Ponte Vedra Beach, FL / London, England
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    M-B SL500
    Chrome Cleaning:
    Use a product that doesn’t contain harsh solvents, petroleum distillates, is acidic or contains ammonia (Zymol Metall Britework Polish) A metal polish in the form of a pleasant-smelling, non-toxic soap (P21S Polishing Soap - is not intendedfor use on painted, clear coated or anodized surfaces) it is a solid, clay-based (Kaolin) polish that applies with its own sponge. Simply wet the sponge with water, wipe it across the Polishing Soap, and squeeze the sponge to create lather and begin polishing and then rinse with clean water.

    Once the brake dust / soil has been removed apply a polymer sealant for protection, this will also make future cleaning easier. A polymer is recommended as it has a higher melting temperature (350oF) compared to Carnauba wax (180oF) a wheel surface will reach a temperature in excess of 120oF due to rotor friction and in excess of 195oF when parked in the sun.

    Alternate products-
    Happich SeamiChrome Polish - http://www.caswellplating.com
    Chrome Polish and hot environment polish -http://www.englishcustompolishing.com
    P21S Finish Restorer – http://www.autogeek.com

    See also -
    Wheel Cleaners- http://www.detailingbliss.com/forum/...ners-1201.html
    ~ Providing unbiased advice that entry level, enthusiasts, professionals and industry experts trust ~~ TOGWT Blog - Facebook Page

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Feb 2007
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    Overland Park KS
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    2002 330 XI, 2003 Mustang Mach 1
    Quote Originally Posted by Zubehor View Post
    Is acid based wheel cleaner safe for chrome wheels?
    I'm reading the overview on Eagle One Mag Cleaner and they say its safe for chrome-plated wheels. Here is the link:
    http://www.eagleone.com/pages/produc...=1001&cat=5006
    What do you think?
    Yes. I use acid cleaner on lots of wheels.

    TIP: wear nitrile gloves to protect your skin...even though these products are highly diluted, it pays to be safe with your skin.

    TIP: after applying and rinsing, go back over the wheel with lots of soap and water to neutralize any remaining acid.

    Toto

    Detail Maniac!

  4. #4
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    Dec 2002
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    Chicago
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    E39 M5
    Thank you for the replies. Out of curiosity then what kind of wheels i should NOT clean with acid based cleaners? Were talking stuff you buy from the store nothing hard core.

  5. #5
    Join Date
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    Oxnard (Ventura), CA
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    99528it 02525it 04325it

    Smile

    Personally, I wouldn't use acid based cleaners in my polished wheels. They will definitely take the luster out of it particularly if you let it sit and dry. I've been through it.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Feb 2007
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    Overland Park KS
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    2002 330 XI, 2003 Mustang Mach 1
    Quote Originally Posted by Zubehor View Post
    Thank you for the replies. Out of curiosity then what kind of wheels i should NOT clean with acid based cleaners? Were talking stuff you buy from the store nothing hard core.
    do not use them on non-clearcoated aluminum wheels. Either polished or plain "as-cast"

    An example would be these polished Halibrand design wheels from Team III



    Toto

    Detail Maniac!

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Apr 2003
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    Florida
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    2015 335i MSport
    I use diluted acid on most wheels. Not on unclearcoated ones of course but Ive never had a problem with it. I wet the wheel, spray the acid on, hit it with a wheel brush and spray it off. When Im washing the car I go back and soap the wheels and wash them again.

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