Alloy Wheel Cleaner - Brake Off

[matt1263]

Hi, just a quick thing to show you what this product did.

Spare wheel of my musso, not perfect, but if it can shift this, then its ideal for your alloys.

(also use bilberry on other cars)









Now all I did was spray the product on, left for 5 mins, mixed it around with a Hoof Oil Brush (49p from Tesco) and rinsed off.

I didnt touch with PW due to paint peeling.



And last pic is the finished wheel with Verde tyre dressing (i prefer the matt look).

Not bothered sealing because the paint is knackered.

Matt

[Porsche]

Most of these alloy cleaners state that they shouldn't be used on Porsche alloys or split-rims. What does it say on this brake off stuff?

[matt1263]

Thats because most of the alloy cleaners people use are "old skool"

I will email the UK supplier and ask him if he knows if its safe to use on Porsche, he has just got one in the mags so should know lol

Bilberry is safe on polished alloys (not painted, polished) and split-rims.

http://www.malcopro.com/index.php?page= ... Itemid=101

[matt1263]

This is the answer I got: (he is a full time valeter/detailer)

"This is what the malco site says:

Removes brake dust, road film and dirt from aluminum and light alloy wheels. This powerful non-acid, alkaline cleaner is ideal for cleaning intricate cast and machined wheels, including Mercedes, Volvo and BMW aluminum and alloy wheels.

I personally havent used it on Porsche split rims.

It also depends on the type of rim and wether it has a bare polished metal rim or a polished and lacquered.

If bare metal i wouldnt use anything but soapy water. If lacquered then it wont be any different from any other wheel cleaner as long as the dilution ratio is right.

I'll pop out to the van and get the container and post back what it says if there is any additional info.

Marc"

I will keep updating this as and when if thats ok?

[Sean Smallman]

Guys don't be fooled by stuff just because it says non acid, we all associate acid as being a dangerous substance.

An alkaline cleans in the same way an acid does and can be just as caustic.

A good shampoo and a wheel brush is the safest way, it does take a bit more effort though.

[Brett928S2]

Hi

Ummmmmm isn't this thread just an advert ????

All the best Brett

[matt1263]

No its not an advert, I dont sell Malco, its just that I was sent an sample which I used yesterday on the musso wheel, which it cleaned up very well.

I thought people "might" be intrested in a wheel cleaner which does the job very well.

Maybe not.

I have also used Megs Wheel Britener, Bilberry and just got hold of some Aerospace 303 to try on the engine bay.

Aerospace 303 is also good for cleaning tyres, interior plastics etc

If people want to think this is an advert then fine, if people would rather see it as me being helpful (which I am) then that would be better.

After all, in the 928 section you will see me asking for a bonnet to practice my PC on, and that is so I can try various compounds from Megs, Menz, 3M, Malco and MarkV on it.

And yes, a nice soapy wash, using mitt, ez brush (http://www.motorgeek.co.uk) or Raceglasze Wheel Brush will get your alloys clean, as long as they have been kept clean.

Dont forget to seal the alloys once you have cleaned them, just makes the brake dust and road grime easier to get off.

(if you go to costco they have 4 wash mitts for £8, ideal for sills and alloys)

Matt

(oh and just to point out, ALOT of shampoos are not PH friendly either, one of the better ones is Bilt-Hamber shampoo, which I also use)

[Clive993]

Hi

Ummmmmm isn't this thread just an advert ????

All the best Brett

Not really - we can hardly put a forum up for detailing and what people do and use and then ask they cross the names out. Sort of misses the point i think.

Anycase most will rarely be swayed - most people have their faves and wont change. Damned if i am going to give up brillo pads and fairy liquid!!!

[Sean Smallman]

I agree with you Clive on this thread.

Fairy and brillo pads, that's why you had so many swirl marks.

Got to go, just rinsed the Alfa and I don't want any water marks from the Zymol shampoo.

[ExAudiSi]

Got to go, just rinsed the Alfa and I don't want any water marks from the Zymol shampoo.

Ah, you need a water softener so that you rinse the car with pure water without any dissolved salts in it and hence no water marks when it dries. I just happen to know someone who is planning to produce these....

[Sean Smallman]

We'll all look forward to a huge discount

[ExAudiSi]

I'll see what I can do

What's with the Rav 4?
Are you taking up hair dressing?

[lindsayhbrown]

I'll see what I can do

What's with the Rav 4?
Are you taking up hair dressing?

or coming out of the closet

[Sean Smallman]

I must admit it's going to be a long year driving a motor that's a bit Larry

[944Tman]

I think you have to be very careful with split rims - I wouldn't use anything other than shampoo on them and make sure it states it ph neutral.
Acid based wheel cleaners are OK on good rims, just follow the instructions - I found Porsche's own wheel cleaner useless on my wifes Honda but the Race Glaze stuff shifted it a treat.