[JackMK]

What types of cleaner would you suggest for these bmw wheels if they are heavy with brake dust? I was thinking about diluting an APC but I’d also like to hear suggestions. I’ve use brake buster previously but just ran out and looking to move to something else

[PYE46M3]

Nothing. Ceramic brake pads, waxed wheels then soap and water with a wheel brush for the barrels and microfiber towel for in between the spokes.

[malvern_man]

Firstly if they're not already ceramic coated then get the faces and barrels coated.

I use Gyeon APC in a pump sprayer to start, rinse off then I use Garage Therapy One wheel shampoo, wheel woolies, ultra soft detailing brushes and a dedicated microfiber wheel mitt.

[TheMidnightNarwhal]

Yeah the brake dust on stock pads are crazy, can't wait to change mine for Akebono ceramics. That said with my ceramic coated wheels, I just clean them with car soap and sometimes a bit of Optimum power clean APC usually at 1:3 if needed, like in the barrels (my wheels aren't smooth inside bad powerboat job) and tires. I had brake buster as well before, worked as expected and good bang for buck but personally wanted to downsize the amount of products I had.

[JackMK]

Originally Posted by TheMidnightNarwhal

Yeah the brake dust on stock pads are crazy, can't wait to change mine for Akebono ceramics. That said with my ceramic coated wheels, I just clean them with car soap and sometimes a bit of Optimum power clean APC usually at 1:3 if needed, like in the barrels (my wheels aren't smooth inside bad powerboat job) and tires. I had brake buster as well before, worked as expected and good bang for buck but personally wanted to downsize the amount of products I had.

Tbh I've just been noticing after I give the wheels a good scrub and once they dry, there's still some brake dust left over that I swear I covered before

[TheMidnightNarwhal]

Originally Posted by JackMK

Tbh I've just been noticing after I give the wheels a good scrub and once they dry, there's still some brake dust left over that I swear I covered before

Mine are pretty much 100% clean when I'm done. But I do miss spots to from the cleaning phase. When I do my drying phase I use Carpro Elixir for my drying aid which is a quick detailer with sio2 and I'll get some spots on my towel here and there.

[TboneS54]

I just washed the car and tried something new. My wheels are coated (recently) and do bead very well after I rinse off meg's ultimate wheel cleaner or any other wheel/paint decon iron remover. Anyway, I've been deciding on buying some wet coat or hydro2 to put on the wheels after cleaning, so for fun, I sprayed and let sit for a couple of minutes, an sio2 spray (wolfgang). Upon rinse off, it was beading even better. I don't know if it's worth doing everytime, but it would certainly buy you time until you coat them or if your coating is waning. This process is touchless too. Ofc you can just buy wetcoat or hydro2, I just happen to have a gallons of this Wolfgang uber stuff.

[JackMK]

Originally Posted by TboneS54

I just washed the car and tried something new. My wheels are coated (recently) and do bead very well after I rinse off meg's ultimate wheel cleaner or any other wheel/paint decon iron remover. Anyway, I've been deciding on buying some wet coat or hydro2 to put on the wheels after cleaning, so for fun, I sprayed and let sit for a couple of minutes, an sio2 spray (wolfgang). Upon rinse off, it was beading even better. I don't know if it's worth doing everytime, but it would certainly buy you time until you coat them or if your coating is waning. This process is touchless too. Ofc you can just buy wetcoat or hydro2, I just happen to have a gallons of this Wolfgang uber stuff.

and wet coat will help with the brake dust? I've recently coated the car in Bathe + by Gyeon, not really a coating, more of a pretty strong Si02 soap so I will see if it helps with anything other than drying after my next wash

[TboneS54]

Yes, any protection will help, but weaker ones like sealants, wax and spray "ceramics" might only last a few days or weeks whereas a true coating might last months or a year. I would hope wetcoat and hydro2 are the closest to an actual coating. You'll need to clean the wheels well at first, before application, if you want the best results. Then from there, it'll be easier the next time.

[tracer bullet]

I've been super happy with the Sonax wheel cleaner. Gets all the brake dust off and doesn't seem to hurt the finish.

There may be better stuff but it's certainly a good one for me.

[spazzz]

Sonax is the way to go, that and Meguiars wheel brightener.

Take them off one at a time and life will be more simple.

[TheMidnightNarwhal]

I do agree Sonax is a very good cleaner but it gets expensive quick. If you are detailing your car every week for example Sonax is overkill (in the sense for what you pay, not that you will damage your wheels, etc) IMO but if 1x a month or once in a blue moon Sonax is a good choice! It's both a product with cleaning chemicals + an iron remover. Meguiar's also have their own version available at local stores which is a bit cheaper.

[allinon72]

Not surprised you want to move on from Brake Buster if you let your rims get that heavy with dust - it's not strong at all, even in undiluted form. It's more of a maintenance product.

Sonax is a great product but like others have mentioned, you'll go bankrupt using it for every wash. Adams Wheel Cleaner is pretty good too. But the best method is prevention via a coating and more frequent washes. Even if you don't have time to fully clean the rims, spraying down with water periodically will also help.

[JackMK]

Originally Posted by allinon72

Not surprised you want to move on from Brake Buster if you let your rims get that heavy with dust - it's not strong at all, even in undiluted form. It's more of a maintenance product.

I’m going to try using an APC from now on and see how it performs

[icj_45e]

I've been using Adam's Wheel & Tire, diluted 1:1 in an IK foaming sprayer for maintenance cleaning (don't dilute or apply/agitate twice if you need more cleaning power), and a couple sprays of Carpro Hydro2 lite as a sealant topper. This combo is working great for me