Wheel Gunk

[JAM-GT]

wheel gunk

I just finished cleaning my car for the first time today. Just like you guys, I had plenty of that black, tarry junk on the wheels. I found that K&W brake cleaner takes the stuff off immediately. I just sprayed a tiny amount on a clean rag and wiped it away. I made sure not to get any of the cleaner on anything except the wheels.

 

[B O N Y]

Every car enthusiast should have a can of 3M Adhesive Remover around. Here in Southern California, you can find this in the Auto/Paint supply section of Wal-Mart. Once you try this stuff, you'll wonder how you ever got along without it. It will instantly dissolve any kind of tar or other "sticky goo" that sometimes finds its way onto your wheels and lower body panels.

It is completely harmless to your paint. Try it, you'll love it - and cleaning tar of of any finished surface will be a breeze.

Right on, works better than the stuff they sell as tar remover. Does smell bad but man does it get the job done.

 

[dbtgt]

I am not familiar with the product "K&W Brake Cleaner", but anything with the label "brake cleaner" scares me when it comes to painted wheels. :eek

 

[ChipBeck]

wouldn't wd40 be bad for the wheels, aren't they painted aluminum?

WD40 was originally made to protect aluminum aircraft surfaces from corrosion when they were stored near the ocean or aboard aircraft carriers. It is the 40th formula tried and it worked at both displacing water and protecting aluminum. It's lubricant and adhesive removal properties were secondary discoveries. It is not harmful to painted aluminum, it was developed to protect it.

Chip

 

[NJF]

I had the same stuff on my wheels and with some good old fashioned elbow grease and a rag it came off. It can't be road tar unless unless it was picked up while testing the car at the factory as I only have delivery miles on mine.

 

[Jason Watt]

I am not familiar with the product "K&W Brake Cleaner", but anything with the label "brake cleaner" scares me when it comes to painted wheels. :eek

Same here... The WD40 will leave a more shiny finish

 

[rickisapilot]

...last night I watched a program on Speed Channel and they had a segment on rubber trims. The "expert" said never to use silicone-based cleaners on rubber because it will stiffen it and ruin it much like UV rays....water based stuff is always better.

Is anyone using the tire-shine spray-on products to make their tires look good? Are these products silicone-based? Is there anything damaging about these spray-on tire shine products (used on tires)?

 

[fjpikul]

Who cares. You'll probably burn up your tires before the stuff wears off. I use MeGuires, but not spray on. I don't like coating the wheels or brakes. Two coats lasts a long time (weeks).

 

[MTDGT]

johnson baby oil also works great

 

[MAD IN NC]

This post is older than Larry!

 

[mike becks]

home

One thing that works good also is silicone spray (not the tire shine stuff) but the silicone spray used to lubricate things and wd40. If you have stubborn grease marks they will work great with just a rag and a bit of the spray. Does not harm the wheels in anyway, shape or form. And it polishes and protects at the same time.

mike is my name. i live in dania i have a red 05 gt.

 

[Empty Pockets]

This post is older than Larry!

I HEARD THAT!mad:mad

 

[soroush]

WD-40 is great on stainless steel too, I use it on my kitchen appliances.:wink