How do you clean late model Aluinum wheels

[Ralph S.]

can someone recommend a cleaner for late model aluminum wheels,those little hard black specks will not come off

[Tom R.]

Re: How do you clean late model Aluinum wheels

You may wish to clarify what you mean by "late model?" It could be C3=1978=82 or simply C4.

Many of those wheels were finished with clear lacquer that pits and yellows with age. The fix is to remove the paint and than polish. You can also reapply paint to preserve the shine...I haven't messed with that.

[Tracy C.]

Re: How do you clean late model Aluinum wheels

Ralph,

I'll bet those little hard specs are road tar. Try some WD-40 or mineral spirits on them followed by HOT soapy water.

tc

[Chris H.]

Re: How do you clean late model Aluinum wheels

It is probably brake lining pieces that have melted into the powder coating.

[Dick W.]

Re: How do you clean late model Aluinum wheels

Ralph, most auto parts carry a wheel cleaner for clear coated aluminum wheels, with some of them making clains about removing brake dust. I would give one of them a try

[Harold M.]

Re: How do you clean late model Aluinum wheels

I have been using "Eagle One,All Wheel& Tire" cleaner for about 3 years on my Z71 Surburban wheels with no harm done to the clear coat.The black spots roll off leaving a bright clean wheel.My daughter came home with her Mazda Miata with wheels looking so bad that under close inspection I thought wheels were damaged from corrosive dust,but with about two cleanings they looked like new.I especially like to use this on my tires because it gives me that old school pre armorall look leaving a nice matte black tire.