I'm looking for the best way or product to clean my tires and subsequently my wheels without using anything that could possibly damage the powder coated wheels, frame/body paint and chrome on a highboy roadster. I've read many product's bottles and most say to keep off paint, clear-coat and powder-coat. So even say "NO LONGER THAN 30 SECONDS". Yikes! Some product directions say to pressure wash it off immediately after scrubbing - that doesn't work well with a highboy either. Another problem I've run into is that 80% of tire cleaning products also shine the tire. I certainly don't want that wet look. What do You do to get your tires clean? ~Thanks!
You'll probably get 31 flavors here..... I use simple green crystal =clear .I use it on my tires with a magic eraser pad.WW, and Black. Spay it on, and the stuff that comes off is crazy! Doesn't leave a shine, just returns them to new looking. I also have PC'ed wheels, but my caps cover everything but the lip. I also use it to clean my caps. No scrubbing there, just a wipe down. It works for me......Has never damaged any PC that I can see, and it's been years..... And i'm no fan of shiny, just natural, but looking new.
Soap, water and a brush to clean. To protect the tires I use Mirror Bright Vinyl and Rubber treatment, but I don’t think you can get it any more. I bought Meguiars Natural Shine Protectant but haven’t used it yet, both products need to be wiped end on, not just sprayed.
I have always used car wash soap, water and a soft brush for the wheels. For tire dressing, I use Poorboys World Bold and Bright. Goes on with a matte finish. If you want it brighter, apply another coat. It’s also water based, so it won’t sling on the car when you drive.
I use Mr. Clean Magic Eraser on the whites. A bucket with car wash soap and water. A bucket with rinse water. Rarely use any tire dressing.
On the wheels I would use a soft microfiber cloth and waterless wash like meguires. Just dont let the brake dust bake itself on, clean often. I tried this for tires recently, it is water based and doesnt damage the tires. Leaves a no gloss new rubber look if you really work it into the tire with a microfiber towel. Also used it on my daily driver, 3 weeks so far still looks great.
I've been using Purple Power for years on my '32 sedan, the wheels are powder coated and the purple power works great on whitewalls and black walls, radials or bias plys. HRP
Pledge doesn’t shine after about 5 minutes…. I use generic purple power on my wife’s and my trucks wheels. Hers are AM TTs that are clear coated…always look good.
Got the whites on my 40 coupe from Diamond Back. They recommended Simple Green, works good and won't harm your painted wheels. I have thrown away all the rubber dressing I've used over the years because they leave a brown scum on the tires after a short time. Currently using Sparkle?
Have had powered coated wheels for 30 yrs. Been washed with whatever. Only damage to the coating is the 10 different sets of wheel overs I’ve used.
Some of the guys in the 70's used to rub the tires with brake fluid [don't know what dot], would make the tires look new but would not last long but these guys washed their cars once a week.
I don't spray anything on my tires and wheels, I spray simply green on a scrouring towel to clean the whitewalls and tire dressing from summit (gel) to a tire sponge and apply it to the black tire. Tire gel first, then wipe the whitewalls. Not glossy, clean tires, no crap on my wheels.
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