How to clean and polish 16" wheels and tires? | FerrariChat
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How to clean and polish 16" wheels and tires?

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by juicebox, Aug 9, 2006.

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  1. juicebox

    juicebox Karting

    Dec 26, 2005
    68
    San Diego, CA
    Full Name:
    Marc
    #1 juicebox, Aug 9, 2006
    Greetings,

    Well I'm shopping for products to maintain my 308 GTSi. I'd appreciate any recommendations. My car came in last Friday perfectly detailed. Now after 200 miles there is dist and dirt. I want to keep it perfect. This is what I bought today.

    To clean the tires GREASED LIGHTNING BLAST ORANGE POWERED - ALL WHEEL CLEANER
    Oxalic acid based

    For the dressing of the tires -BLACK MAGIC TIRE WET EXPRESS - comes in an applicator

    MOTHERS CALIFORNIA GOLD SHOWTIME INSTANT DETAILER

    MOTHERS CALIFORNIA GOLD CAR WASH ULTRA SUDSING ACTION

    Some MICROFIBER CLOTHES

    I was looking at the powerball mini for the wheels? Anyone have an opinion. The 16" wheels are just like new. Anything to avoid to not damage the wheels?

    What to use for the Vinyl Targa top?

    What about the Black bumpers

    Thanks in advance!!!

    Marc

    PS the engine is very very clean, how do I go about cleaning it? Soap and water?
     
  2. luv2detail

    luv2detail Formula 3
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    Mar 30, 2006
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    North Carolina & SoCal
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    Jason
    #2 luv2detail, Aug 9, 2006
    Marc-

    What material are the wheels?

    For the vinyl top and bumpers etc., use 303 Aerospace Protectant.
    http://www.303products.com/store/category.cfm?Category=7

    For the engine, provided there is no heavy oil and grease to clean, just use car wash soap and water. I like to wet the engine down and spray the cleaner all over the engine and then clean it with a sponge.

    Have fun!:D
     
  3. Mike C

    Mike C F1 Veteran
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Aug 3, 2002
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    Mike Charness
    #3 Mike C, Aug 9, 2006
  4. Darolls

    Darolls F1 Veteran
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    Jul 2, 2003
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    Sparky
    #4 Darolls, Aug 9, 2006
    As an aside, the targa top is textured fiberglass made to look like vinyl.
     
  5. Jdubbya

    Jdubbya The $10 Trillion Man
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    Dec 28, 2003
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    John
    #5 Jdubbya, Aug 9, 2006
    I'd be careful using anything on the wheels except soap. They are painted like the rest of the car. Some wheel cleaners may be intended for "bare" wheels and damage the paint.

    They usually clean up just fine washing at the same time as the rest of the car
     
  6. ClydeM

    ClydeM F1 World Champ
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    Nov 4, 2003
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    Clyde E. McMurdy
    #6 ClydeM, Aug 10, 2006
  7. f355spider

    f355spider F1 World Champ
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    #7 f355spider, Aug 10, 2006
    I would not use anything with "acid" in the name...nor should you use the polishing "ball" on your wheels. They are painted...just regular soap and water is all that is needed...a little car wax if you must.

    Read the stuff Michael posted...it will save you plenty. Just remember, use the least agressive methods possible when cleaning your car.
     
  8. MaleficVTwin

    MaleficVTwin F1 Rookie

    Jun 5, 2006
    4,312
    Reno NV
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    Matt
    #8 MaleficVTwin, Aug 10, 2006
    Most auto parts stores have wheel cleaners from several different vendors. Just make sure you get one for your type of wheel finish, painted, chrome, aluminum, whatever. If your wheels are painted and you use the wrong cleaner, bad things ensue.
     

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