Torque and Chrome

What is the best polish/wax to use on wheels?

I have a 2003 BMW 325i with the original factory wheels. They are light-colored and glossy, not chrome. I want to break out some Dawn and hand-clean them because the coin-operated car wash leaves lots of dirt. I have been told that I need to apply a wax to the wheels when I am done, though, because the Dawn will strip off what's there. What should I use?

Public Comments

1. buy some alloy wheel cleaner. I have chrome rims and i use the blackmagic chrome cleaner. Works really well.
2. use cigarette ash mixed in water (just like paste) and rub the mixture in your whole car and sure, you car will shine like nothing.
3. Mother's polish...from parts store, that's really the name, I didn't make it up.
4. Zaino waxes are incredible. Very easy to apply and they last months (longer if not daily driven)
5. I'm sure there are a number of products you could buy at your local auto store. Very interesting question.
6. BMW has good cleaning products. Check out the site below. In addition to the wheel cleaning solution and brush, the wax and wash solutions really work well. Have fun.
7. I use Klasse All-In-One followed by Klasse Sealant Glaze. It's comparable to Zaino in durability. If you want cheap, NuFinish is very effective also. Use EagleOne All Wheel and Tire Cleaner (the best over-the -counter wheel cleaner) then follow with the wax.
8. Try Poorboy's wheel sealant. It will offer protection for your wheels from dirt, and more importantly, brake dust. http://www.poorboysworld.com/wheel-sealant.htm
9. First, yes you should wax the wheels, that will make it easier in future to remove the accumulated dirt and brake dust from them. as well as provide some protection. Brake dust is extremely corrosive and given time will ruin the finish on your wheels. Use any soap or commercial wheel cleaner (P21S is good if you can find it) and plenty of water to the wheels really clean. Try to clean "inside" too -- not just the face of the wheels. Once clean, most any wax you would use on the car's body can be used on the wheels. The best waxes are pure carnauba waxes since they are hard and last long, but remember that, unfortunately, there is no substitute for old fashioned elbow grease when applying. Look for a wax that doesn't contain other additives or polishes -- you don't need them, after all you will be washing the wheels anyways. Mother's makes a good wax but there are plenty of other brands.
10. do they make any for it