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"One of our friends in Canada [Alexis Car Detailing] has been nice enough, and keen enough, to make a demonstration video on auto-wheel. auto-wheel is a non-acid, on-alkaline alloy wheel cleaner. It is completely safe to use and very easy to apply. It has won the Best Buy Wheel Cleaner Award from English car magazine giant Auto Express 4 times in as many years, most recently in April 2015!" - Bilt Hamber
Some steel and alloy wheels are either lacquered or painted. These coatings protect the metallic surface from corrosion and provide attractive finishes to automotive road wheels.
As vehicles brake, the dust generated from pads, discs and drums is at elevated temperatures.
Amongst this hot cloud are thousands of hot metallic particles. These bombard the wheel’s finish and effectively embed themselves there. Once lodged these particles are extremely difficult to remove.
Acid-based alloy wheel cleaners attack the metal particles effectively, reducing their size and allowing the particles and clinging dirt to escape. Caustic alloy cleaners are less effective than acid ones on brake dust but can attack organic coatings such as lacquers and paints on short exposure. They attack any organic matter accumulated around the embedded particles and produce a seemingly clean surface; however, with continued use they will dull and diminish the coating, leaving a wheel surface that needs refinishing.
The more effective and safe-to-use Auto-Wheel works in an entirely different way, and has proved itself by winning yearly independent tests conducted by the UK’s biggest selling automotive magazine!
Most recently in 2017, when we were up against both powerful acid and alkaline cleaners.
Auto-Wheel’s formulation reacts with the oxidising surface of the metallic particles, rendering it water-soluble. The rapid removal of this microscopically rusted surface reduces the embedded particle size and releases the particles from the surface.
Unlike acid based alloy wheel cleaners, this method is harmless to the wheel’s finish. The reaction can be observed by a rapid colour change from clear to deep red. After a simple hose, rinse down or jetwash, it leaves the wheel spotless. In severe cases, a wheel brush can be used to assist the process.
Always test on small scale before use in a discrete area (rear face of the wheel). Use on cool surfaces.
Spray liberally over the entire wheel surface ensuring good coverage of edges etc. Reaction time is temperature dependent usually between 1 to 5 minutes is sufficient. The chelating process is indicated by a change in colour from clear to deep purple.
Once no further colour deepening has occurred the wheel must be power-washed or rinsed off; extremely dirty wheels will benefit from agitation with a soft brush before rinsing.
Auto-wheel is safe to use on a wide range of surfaces including paints, lacquer alloys and steel, however, a small-scale trial should be carried out before use.
Due to the use of conductive films used to make chrome-look plastic surfaces or plate plastic wheel centres and films, these may be chelated by the active material and dulled - please keep away from these surfaces.
Will Auto-Wheel hurt areas such as brake pads if sprayed while I’m cleaning my wheels?
Auto-Wheel shouldn’t do any damage but it is best to avoid these areas if possible and rinse the area if this does occur. Alternatively to avoid overspray, apply the product with the brush provided instead to localise the application
What is the difference between Korrosol and Auto-Wheel?
While these products are both intended to target the same brake dust and other metallic fallout, they are specifically formulated for their own particular job. Korrosol is designed for paintwork and will spread more easily across the surface, while Auto-Wheel is designed to cling on and work on a dirtier, verticle surface.
The products will be easier to use and it will be more economical for you if these products are used correctly, however, using these products interchangeably won’t cause damage.
Is Auto-Wheel suitable for diamond-cut alloy wheels?
Yes, Auto-Wheel is suitable for use on diamond-cut alloy wheels.
Will Auto-Wheel remove alloy wheel sealant or wax products?
We haven’t tested Auto-Wheel with alloy wheel waxes or sealants from other manufacturers, however, the fallout removal effect of Auto-Wheel is only necessary when contamination builds up and the wheels cannot be fully cleaned with regular car shampoo. This is commonly between 3-4 months, so it is likely you will need to reapply the wax or sealant by this time anyway due to erosion through use.
If you wished, you could apply the wax or sealant to an area on the back of the wheel to test what happens when you use Auto-Wheel on the surface.
Is it safe to use Auto-Wheel on alloy wheels that have been lightly kerbed?
Yes, this will cause no further damage to the wheels, as Auto Wheel only tackles contamination.
The instructions on the tech sheet say to avoid plastic wheel centre caps, why is this?
Auto-Wheel will not damage centre caps, but it will not have any other effect on this part of the wheel, so spraying here is simply wasteful. If any Auto-Wheel does overspray onto the cap, just rinse well to remove cleaner after use.
Do I use Auto-Wheel on wet wheels or dry?
Use on dry wheels and rinse off with water.
How often should I use Auto-Wheel?
When contamination such as brake dust is observed, which is usually every four months.
It isn’t necessary to use Auto-Wheel every time the car is washed, before the contamination builds, the wheels can be washed with a regular car shampoo.
