Wheel Cleaners

Wheel cleaners shift the brake dust and road grime that car shampoo leaves behind. The range covers acid-free, iron fallout and acid cleaners, including Stjarnagloss Hjul, CarPro WheelX and AutoBead Alloy Wheel Cleaner.

How to choose

• Regular washes: an acid-free cleaner such as Alchemy Supreme or Duel Axis. On polished, chrome or unlacquered wheels, check the label approves that finish.
• Built-up brake dust: fallout cleaners such as DoDo Juice Deep Purple react with iron particles from the brakes that stick to the finish, and usually turn purple as they work.
• Neglected wheels: an acid cleaner such as AutoBead Acid Wheel Cleaner is for heavy, baked-on grime. Use it only on sound painted or lacquered wheels, at the dilution on the label, and rinse it off promptly.
• Format: gels such as Autobrite Britegel cling to spokes and barrels; wheel and tyre cleaners from 303 and Dunking Biscuit do both jobs from one bottle.

Good to know

Work on cool wheels one at a time, agitate with a brush and rinse before the cleaner dries. A sealed wheel is much easier to clean next time: see Wheel Sealants.

Related: Wheels & Tyres, Wheel Brushes, Iron & Fallout Removers, Tyre Cleaners. Popular brands here: Autobead, Sam's Detailing, Dunking Biscuit, Infinity Wax.