derBayerische September/October 2024 - 9
W H E E L D E T A I L I N G
towel sprayed with rinseless wash solution to
clean the wheel a second time. The second
cleaning step ensures that all brake dust and
grime is removed. Some complicated wheel
designs, that are heavily soiled, may require a
third cleaning pass. A quick detailer product
can be used as a final step, if concours level
results are desired.
For added protection and gloss, a spray
wax can be applied on the wheel before the final
cleaning step. Modern synthetic spray waxes
provide fairly durable hydrophobic protection.
A couple of sprays on the wheel is all that is
necessary, then proceed with the second or third
cleaning step. If a spray wax is applied every
time the wheels are cleaned, the wheel surface
will be consistently protected. Specific " wheel
wax " products exist that will provide more
robust protection against brake dust and road
grime. The assumption is that wheel-specific
wax products contain higher amounts of
compounds, such as PTFE (Teflon), which will
help prevent dirt from bonding to the wheel.
A paint sealant can also be used with excellent
results. Modern paint sealants are synthetic
polymers that are formulated with SiO2
(functional silica), and will protect wheels for
a solid year. Most wheels are finished with a
basecoat-clearcoat paint process, similar to that
of body panels.
■ Cleaning a Ferrari 488 wheel.
■ Cleaning the lug nuts bore of a Porsche 911
Targa 4s wheel.
When applying a wheel wax or a sealant,
the wheel should be cool, clean, and either new
or recently polished. A new or polished wheel,
ensures that the product will properly adhere to
the wheel paint. Do not use metal polish to
polish wheels. A light cut paint polish is
appropriate for the task. To save time, a
cleaner wax or sealant can be substituted.
Apply a small amount of product, by hand, with
a foam applicator pad and use care to polish as
much of the finished surface as possible.
Remove the polish residue with a separate
microfiber towel. Polishing the wheels will also
help to remove non-water soluble grime and
embedded brake dust.
Matte finished wheels should not be
polished or protected with traditional polishes,
waxes, or sealants. Because of this fact, it is
important that matte wheels are cleaned very
often to preserve the factory finish. Water
based spray waxes are typically safe to use on
matte finished wheels. If in doubt, test a small
area for compatibility. Apply waxes or sealants
September I October 2024
9
sparingly to the finished sections of the wheel
using a foam applicator pad. Avoid over application,
particularly in crevices. After the appropriate
product dwell time, remove the product
with a clean and dry microfiber and touch-up
the wheel with a microfiber dampened with a
quick detailer. If any polish or wax residue is on
the tire, it can be removed with a microfiber
towel sprayed with all-purpose-cleaner. It is
best to re-apply the wax or sealant to the wheel
once or twice a year depending on how much
the vehicle is driven. As mentioned, a water
based spray wax is great for adding protection
each time the wheels are cleaned.
The wheels are one of the most important
visual and mechanical components on a BMW.
Maintaining the appearance and value of the
wheels is not complicated, but requires a good
process, persistence, and commitment.
If the correct cleaning process is followed on a
regular basis, the wheels will look great for the
life of the vehicle, and help to preserve the
value. Protecting the wheels with a spray wax,
wheel wax, or paint sealant will help to prevent
brake dust and grime from bonding to the wheel
and make cleaning easier.
Brad Will is the owner of Reflections Auto Salon
in Ashburn, VA, a sponsor of this magazine, and
a frequent contributor to the dB on car detailing.
■ HRE wheel that has been cleaned/detailed.
derBayerische September/October 2024
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of derBayerische September/October 2024
derBayerische September/October 2024 - Intro
derBayerische September/October 2024 - Cover1
derBayerische September/October 2024 - Cover2
derBayerische September/October 2024 - 1
derBayerische September/October 2024 - 2
derBayerische September/October 2024 - 3
derBayerische September/October 2024 - 4
derBayerische September/October 2024 - 5
derBayerische September/October 2024 - 6
derBayerische September/October 2024 - 7
derBayerische September/October 2024 - 8
derBayerische September/October 2024 - 9
derBayerische September/October 2024 - 10
derBayerische September/October 2024 - 11
derBayerische September/October 2024 - 12
derBayerische September/October 2024 - 13
derBayerische September/October 2024 - 14
derBayerische September/October 2024 - 15
derBayerische September/October 2024 - 16
derBayerische September/October 2024 - 17
derBayerische September/October 2024 - 18
derBayerische September/October 2024 - 19
derBayerische September/October 2024 - 20
derBayerische September/October 2024 - 21
derBayerische September/October 2024 - 22
derBayerische September/October 2024 - 23
derBayerische September/October 2024 - 24
derBayerische September/October 2024 - 25
derBayerische September/October 2024 - 26
derBayerische September/October 2024 - 27
derBayerische September/October 2024 - 28
derBayerische September/October 2024 - 29
derBayerische September/October 2024 - 30
derBayerische September/October 2024 - 31
derBayerische September/October 2024 - 32
derBayerische September/October 2024 - 33
derBayerische September/October 2024 - 34
derBayerische September/October 2024 - 35
derBayerische September/October 2024 - 36
derBayerische September/October 2024 - Cover3
derBayerische September/October 2024 - Cover4
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https://www.nxtbook.com/mercury/derBayerische/derbayerische-november-december-2021
https://www.nxtbook.com/mercury/derBayerische/derbayerische-september-october-2021
https://www.nxtbook.com/mercury/derBayerische/der-bayerische-july-august-2021
https://www.nxtbook.com/mercury/derBayerische/der-bayerische-may-june-2021
https://www.nxtbook.com/mercury/derBayerische/derBayerische_MarApr2021
https://www.nxtbook.com/mercury/derBayerische/derBayerische_JanFeb2021
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