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Author Topic: Autoglym's not-so-new wheel cleaning kit....  (Read 9968 times)

Offline RedRobin

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Autoglym's not-so-new wheel cleaning kit....
« on: March 03, 2011, 11:10:02 am »


Hi all you shiney guys! I'm not often in this section of the site but just thought I'd share with you.

I have now updated this post, having learnt that the product is not new but repackaged with the addition of brushes. Never believe the gentlemen of the press!

Apart from Zaino and handwashing my alloys with the same Meg's NXT Shampoo I lambswool mitt the body with, I've never found a wheel cleaner that hasn't scared me away with some caveat (Latin for 'Cover your arse') about keeping the said cleaning solution well away from brake discs and calipers - A scary prospect...  Until now.

My local freebie weekly newspaper has a motoring section and had quite a full write-up. What attracted me were the words:

Autoglym Custom Wheel Cleaner kit includes acid-free wheel cleaner, safe for use on all wheel types, and two wheel brushes.

So, as my local auto bits shop stocks Autoglym products (and sometimes the gorgoeus hottie owner is there) I ventured forth with fifteen squid in my pocket (and a hard-on). She had only received stock a few days before and asked me to give her feedback (you bet!). My feedback for you gentlemen and one or two ladies is this:

Firstly check that your wheels are cold. Then, one wheel at a time, spray gun the white gunky stuff onto the alloy - It's preferable if wet because it spreads better but can be dry. With very open spoked alloys like my OZ Alleggerita's it will inevitably go on the disc and caliper but no problem. In fact it cleans the calipers very well. The most effective way of using the trigger spray gun is to blip it in short successive bursts. Rather than let it all trickle downwards under gravity I used the larger of the two supplied brushes to work it all around and then waited for literally a minute before hosing it all off with cold water. To get rid of water marks I suggest a soft cloth to dry it off. So each wheel takes about 5 minutes maximum and it's very very easy - Something which for the likes of me is essential!

As you'd expect, the cleaning solution apparently includes a special blend of biodegradable surfactants, solvents and alkalis to loosen even the most stubborn and engrained brake dust, leaving an immaculate finish. I found it does what it says on the tin. Written on the box is a Sodium Hydrochloride warning but Autoglym tell me that this is only because packaging regulations require it. All cleaning solutions need an active agent and they assure me that it is safe on wheels.

It can be used safely on Monza diamond-cut lacquered alloys BUT only provided that the seal is not broken. AG say that Ford offer the most durable wheels with this finish because the lacquer is thicker.

The instructions suggest using Autoglym's Wheel Sealant afterwards but it comes in an aerosol can and has those dreaded words warning against contact with discs and calipers. It does suggest it can be applied via an intermediate cloth but that doesn't appeal to me. Any wax or body polish can be used.

Overall I find it ideal and very effective. Voila mes amis  :happy2:
« Last Edit: March 04, 2011, 09:44:52 am by RedRobin »


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Offline Andy_GTI

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Re: Autoglym's new wheel cleaning kit....
« Reply #1 on: March 03, 2011, 12:52:44 pm »
Great write up! Judging by your Sig this kit will be safe on the Monzas?

Offline RedRobin

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Re: Autoglym's new wheel cleaning kit....
« Reply #2 on: March 03, 2011, 01:24:29 pm »

Great write up! Judging by your Sig this kit will be safe on the Monzas?


....My Monza 18's are powdercoated as I got fed up with the white worm. I still have them though.

Killing The White Worm:  http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,726.0.html

I am confident that Autoglym's Custom Wheel Cleaner will be absolutely fine on diamond-cut lacqueured finishes. < Following VC's and Hedge's posts I'm not so sure now but am intending to phone Autoglym tomorrow to discuss. < AG say safe but only providing the lacquer seal isn't already broken.

I am now riding on OZ Alleggerita's:

« Last Edit: March 04, 2011, 09:54:45 am by RedRobin »


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Offline Hedge

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Re: Autoglym's new wheel cleaning kit....
« Reply #3 on: March 03, 2011, 01:36:26 pm »
Just so peeps know it says "contains Sodium Hydrochloride" which is acid last time I did chemistry so be careful out there. :scared:

Offline VC

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Re: Autoglym's new wheel cleaning kit....
« Reply #4 on: March 03, 2011, 01:37:58 pm »
Just so peeps know it says "contains Sodium Hydrochloride" which is acid last time I did chemistry so be careful out there. :scared:

...wasnt there a thread bashing this stuff a while ago? ie to stay clear of it as it wrecks finishes over time or if left in contact for too long?  :popcornsoda:


Offline RedRobin

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Re: Autoglym's new wheel cleaning kit....
« Reply #5 on: March 03, 2011, 01:42:51 pm »

Just so peeps know it says "contains Sodium Hydrochloride" which is acid last time I did chemistry so be careful out there. :scared:


....Are you 100% sure that it's in sufficient quantity to be a problem unless you don't sufficiently hose off your wheels afterwards. There is also the CYA factor to consider. Autoglym claim that this product is safe for all wheel types.

This is a new product from Autoglym.


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Offline stealthwolf

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Re: Autoglym's new wheel cleaning kit....
« Reply #6 on: March 03, 2011, 02:17:26 pm »
Autoglym products are meant to be consumer friendly and consequently can't be too damaging or they'd get complaints and claims for damages.

The most effective part of that kit is the brush. Agitating dirt makes it much easier to lift off when rinsing.

Two questions RR:
- did you protect the wheels afterwards?
- why do the wheels have to be dry?

The GTI isn't just a machine. It's very much a living, breathing thing.

Offline Hedge

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Re: Autoglym's new wheel cleaning kit....
« Reply #7 on: March 03, 2011, 03:54:37 pm »

Just so peeps know it says "contains Sodium Hydrochloride" which is acid last time I did chemistry so be careful out there. :scared:


....Are you 100% sure that it's in sufficient quantity to be a problem unless you don't sufficiently hose off your wheels afterwards. There is also the CYA factor to consider. Autoglym claim that this product is safe for all wheel types.

This is a new product from Autoglym.

Did I say that it was in sufficient quantity to be a problem? :confused:

That's not for me to decide but the buyer and user of the product should be aware they are spraying Sodium Hydrochloride onto their wheels. I it were my car with diamond cut wheels I would avoid.

Offline RedRobin

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Re: Autoglym's new wheel cleaning kit....
« Reply #8 on: March 03, 2011, 05:45:49 pm »

Just so peeps know it says "contains Sodium Hydrochloride" which is acid last time I did chemistry so be careful out there. :scared:


....Are you 100% sure that it's in sufficient quantity to be a problem unless you don't sufficiently hose off your wheels afterwards. There is also the CYA factor to consider. Autoglym claim that this product is safe for all wheel types.

This is a new product from Autoglym.


Did I say that it was in sufficient quantity to be a problem? :confused:

That's not for me to decide but the buyer and user of the product should be aware they are spraying Sodium Hydrochloride onto their wheels. I it were my car with diamond cut wheels I would avoid.


....No but I think you heavily implied it, although I realise that you may not have meant to.

Coupled with VC's post immediately afterwards, I got the strong impression that any Sodium Hydrochloride could be very dodgy and was so in people's past experience.

As far as diamond-cut wheels are concerned it seems unfortunately that most chemical solutions are a potential hazard! I think this needs answering by Autoglym.


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Offline RedRobin

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Re: Autoglym's new wheel cleaning kit....
« Reply #9 on: March 03, 2011, 05:56:42 pm »

Autoglym products are meant to be consumer friendly and consequently can't be too damaging or they'd get complaints and claims for damages.

The most effective part of that kit is the brush. Agitating dirt makes it much easier to lift off when rinsing.

Two questions RR:
- did you protect the wheels afterwards?
- why do the wheels have to be dry?


....I agree and for now at least, I trust Autoglym's claim about being safe for use on all wheel types.

I was using the brush to agitate very soon after gunning the white gunk and noticed how grey it became as it lifted off the nasty black stuff.

- Did I protect the wheels afterwards? - Not so far.

- Why do the wheels have to be dry? - I assume you mean before application. Because IIRC it says so in the press release (I need to check this). I don't understand why or if it's at all important.


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Offline alexperkins

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Re: Autoglym's new wheel cleaning kit....
« Reply #10 on: March 03, 2011, 07:06:01 pm »
Do I see it also says "Do not use on split rim wheels" near the caution bit?


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Offline stealthwolf

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Re: Autoglym's new wheel cleaning kit....
« Reply #11 on: March 03, 2011, 07:28:55 pm »
If you protect the rims with a sealant, you won't need to keep using the cleaner - hosepipe will be enough.

Don't see any reason why the wheels should be dry. Water isn't going to cause problems.

The GTI isn't just a machine. It's very much a living, breathing thing.

Offline Top Cat

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Re: Autoglym's new wheel cleaning kit....
« Reply #12 on: March 03, 2011, 08:05:30 pm »

 I got the strong impression that any Sodium Hydrochloride could be very dodgy and was so in people's past experience.



Robin! please dont disregard hedge's comments. He has tested out lots of these products while trying to perfect his Sneak up behind you, chloroform across face, straight in boot of car technique. So he knows what he is talking about.  :signLOL:

Offline Hedge

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Re: Autoglym's new wheel cleaning kit....
« Reply #13 on: March 03, 2011, 08:09:38 pm »
Thanks for clearing that up TC.  :signLOL:

Offline VC

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Re: Autoglym's new wheel cleaning kit....
« Reply #14 on: March 03, 2011, 08:15:10 pm »
 :signLOL:  :signLOL: