Products & techniques for cleaning wheels & exhaust tip

[MaverickFSI]

Hi guys,

Could anyone offer their opinion on what products would be best to clean and seal wheels and polish up the exhaust tips. I'm not by any measure a keen car cleaner but would like to start, so any advice or guidance would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks.

[vRStu]

Bilberry Wheel Cleaner & Megs Metal polish 

[stealthwolf]

Exhaust depends on how bad it is. I've had to resort to engine degreaser in the past. Then wd40, then autosol polish and 0000-grade wirewool followed by a microfibre.

Alloys - any non acidic wheel cleaner. I like bilberry and use an ez wheel brush and a envy/raceglaze brush set. Prefer poorboys wheel sealant.

[MaverickFSI]

Cheers for the advice guys, nice one 

Is there a different product used to remove tar ingress from wheels or will the above wheel products do the trick?

[vRS Carl]

Another vote for Bilberry here. Absolutely brilliant stuff. Way way better than autoglym,wonder wheels etc.

I use autosol for the exhaust.

I have seen some use a product I think was called AS Tardis but I use AutoGlym intensive tar remover and it never fails to get it off

[stealthwolf]

Tardis is excellent but Autoglym Intensive Tar Remover can be bought from Halfrauds.

[MaverickFSI]

Other than the Autoglym products, I assume the others are purchased from specialist dealers or websites? Again guys thank you for your advice/opinions.

[stealthwolf]

Yup. There's a thread with a list of online stores.

If going to halfrauds, you could probably use Megs Hot Rims but I'd dilute it to 1:4 as it's very strong. They also have autosol and wirewool. But it is all more expensive than online unless Halfrauds have offers on.

[LouCyffer]

Maverick, I've found that the recommendations of our Forum's own Keith (Washshop) have been spot on for my cleansing needs. You could do worse than drop him a pm if you need answers.

[vRStu]

Maverick, I've found that the recommendations of our Forum's own Keith (Washshop) have been spot on for my cleansing needs. You could do worse than drop him a pm if you need answers.

+1 - Sorted me out a treat.

[parks]

http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=224180

Drill attachment for polishing the exhaust half way down.

[MaverickFSI]

Cheers Lou, I'll get in contact with Keith and sort something out.

What technique is best for removing swirls from front & rear lights? Also, what do you guys think of using clay bars and what is there actual purpose? Is it to remove tar/sap like residue from the paint work.

Parks - that link is mint, thanks mate. Mighty clean TT!

[rich83]

Also... when you clean the wheels, remove them and clean them inside. Its amazing how much cleaner they stay

[LouCyffer]

What technique is best for removing swirls from front & rear lights? Also, what do you guys think of using clay bars and what is there actual purpose? Is it to remove tar/sap like residue from the paint work.

http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,4823.0.html

Read this. It's the Path to Righteousness and Cleanliness. All your questions will be answered. Clay is used to remove surface grime & contaminants that washing doesn't. It also by definition removes polish & protective applications such as sealant & wax. It shouldn't be used too often, but to deep clean paint prior to polish/seal/wax, it is ideal.

[MaverickFSI]

What technique is best for removing swirls from front & rear lights? Also, what do you guys think of using clay bars and what is there actual purpose? Is it to remove tar/sap like residue from the paint work.

http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,4823.0.html

Read this. It's the Path to Righteousness and Cleanliness. All your questions will be answered. Clay is used to remove surface grime & contaminants that washing doesn't. It also by definition removes polish & protective applications such as sealant & wax. It shouldn't be used too often, but to deep clean paint prior to polish/seal/wax, it is ideal.

 , Yes that write up is very helpful indeed.

It's fair to say car detailing is a big business. As the above link states if your used to just a bucket and sponge then initially all the different products, equipment and techniques can be a little confusing and this case is no exception  .

I have a Bora TDI as a daily and that will be my test bed for trying out new products and practicing my application etc.

One thing that I struggle to understand is these PC (porta cable) polishers. The type of polisher I'm fine with, it's more the pads and compounds used to achieve certain finishes depending on how much attention your paint work requires. But more so the actual process, as in what to use at the start and progressively through the treatment. Maybe I'm just being a fanny as I fear that the wrong compound and/or pad could result in serious damage to the paint work?