(Part 2) Reddit mentions: The best tire & wheel care products

I'm reposting some suggestions I made from a previous similar thread, hope it works out for you (the last person's budget was $100; not sure what yours is, but you can pick and choose!)

 

Optimum No Rinse: Concentrated and capable of being diluted as a wash, quick detailer, clay lubricant, window cleaner, light interior cleaner, and more.

Optimum Opti-Seal: Incredibly easy to use sealant (wipe on and walk away!), can be used in place of RainX on windows, good drying aid, and useful as an interior dressing as well. Opti-seal ALL the things!

Detailing brushes: Because every detailer can use more brushes!

Nanoskin Autoscrub Sponge: Makes the process of decontaminating your paint much faster. Much longer life than clay and can be used even after dropped on the ground! Use the ONR as lubricant and you save tons of money.

The Rag Company Eagle Edgeless Towels, 4 pack: These will be the best towels he's ever used.

The total for all of this should be $97.96, just under your budget :)

 

A couple other suggestions if you want to mix and match:

Smaller Opti-Seal: Since it's the biggest budget item here and a little goes a long way, you can go with the small one to include more items in your bundle.

Adam's Wheel Cleaner: The least terrible smelling wheel cleaner, but extremely effective as well. Good if that truck throws a lot of brake dust.

CarPro PERL: For protecting exterior plastics as well as dressing them, and for use as a satin look tire dresing.

Wheel Woolies: Makes cleaning wheels a much nicer experience, and won't fling brake dust into your face like the brushes do.

Hope this helps! If you want any more specific recommendations for any category, feel free to ask! As for things to avoid, Armorall, Turtlewax and Chemical Guys in my opinion.

I got this [Nanoskin Non Acid Wheel and Tire Cleaner] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00X123G64/ref=twister_B01GHMZCV6?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1) a few days ago and wanted to try it out. I didn't plan on doing this review but once I used it on one tire I was amazed at how well it worked I decided to do a quick review since I haven't seen anything about this before on here. I got a 16 oz bottle off of Amazon to try out I will be getting a gallon in the near future. I would compare this to [Meguiars Hot Rims Wheel Cleaner] (https://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-G14324-Aluminum-Wheel-Cleaner/dp/B0015IUZ92/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1467325071&sr=8-1&keywords=meguiars+aluminum+wheel+cleaner) . The Nanoskin Non Acid didn't have much of an odor except a small cleaning odor. I LOVE the smell of the Chemical Guys Diablo Wheel Gel. It smells like bubble gum and is very pleasant to work with, but doesn't do nearly as good as this in cleaning terms.

I also recently ordered the [Nanoskin Grease Free Power Cleaner and Degreaser] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JM62970/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) to try out. I have been pretty impressed by all of the things I've used by them so far. It all started out with the Nanoskin sponge.

In this review I used a [Tolco Foaming sprayer] (http://www.tolcocorporation.com/portfolio-view/model-322-foamer-trigger-sprayer/) and it worked very very good. I plan on doing a side by side with CG Diablo Wheel Gel at some point, but the Nanoskin Non Acid blew it out of the water IMO.

Gyeon Tire Q2 Review

http://www.gyeonquartz.com/product-guide/q2-tire

Amazon link

Detailer's Domain link

Size: 13.5 oz

Color: Blue

Consistency: watery gel

Scent: Carpro Eraser

I purchased this item from /u/detailersdomain when they had their Rupes/Ammo event a couple months ago. The Gyeon line has sparked my interest lately because their products seem really similar to Carpro which is my usual go-to brand.

Gyeon claims that “Q2 Tire is the only SiO2-based tyre coating.”

So it’s not water based. I know people are iffy on silicon based dressings, but I was a bit too curious to pass this one up.

Application is standard. Clean the tire, dry it off, apply it via foam or microfiber pad, wipe on, let sit (optional – heat up with heat gun/hairdryer) – wipe off (if desired) – donezo

It’s very easy to apply. Q2 spreads easily and soaks into all the cracks and ridges of the tire without effort. It is slightly watery, but there isn’t any sling to it from driving.

It has a pleasant scent to it, identical to Carpro Eraser.

I’ve had it on my car for about two weeks now and while the initial shine has gone away, my tires have a nice matte finish to them and repel debris and water very well.

If this lasts longer than a month, then I’ve found my new favorite dressing.

I’ve also tried it on a few trim pieces and it’s worked well. Q2 is going strong after two weeks so far with no signs of wearing off. Again, the shine has gone but the trim looks brand new (sorry I didn’t document this!).

Here’s a gif of me rinsing the tire before cleaning it:

https://gfycat.com/FrankHomelyAfricanparadiseflycatcher

And after:

https://gfycat.com/PassionateWatchfulDogfish

If you’re looking for a new tire/trim dressing, I’d recommend picking up a bottle of Gyeon Tire Q2.

Thanks for reading/looking!

I've used that same spray wax on my rims, better shine but less protection than the silica sealant, though obviously they both have their merits.

For a cheaper option (for cars you detail on a regular basis) Armor All brake dust repellent is also shockingly good. Makes it easier on your next cleaning and customers always seem to notice/appreciate that their rims look clean for longer. I'll even put it on certain aesthetic parts of the engine bay and it does a great job.

I switched from Megs endurance to 3d Ultra Protectant You can get a gallon for 20 bucks, it smells fantastic and since you put it in a spray bottle and spray it on it goes in the grooves much better, just spray on and wipe off excess.

The longevity isn't quite as good but its much cheaper, smells good, gets dry to the touch, doesn't leave the greasy black buildup, and is super easy to use. There's something to be said for not having black tire gel in every nook and cranny of your cuticles.

The reviews on this are all over the map, but I love it. Once you spray it on it sticks to the rim and eats away at the chain lube, mud, and other road grossness that accumulates on your wheels. Get a nice solid brush to help reach into the crevices and enjoy your showroom wheels.

If you're looking to do a long term value purchase, here's a great setup I can recommend! You may even already have some of these products reducing from the investment cost!
Electric Pressure Washer - $89

Snow Foam Cannon Attachment - $17.88

Shammy / Chamois Towel of Your Choice* - $8.25

Shammy / Chamois help you remove the water off a car so you can go ahead and start waxing once its dry.

1 Gallon of Snow Foam - $29.99

22 Oz Spray Wax Bottle - $12.99

Any pack of microfiber towels, spray like 2 sprays of wax on the microfiber, wipe around, take another microfiber to wipe away wax. $4

1 Gallon Acid / Non-Acid Based Wheel Cleaner (This one is acidic) - $18.99
Dilute the wheel cleaner, spray on the wheels and tires, let it sit for a little bit, then pressure wash off.

Add a clay bar if you want to get embedded dirt / brake dust off your paint! It's easy to do, costs a little, but the results are worth it.


THESE ARE MOSTLY PREMIUM CLEANING PRODUCTS! You can cut a few dollars off by going with more generic products. Why go with Gallons? You dilute all of these (except wax of course), so they will last you a looooooooooooooooong time if used correctly.

The investment is worth it if you ask me, instead of going through your local 1 minute wash for $10 or whatever, you can do a more thorough job yourself!

I've posted my list before:

Car Wash Shampoo: Chemical Guys Maxi Suds II Amazon link

Quick Detailer: Chemical Guys High Gloss Spray Sealant & Quick Detailer Amazon Link

Wax/Sealant (every 6 months): Blackfire Pro Paint Protection (previously Blackfire Wet Diamond All Paint Protection) Amazon Link

Clay Bar (every 12 months): Simoniz S57 Perfect Finish Detailing Clay Amazon Link

Clear Plastics (head/tail lights): Plexus Plastic Cleaner & Protectant Amazon Link

Plastic/Vinyl/Rubber/Leather: 303 Aerospace Protectant Amazon Link

Door/Trunk/Frunk Seals: 303 (above) or Nextzett Gummi Pflege Rubber Conditioner Amazon Link

Glass: Stoner Invisible Glass Amazon Link


Wheels: Griot's Garage Wheel Cleaner Amazon Link

Tires: Aero Low Shine Rubber Care Amazon Link

Eagle 1 tire Swipes

They aren't the best in the world but it's 50 times easier than using a normal applicator pad. They are also easier to clean.

I use this wheel cleaner


Adam's Deep Wheel Cleaner 16oz - Tough on Brake Dust, Gentle On Wheels - Changes Color As It Works https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BPGGSCW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_0I8hDb0VR153A

With this brush

Chemical Guys ACC_G08 Short... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00N8RHDPW?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

And this woolie


Adam's Wheel Woolie - Wool Fibers... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008I58BAA?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Mine aren’t coated yet but this stuff works great.

Ok so when I first got my car I bought all kinds of new stuff based on "the best" according to my lazy Internet research anyway. So actually everything wound up perfectly except my two passenger side wheels, after I finished up I noticed they had some type of left over soap scum or film on it. I figured 'no problem just rinse it off', didn't work so I tried scrubbing, still there. I remember the instructions on my wheel cleaner saying to simple spray on the cleaner let it sit and 'Do its thing for a minute or two and rinse it off. The part I didn't see was the warning against washing in direct sunlight as the passenger side wheels were on the side facing the sun, so I think this is where I goofed up.

These are the wheels I have
And my mom says this stuff should fix my problem


All advice is welcome, also what product would work best for my wheels in the future.

If it's already clean and you're just applying protections I'd go foam/sponge. I cut this into thirds so it's thin and easy to manage and it works great.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B010CCFNYI/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Nice job!

I use Back on Black on my fender flares, and it works great. I have to do it once a year in the spring.

-Trackside Front/Rear stands for easy cleaning

• Degreaser
  
• Chain Brush
  
• Chain Lube
  
• Waterless Wash/Wax
  
• Wheel Cleaner
  
• Wheel Brush
  
  I clean and lube the chain about every 500 miles.
  Never pressure wash your electrical components (I just don’t pressure wash at all). Other than that, just changing the oil per the schedule and making sure everything runs fine.

Check out r/detailing for some good tips on cleaners. For wheels, I use Griot's Heavy-Duty Wheel Cleaner as a spray cleaner, plus a few special brushes and sponges to wash after the spray with the Meguiar's Deep Crystal Car Wash Soap

Sonax is my go-to. But if you want to go all-out, give them a deep clean and decon, and ceramic coat them. I've used Gyeon with good results. Ceramic coating makes them a breeze during regular cleanings. A blast with my power washer gets 95% of the brake dust off.

Tbh its easier to buy gloves, go to costco, this one isn't branded as eco friendly but it works well and isn't guna iritate your skin,(plus it smells good):https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003Y9A0OK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I got excellent results using this product on my old RC390. Spray wheels with water, spray with cleaner, agitate with a soft brush, rinse clean.

Take APC I like using this diluted 50/50 with water and clean it.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Seventh-Generation-32oz-All-Purpose-Cleaner-Free-Clear/14880166

And then use this on the rubber.

https://www.amazon.com/Adams-Polishes-SPRVRT-VRT-16oz/dp/B001QVG7MC

I just Googled "subzero griptrax" since I didn't knew what it is and this is the first result, I love how people is still suggesting that it's a cheese grater.

http://www.amazon.com/Adams-ALL-NEW-Super-VRT/dp/B001QVG7MC

Adams Super VRT worked wonders on my car.

I've heard this product does well with restoring the fenders

http://www.amazon.com/Mothers-06108-Back---Black-Trim/dp/B0002U1TXK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1367791083&sr=8-1&keywords=back+to+black+in+auto

You owe it to yourself to try a bottle of a good wheel cleaner. Besides saving a ton of time and frustration, wheel cleaners dissolve brake dust so it can be harmlessly cleaned off instead of scrubbing it against the wheel paint for a while.

Try one of these (in order of price). Griot's and Meguiar's can be found in most auto parts stores:

• Meguiar's
  
• DUB (by Meguiar's)
  
• Griot's Garage
  
• Sonax

I bought their foam block (Adam's VRT Super Block Tire Dressing Applicator https://www.amazon.com/dp/B010CCFNYI/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_STp6wbCM17YGS) and it works just fine for me.

The handle on the applicator is definitely attractive, but not crucial.

This helps (a little): Armor All Outlast Brake Dust Repellant Aerosol (11 ounces) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LWQ1GAC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_Tni4CbDYHRSA6

These are cheaper than most floor mats and they work well. Could also be useful in muddy condition too. I've never had to use them for my own vehicle but I've helped a few people get unstuck with them.

Edit: link

Or something like this

Nope, I've had this car since '04 and I've never done anything special to the wheels. This time I hit them with some of Mothers Tire and Wheel Cleaner that I've had forever.

Here is a link to the stuff (sorry for the long link, on mobile) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0007RDVH0/

Some OTC stuff you can try are Mother's back to black or Meguiars Ultimate Black

I read about a product called Back to Black from Mother's on NAM that has a lot of fans:
http://www.amazon.com/automotive/dp/B0002U1TXK

Back to black may work -> https://www.amazon.com/Mothers-06108-Back-Black-Trim/product-reviews/B0002U1TXK

http://www.amazon.com/Mothers-06108-Back-Black-Trim/dp/B0002U1TXK

tried it? Personally I plastidipped mine

Is this what you’re talking about? https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B016X2DJMO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_1Oy3Cb25VC2M6

Gyeon Q2 rim. 3 coats. This is after about 6 months and the coating is still holding up. https://www.amazon.com/Gyeon-Rim-Sealant-30-ml/dp/B01CESR2X8/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?keywords=q2+ceramic+coating&qid=1566661624&s=gateway&sprefix=q2+cer&sr=8-6

I use this:

https://www.amazon.com/Dressing-Protectant-Attracting-Conditioner-Automotive/dp/B003VSATBI

You need some Mothers Back to Black

Mother's makes Back-To-Black which is a better version of exterior Armor-All IMO.

http://www.amazon.com/Mothers-06108-Back-Black-Trim/dp/B0002U1TXK

if you want to make something black that wasnt black, then you basically need to paint it. PlastiDip is probably the go-to for that. you can make a chromed out car all black with it, or turn a tan interior into the darkest night. just follow the directions!

Amazon error:

http://imgur.com/vkb3rSs

http://www.amazon.com/Mothers-06108-Back-Black-Trim/dp/B0002U1TXK