BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
      09-22-2023, 08:31 AM   #1
Westside Guy
Major General
Westside Guy's Avatar
7136
Rep
5,178
Posts

Drives: 22 Z4 M40i, 21 228i Retired
Join Date: Sep 2021
Location: Hallandale Beach, FL

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
If you put ceramic on your wheels how do you wash them?

If you put ceramic on your wheels how do you wash them?

What products are you using?

Do you use brushes, sponges, mitts?
Appreciate 0
      09-22-2023, 09:13 AM   #2
///MPhatic
The Seeker
///MPhatic's Avatar
15227
Rep
3,785
Posts

Drives: OG M2 • Exige
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: USA

iTrader: (2)

Garage List
2018 BMW M2  [8.75]
I think a better question is what not to use. Try not to use chemicals on them after the ceramic coating, there usually isn't any need anyway. Still, simple soap and water will get them clean because the entire goal of ceramic coating is to be everything-phobic, not just hydrophobic.
Appreciate 2
Llarry21225.00
M5Rick68198.00
      09-22-2023, 10:04 AM   #3
Burrcold
Brigadier General
6346
Rep
4,567
Posts

Drives: 2024 M3 Comp xDrive
Join Date: Oct 2019
Location: Toronto, Canada

iTrader: (0)

I use all my regular wheel/tire cleaners and even iron fallout for brake dust, and the hydrophobic properties are still there. Obviously not on the rubber, but the wheel face and barrels still bead up nicely and are super easy to clean.
__________________
Current: 2024 BMW M3 Competition xDrive | 2022 Audi Q7
Gone: 2022 Audi RS5 | 2020 BMW M340i | 2019 Audi RS5
Appreciate 0
      09-22-2023, 10:34 AM   #4
///MPhatic
The Seeker
///MPhatic's Avatar
15227
Rep
3,785
Posts

Drives: OG M2 • Exige
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: USA

iTrader: (2)

Garage List
2018 BMW M2  [8.75]
Quote:
Originally Posted by Burrcold View Post
I use all my regular wheel/tire cleaners and even iron fallout for brake dust, and the hydrophobic properties are still there. Obviously not on the rubber, but the wheel face and barrels still bead up nicely and are super easy to clean.
You can do this, but it causes your ceramic coating to degrade much faster. That's why they say it lasts 2-5 years, which is a huge delta.

Also, if the ceramic coating isn't 100% complete, meaning any part was missed during application, it won't last as long either.

For this reason you see people saying their CC didn't last long at all, it's a combination of not getting every little bit coated, and using chemicals on it.

Applied properly with no chemicals used on it, CC should last 5+ years.
Appreciate 0
      09-22-2023, 10:44 AM   #5
Burrcold
Brigadier General
6346
Rep
4,567
Posts

Drives: 2024 M3 Comp xDrive
Join Date: Oct 2019
Location: Toronto, Canada

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by ///MPhatic View Post
You can do this, but it causes your ceramic coating to degrade much faster. That's why they say it lasts 2-5 years, which is a huge delta.

Also, if the ceramic coating isn't 100% complete, meaning any part was missed during application, it won't last as long either.

For this reason you see people saying their CC didn't last long at all, it's a combination of not getting every little bit coated, and using chemicals on it.

Applied properly with no chemicals used on it, CC should last 5+ years.
I only need it to last 2-5 years. I don't keep cars longer than 3 years at the most. But yes, your car care routine will definitely effect the longevity of the coating, whether on painted panels or wheels. As will the maintenance of the actual ceramic coating over those years.
__________________
Current: 2024 BMW M3 Competition xDrive | 2022 Audi Q7
Gone: 2022 Audi RS5 | 2020 BMW M340i | 2019 Audi RS5
Appreciate 1
///MPhatic15226.50
      09-22-2023, 10:46 AM   #6
shimmy23
F15 daddymobile
shimmy23's Avatar
United_States
2435
Rep
3,581
Posts

Drives: GS X5
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: WA

iTrader: (3)

i use brake buster and a variety of brushes and that mini wool mitt from OG.
__________________
Appreciate 0
      09-22-2023, 10:48 AM   #7
Westside Guy
Major General
Westside Guy's Avatar
7136
Rep
5,178
Posts

Drives: 22 Z4 M40i, 21 228i Retired
Join Date: Sep 2021
Location: Hallandale Beach, FL

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Are the brushes too abrasive and should you simply use a sponge?
Appreciate 0
      09-22-2023, 11:45 AM   #8
Burrcold
Brigadier General
6346
Rep
4,567
Posts

Drives: 2024 M3 Comp xDrive
Join Date: Oct 2019
Location: Toronto, Canada

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Westside Guy View Post
Are the brushes too abrasive and should you simply use a sponge?
I use a brush like this from Chemical Guys. Very soft bristles. Usually that with a clean microfiber towel (sponges lock in too much debris for my liking).
Attached Images
 
__________________
Current: 2024 BMW M3 Competition xDrive | 2022 Audi Q7
Gone: 2022 Audi RS5 | 2020 BMW M340i | 2019 Audi RS5
Appreciate 1
      09-22-2023, 12:04 PM   #9
///MPhatic
The Seeker
///MPhatic's Avatar
15227
Rep
3,785
Posts

Drives: OG M2 • Exige
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: USA

iTrader: (2)

Garage List
2018 BMW M2  [8.75]
Quote:
Originally Posted by Westside Guy View Post
Are the brushes too abrasive and should you simply use a sponge?
I've seen some very aggressive brushes that will easily scratch the clear.

I use these soft woolies (when I use them, which is rare), but I'm a freak about my wheels/tires/brakes.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1


Not a bad way to spend thirty thousand dollars... by Andrew Thompson, on Flickr
Appreciate 2
chris7197581.50
      09-22-2023, 12:27 PM   #10
chris719
Major General
7582
Rep
7,516
Posts

Drives: '08 M Roadster
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: NJ

iTrader: (0)

Ceramic coatings are very chemical resistant but not very abrasion resistant. Use of a bristled brush will eventually degrade it.

Strong alkaline or acidic wheel cleaners will also degrade it. Neutral cleaners with iron remover and slightly acidic cleaners are fine and will actually help prolong the life of the coating. A wheel cleaner like TW Rapid Decon, Koch Chemie MWC, Sonax Wheel Cleaner Plus, etc. are safe for the coating and can bring back beading when it's "clogged". A strong alkaline cleaner like Adam's Wheel and Tire is also "safe" but repeated use will weaken the coating.
Appreciate 2
TboneS541174.00
      09-22-2023, 01:11 PM   #11
colo3Kid
Private First Class
155
Rep
127
Posts

Drives: BMW 2022 M4 Comp Xdrive
Join Date: May 2022
Location: Corpus Christi, TX

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by ///MPhatic View Post
I've seen some very aggressive brushes that will easily scratch the clear.

I use these soft woolies (when I use them, which is rare), but I'm a freak about my wheels/tires/brakes.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1


Not a bad way to spend thirty thousand dollars... by Andrew Thompson, on Flickr
love your wheels
Appreciate 2
///MPhatic15226.50
      09-22-2023, 01:43 PM   #12
TboneS54
YNWA
TboneS54's Avatar
United_States
1174
Rep
895
Posts

Drives: 2004 M3 6spd & 2011 M3 DCT
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: SoCal

iTrader: (2)

I use Meg's ultimate wheel cleaner and Griot's HD wheel cleaners because they have iron removing elements (for the brake dust). They're powerful, but pH blanced (ceramic coating can handle a fairly wide range of pH anyway) so they dont harm the ceramic coating (coating maintenance actually includes using iron removers). I don't even need a brush most times, they come out perfectly clean usually.
__________________
/// 2004 Silvergrey M3 · Coupe · 6MT · Slicktop · zero options
/// 2011 Jerez/Bamboo E90 M3 · DCT · Slicktop · IG: @na.s54
Appreciate 3
///MPhatic15226.50
chris7197581.50
      09-23-2023, 06:45 AM   #13
malvern_man
Lieutenant
United Kingdom
560
Rep
576
Posts

Drives: X5 40i xDrive
Join Date: Jan 2022
Location: Derbyshire UK

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Westside Guy View Post
If you put ceramic on your wheels how do you wash them?

What products are you using?

Do you use brushes, sponges, mitts?

My gloss black 22's are Gyeon ceramic coated, faces and barrels, I use Garage Therapy One wheel shampoo, wheel woolies, ultra soft detailing brushes and a dedicated wheel mitt. Every few washes I give them a few spritzes of Gyeon Wet Coat before the final rinse, then I dry them with my BigBoi blower.
Appreciate 3
      09-23-2023, 07:49 AM   #14
allinon72
Brigadier General
allinon72's Avatar
United_States
5048
Rep
3,859
Posts

Drives: 20' M2C, 23' X1
Join Date: May 2017
Location: Indianapolis, IN

iTrader: (3)

Brake Buster at full strength. It's mild enough not to hurt the coating. You still have to use soft brushes. There's no spray on spray off product that I would use, ceramic coated or not.
Appreciate 1
      09-25-2023, 02:19 AM   #15
M5Rick
General
M5Rick's Avatar
68198
Rep
21,988
Posts

Drives: M5 F10 DCT Gunmetal
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: GB

iTrader: (0)

If you have your mini pressure washer out its done in seconds then the oft forgotten inner rims but quickly don't prolong it then while you're at it give the under arches a blast if the car is not too lowered.
Appreciate 0
      09-25-2023, 12:19 PM   #16
amrazM
mTekMods
amrazM's Avatar
United_States
2265
Rep
3,007
Posts

Drives: like a granny.
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Manhatan

iTrader: (1)

just wipe them out with a microfiber and car soap. nothing special

https://youtube.com/shorts/s4gP43qx3...Aw76mJMQwIEtGl
__________________
2011 Frozen Black/Fox Red E90 M3 650+WHP

G-Power Supercharged
First DCT to Manual Conversion Worldwide
KW CS, BBS RI-A, BW Headers, Snow 2.5
Appreciate 1
      09-26-2023, 05:01 AM   #17
Brophy92
New Member
United Kingdom
23
Rep
14
Posts

Drives: 3 Series M Sport 320D (2015)
Join Date: Aug 2022
Location: West Midlands, UK

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Westside Guy View Post
If you put ceramic on your wheels how do you wash them?

What products are you using?

Do you use brushes, sponges, mitts?
Pressure wash first. Good quality wheel/alloy soap with warm water and a microfiber barrel brush. Then wipe down with microfiber cloths.
Appreciate 2
Llarry21225.00
      09-26-2023, 07:09 AM   #18
TheMidnightNarwhal
Major General
TheMidnightNarwhal's Avatar
Canada
2799
Rep
6,382
Posts

Drives: 11' 335is DCT
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Gatineau, Quebec

iTrader: (0)

You already have a bunch of replies but adding my 2 cents.

I coated my wheels first time this year and most of my washes I will only use car soap from the wheel bucket or if I do a rinseless, my wheel bucket has rinseless. Sometimes I like to spray a little bit of optimum power clean 1:3 especially in the barrel since my powder coat job is not 100% smooth so dirt/dust seems to stick better inside.

As for tools I like to use a microfiber wheel mitt for the face and spokes, along with a detailing brush that looks like boar's hair for the face and other intricate areas. And I also have a EZ detail barrel brush for the inside.
Appreciate 2
chris7197581.50
      10-02-2023, 05:39 PM   #19
chris719
Major General
7582
Rep
7,516
Posts

Drives: '08 M Roadster
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: NJ

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by allinon72 View Post
Brake Buster at full strength. It's mild enough not to hurt the coating. You still have to use soft brushes. There's no spray on spray off product that I would use, ceramic coated or not.
Brake Buster will slowly (eventually) degrade a coating, despite whatever the manufacturer and YouTubers say. The safest wheel cleaning product for a ceramic coating is a pH neutral iron remover based product. The thioglycolate is not harmful at all to the coating. Brake Buster is also weak as hell against brake dust and you're overall almost better off just using soap. I would recommend TW Rapid Decon, Koch Chemie MWC, Tuga AluDevil Green, etc. all nearly the same product. They are far more effective and actually safer for any coating or sealant.
Appreciate 1
      10-02-2023, 07:32 PM   #20
spazzz
Private First Class
spazzz's Avatar
159
Rep
179
Posts

Drives: 2008 535xi MHD&XHP,2013 X1 35i
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Madison,WI

iTrader: (0)

Hyper wash and some sort of Wheel Woolie for the drums.
Otherwise my Costco yellows get used for the faces, behind the spokes and another pass in the drums feeding the rag.
Hell no on chemicals and speed master type brushes.
Nothing more than soap is necessary otherwise it is time to recoat.
Appreciate 1
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:15 AM.




6post.com
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST