kb_8124

First off, if this is not the right place to post this, please let me know, I'll post it somewherelse
I have a 1 month old 2011 Q5 with the stock 10-spoke rims (forgot the size, 19' ? maybe).

Ok, I first rinse/spray it with cold water from the hose, try to clean the normal dirty off.
Then I get a cloth (normal table cloth, not high tech ones), then try to wipe off all the greasy stuff.
Then, I rinse it again with water.
Then, I dry it with a clean cloth (again, normal ones).
Lastly, I use 1 Armor All Protectant wipe per rim.

I just wanted to know if this is a good way to clean it and protect it?
If you have any suggestions or even better ways please let me know.
Also, if it includes buying new stuff, my budget is really tight, so yea.
Thanks for reading.

colefrommaple

It all depends how much you want to spend both time and dollars.

I would suggest that you check out Adams Car Care and Polishes. They have step-by-step instructions on how to detail a car. You could elect to order their product(s) if you wish or continue with stuff that you can get at local retailers. I went with Adams and am really pleased.

Key is to use something that is soft and won't scratch the rim. A boar's hair brush would be ideal and a cleaner works on brake dust and grease. The brush should get between the spokes to clean behind the pretty side of the rim. Again, no plug for any product. I think Canadian Tire even carries this brush as well as the sponsor of this site for detailing.

I clean the wheelwell first, then rim and finally tire. Afterwards, I wash the car top down and rinse off the tire again. Don't forget to wash the brush with soapy, clean water to clean the brush. Ya, I know that sounds redundant.

boarder8888

Hey, go on eshine.ca and they carry all the brushes and wheel cleaner you need. Doesn't take that much elbow grease with the powerfull cleaners they carry. PS21 and Sonax wheel cleaners are very good. Also, if I were you, you should use microfiber towels, you can get them for cheap at eshine.ca or costco or canadian tire. But for sure, spray them with water so they are cool, spray them with cleaner, if they are really dirty - you can agitate them with the brushes, them spray off. Should typically come out very clean! Make sure to do this before washing the rest of the car. And remember to wash your tires and wheel wells!

mikeh

eShine is a sponsor so make sure you ask for forum discount

sakimano

skip the armour all...often just attracts dirt

My wheel cleaning technique has traditionally been

1. spray Sonax Full Effect Wheel Cleaner or P21S wheel gel on wheels while DRY ($20 at eshine)
2. let sit till it turns purple (Sonax) or while it sets in (P21S). This can be 15-30 minutes.
3. go at the wheels with an EZ brush wheel brush ($20 at eshine). Works great and gets into all the crevices
4. use a microfiber mitt to attack the flat parts of the wheel or any trouble spots
5. blast clean with a pressure washer or your hose with a nozzle
6. dry
7. seal with Poor Boys wheel sealant.

(I got this technique from the best detailer I have ever heard of...Wes Robles. He has worked on friends and colleagues cars from Audis to $100k Jaguars to $300k Ferraris, and he's awesome. Everyone I've sent him to absolutely RAVES about him. I've included a link to two of his DIYs below.

THis keeps the wheels in great shape for the summer. Takes just a quick 5 minute once over to bring them back to perfect. Lately I've been just spraying SOnax on...letting it soak and turn purple (5-10 mins) and then pressure washing them off. Clean as hell that way. Love it.

WES_R detailing threads

WES R GTR

WES R Testarossa

pr0digy25

^ +2 With the above regimen, brake dust and dirt will just melt off when water hits it.