Question, when washing wheels does anybody actually wash the inside of the wheel?
If so how do you get to it?
Is there a special method or tool?
I have black wheels and they get pretty dirty from road crud and have a difficult time cleaning.
Just wondering if there is a secret to cleaning wheels I need to learn.
Just using a pressure spray does not really clean the inside part of the wheel
Thanks for any input.

Happy Motoring...
Mitchell

 

I use P21S on my black painted wheels. The only way I know of to get to the inside of the wheels is to remove them from the car. I only clean the insides when I switch from summer to winter tires and wheels and vice versa.

 

These wheels offer easy access to the entire barrel for cleaning. Just need to roll the car half a wheel rotation to get the area blocked by the caliper.

 

I wash the insides of mine every time I wash the car (which is frequently), using disposable foam paint brushes that measure 1" wide by 2 /1/2" long by 1/2" deep. I have extended the round handle to 8" by drilling and inserting a metal piece between two normal 4" ones. Works well for me and fits between the calipers and wheel barrels, making it unnecessary to rotate the wheels to access all areas.
I'm sure others have alternative methods as well.

 

I wash the inside of mine about twice a year first using a liberal coating of Sonax then scrubbing with a long wheel brush. Tough to get everything without a couple of efforts or taking the wheels off but it works. Also when I have it detailed every year I have them put a ceramic coating on the wheels to help keep it easier to clean.

 

I clean the inside of the barrels and coat with something (using Pinnacle Black Label at the moment but may switch when it's gone) when I have the wheels off, but it's too much of a pain otherwise. I have the Super Performance brakes and 19" wheels and clearance is minimal. There are various brushes that help, and I'm sure it's easier with 20s.

It's not as bad with the Porterfields as it was with stock pads, so since I daily drive, I use Sonax on the outside and try to not worry about the rest.

 

Wheel Woolies let me clean inside the wheel. Not perfect, but plenty good enough to me.

 

Even the smallest of the Wheel Woolies won't fit between the caliper and the rim for me. It only bothers me until I get behind the wheel.

 

Not an issue on the rear wheels (with High Performanve brakes), but for the front, I clean as much as I easily can, then roll the car back a couple of feet and finish cleaning them.

 

I used to use a pressure cleaner on mine (spray head rather that the agro one) which works a treat, but there are some reports that it damages the paint on the wheel. I had my Vorsteiners coated and they are graphite anyway so I dont see any residue on them.

 

I clean mine when removed.

As stated, when you are in the driver's seat you won't notice it much. (Wait, is that a piece of toilet paper stuck to my rear end?)

 

Having 15mm spacers and the Blade rims helps to get around the calliper a bit!

Mine get the full treatment (by hand) when I clean the car and still look like new.

Only chemical used on them was when I first purchased it...Gtechniq C5.

Since then, damp microfibre is all it takes to maintain the finish.

EDIT: Forgot to add, I do occasionally use my EZ Detail Go EZ brush...but never need ANY chemicals.

 

I use P21S or Car Guys wheel cleaner, but to get to the inside of the wheels all the way to the back, I use the Daytona speed brush. It cleans the entire inside of the wheel, from front to back with little effort. It comes in 2 sizes and although I have both, I mainly use the larger of the two. I have been using this since I got my BMW Z4 with 18 spoke wheels which I found to be a real p.i.a. to clean. I use it on all my cars and it really cuts down the amount of time spent cleaning the wheels, and as I mentioned does a good job with a lot less effort.

 

I apply Poorboys world wheel sealant on my wheels - makes them way easier to clean.
With the little driving I do, I apply this coating only once a year, and that's enough.

 

Yes, cleaning the inside of the wheels is a must for me. Get you a Speed Master EZ detail brush from AutoGeek and it’ll make cleaning the wheel barrels incredibly efficient. I never use any chemicals, just car wash soap and water. Use a wash mitt for the spokes and faces.

 

Related question: I've noticed my calpers look dull not shiny on my ' 14 S with red performance brakes. Can't recall if they were ever shiny. I changed to meguiars wheel cleaner this year.

 

From my experience they dull over time. Spray with two or three coats of high temperature clear gloss; I did that to the calipers on my last vehicle and it made a world of difference in gloss and ease of cleaning.

 

I spent $14,000.00 on Carbon Ceramic brakes so I would not have to clean my wheels on a car I drive less that 1000 km per year. Or you can just buy a wheel brush that gets in behind, either way works.

 

I washed my car at least once a week and I find it really helps. Also have ceramic brakes so I’m sure that’s why the wheels dont get too filthy.
Best way is to remove the wheels and have complete wash.