As usual with these metallic brake pads both the wheels and the brake calipers get pretty dirty. I don't have to much of a problem with all of the various wheel cleaners but it appears the red calipers seem difficult to clean. I also think it looks like the only way to clean them is to at least once a month pull the wheels and due a through cleaning. What is the most used chemical to clean them. Just wondering if I should go with "brake clean" or use something like simply green or o with a wheel cleaner. I imagine this is a subjective topic but just trying to get a feel as to what does the best job.

 

Simple Green and a brush and yes, wheels off to get all the nooks and crannies...... only to see them dirty again in 100 miles

 

I find this stuff works really well:

Iron Out Showcase

Having said that, I don't have red calipers, at least not on this car - previous car had red Brembo calipers and this worked well on those. To really get in to the whole arch and the calipers, springs etc. then the wheels will have to come off. I tend to do this twice a year when I swap between my summer wheels and tyres and my winter ones.

Edit to add - you can also use that stuff on bodywork either instead of clay, or every few washes between regular claying to keep on top of contaminants. It won't attack the paintwork but it will strip off most of whatever wax or sealant remains on the paint so that will need reapplying afterwards.

 

Poorboy's World Spray & Rinse Wheel Cleaner. I've used half a dozen others and this is the only one I've found that actually works by simply rinsing it off.

I don't believe it's sold in stores. There are a number of online sites that sell it.

Best,

 

One thing you may want to consider is using Opticoat on your calipers, I did on mine and water simply washes them off. Of course you have to get them spotless before you apply the coating.

 

I use a pressure sprayer. Cost about $100, it isnt a very powerful one (and you dont use the power head), but you save water and seriously, cleaning wheels and brakes is a breeze. You dont even have to use the sponge on the wheels, no bending over, no knocking your hand on the rims...

 

Gas or electric? I'm thinking of getting one.

 

I think it is this one https://www.masters.com.au/product/1...?bmUID=ktbwUjx


Essentially I bought it to clean our pool interior (which it did pretty well, actually). The spray through the high pressure nozzle is pretty nasty, you wouldn't use it on a car, but the normal nozzle is fine. It hurts if you put your hand right in front of it (or spray your foot by mistake, d'oh!) but not too much and after a few feet or so it is really just mist. It is brilliant on the cars, as long as you are careful. And you shouldn't use them until the paint hardens, say when they are 6 months old plus.

 

Meguiars Wheel Brightener is an exceptional wheel/brake dust cleaner. Comes in a gallon jug and mixes 4 to 1. No need to be stingy spraying it. Good wheel brushes are also essential. I have 4 different brushes, 2 different sponges, and dedicated wash mitts just for the wheels.

 

my son races karts at high level and we allways clean the karts brakes with Wurth brake cleaner, i use on my red painted calipers. Spray over everything, dirt drips of with no residue, sometimes i spray and quick blast with an air line, gets rid of all wee stone particles.
If painted calipers you have to spend the money on paint with a good finish , i payed £50.00 on a 250ml tin, of ferrari red caliper paint, dried with a glaze hard finish, dirt and dust don't seem to stick to it, no discoloration.