Hey guys got a question, got my car washed at the local full service centers in my town (I know my 350 deserves better than being molested by a much of strangers) but I was in a rush and needed her clean. Anyway, I asked the guy not to apply any of that tire dressing stuff because I hear its pretty harsh, fast-foward to present day I was cleaning my car myself and noticed some haze on the lip of my rims, which by the way are the Work EQUIP'S, which if you are not familiar with, has a clear coat on the polished lip. And that is where i find the haze on the lip. I asked my cousin who has a similar set up (jaos wheels) on his truck and he has the same problem and he always goes to those car washes and has the dressing put on... so basically: Do you guys think that the Tire dressings they use could have caused damage to the clearcoating on my rims? I want to go in and complain but would like to have some ammunition as far as some facts that can help me out when going ape **** on the manager over their! thanks a lot guys any info/links personal experience would really help!!!

 

It was more likely the wash they use than the tire dressing. Most are acidic, which strips clear coat. Your car likely needs to be stripped and waxed. The wheel(s) are simply showing it first. You should see a wheel specialist, but the effects are likely irreversible.

 

Probably a good idea to put the tire dressing on the tires not the wheels.

 

A lot of those car washes have grease on other oils on the chains that pull the vehicles through. That can easily get on your lips with those type of wheels. Combine that with the guys drying your vehicle with the same rag they wiped the grease and stuff off of your tires and other bits, you can easily get some type of chemical that will bake into or eat away at your clearcoat. You will probably have to polish the lip and start using some wheel wax to protect those puppies.

 

Tire Dressing - Poorboy's World Bold N Bright

Tire and Rim cleaning - Poorboy’s World Spray and Rinse Wheel Cleaner OR P21S Wheel Cleaners

Stephen

 

I just ordered some of this stuff a few days ago for my Work VS-XX's. I used to take my Z to the car wash also, but after I got my Works I wash it myself now. I don't trust a stranger to wash my wheels anymore

 

I think you're confusing two different products and its use. Tire dressing as david said, should be used on the tires. You're entire explanation is referring to wheel wax to protect the clearcoat on your rims.

 

I'm sorry if I didn't make myself clear. Yes they apply dressing to the tires of course, but it also will drip down to the wheels, correct? So I went to see a wheel specialist and they said yes this can happen from a tire dressing, they had seen it before. The specialist say you might have a small chance of buffing it out, but most likely not. They told me the only way to fix it is just to polish the lip/wheels. So I took my car back to the car wash and they agreed to take care of it. Long story short they couldn't fix it and now they're trying to deny it. The manager is claiming that they use water base dressing which it shouldn't harm wheels. When I get a chance sometime this week I'm going back to the manager and let him apply the dressing himself onto my tires/wheels and let him see for himself. Good idea?

 

And cause more damage? No. . .

Have him apply it to his car and/or the most expensive car you see over there with polished wheels. I'd also take a sample of their wash water - tell him you are going to get it analyzed for acid content (even if it's only a threat, see where it takes you). You actually could take a sample and get a simple pH taken of it. That would only cost you a couple dollars unless your local pool store will read it for you free. They use hydrofluoric acid (HF) as a cheap way to get a streak-free finish and to remove old polish. It's good for nothing but $ for the car washes.

 

No one with quality wheels should EVER use a drive thru car wash, period. It is definately not worth the risk. Invest in a quality wheel wax to protect the finish and apply it monthly, Wheel Wax, is well regarded. Also avoid harsh soaps and go with a product designed specifically for wheel finishes such as
CG Citrus Cleaner or
P21S Wheel Cleaner Gel. If you already have damaged wheels, you can easily polish them yourself with another great P21S product,
P21S Polishing Soap. No need to spend top dollar on quality wheels and then abuse them with cheap products. Or just avoid quick wash places, don't wash your wheels in direct sunlight or when the surface is hot (to avoid any chemicals baking into the finsih), and at least use whatever wax you detail with to the wheels. Clearcoat is clearcoat.

 

Damn whEEL ******!!!! Breakdown & buy some great car detailing products also. www.chemicalguys.com they should be local to you hiTo.


yOUR WELCOmE

 

You could go back and forth with the detailer about tire dressing may may not damage wheels but I think it is fruitless. Any chemical applied to wheels may alter the finish.

The possibility of the detailer buying you wheels is slim.

 

Thanks hito!! But since I don't know much about how to properly detail a car, I'd rather leave that up to the pro's. I don't want to mess anything up

I should probably do some reading on it though and learn a few things.