Whats the best way to clean and protect Clearcoated Alloy rims on a TRD Tacoma,heres what I did let me know if there is a better way that has worked for you 1)washed till all grime is gone(as best as possible)Meguires NXT wash,Dryed 2)Clay bared( Magic Clay),washed,dryed 3)Sealant(Detailers Pride spray)with applicator next day 4) Washed and applied second coat of sealant next day 5)Washed and applied numerous light coats of NXT paste wax. 6)I use Meguires NXT Speed Detailer to clean off road grime and salt(its wintertime in NJ and cold out). Im looking to protect these rims from Wintertime salts so they dont corrode if anyone has done something that may be better please let me know Im a Rookie Detailer.
Tacoma TRD Alloy Rims
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That's more than I've ever done to my rims, so I think you're doing the right thing. A durable sealant is a good choice for long-term protection. Hosing them off periodically to remove the salt/mag chloride/whatever else they use to combat the snow and ice would be a good maintenance plan as well.
THanx for the reply I'm trying to findout if someone has any better products for the rims and maintainence procedures that have worked exceptionally well for them. Ive done the same routine to the trucks body as I've done to the rims and its paying big dividends with looks and protection,the road salts are piling up. I may try a boutique kit from Autogeeks.com for kicks next if anyone knows a good one let me know.
Hey John. Sounds like what you did should definately help out. All I ever did was use Klass AIO and the dirt,grime,salt never really stuck to it and if it did it would hose right off. Later man.................Red Sox will be playing before you know it :thumbup:
Most OEM wheels are clearcoated. Treat them just like your paint. You might want to polish them before sealing/waxing. The polish will help remove any stuck on brake dust. A cleaner wax could be used if you don't have any real polish.
If you have bare aluminum wheels then you need to get familiar with polishing your wheels. I use Mothers aluminum polish.
Don't use aluminum polish on clearcoated wheels.
Don't use chrome polish on aluminum or clearcoated wheels. Chrome polish is abrasive, and should only be used on Chrome.
If you have bare aluminum wheels then you need to get familiar with polishing your wheels. I use Mothers aluminum polish.
Don't use aluminum polish on clearcoated wheels.
Don't use chrome polish on aluminum or clearcoated wheels. Chrome polish is abrasive, and should only be used on Chrome.
Thanx for the reply PB,one question doesnt Regular car polish contain abrasives? that would harm clearcoats maybe? I clay bared the rims before sealant would polishing be a better route if so whats a good brand that you recommend for it. Your right though I scrubbed with wash and clay bared and there still seems to be a little grit in the pores of the rims,would like get it off if possible. THanx for the TipsPb said:
Paint "abrasives" are milder than metal or chrome "abrasives."
In fact, factory coated wheels use a plasticized clearcoat, and you can usually use a mild plastic polish if necessary... but if a product like a cleaner wax does the job, go for it.
In fact, factory coated wheels use a plasticized clearcoat, and you can usually use a mild plastic polish if necessary... but if a product like a cleaner wax does the job, go for it.
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