Are the GT/CS rims clear coated or are they polished aluminum with no clear coat at all on them? I'm afraid of staining them if I clean them wrong. What do you all use to keep them looking good and protected?

 

Someone suggested car wax, I tried it and it works GREAT!!!!!

 

They are clear coated, wash them, wipe them down, and wax away.

 

I agree. I dont even bother with special sprays, just Meguair's shampoo/condition i use for the rest of the car. Oh, and a brush to make life earier. I get complements all the time.

 

I would just use a old wash mitt or sponge that is dedicated to just the rims. I just went out and bought regular old turtle wax and you can really see the shine after!

 

I use WheelWax - www.wheelwax.com .
It repels brake dust which:
A. makes them easier to clean
-and-
B. extends the time between washing.

It's available at Advanced Auto Parts.

 

I use Mother's "Mag and Aluminum Polish" (safe for all metals.) Stuff REALLY works... Also, I've been using this stuff on the magnesium valve covers --and its working too. I was careful to do a 'test' on both my wheels an especially the valve covers - which look like hell from the factory. Try it out - hope you like the product. Chip Foose and I do....... While you're at it - by the small power-ball from Mothers. Works great on the valve covers....... And NO I don't work for mothers LOL

http://www.amsoil.com/StoreFront/mothers_tire.aspx

 

Great tips!!

 

I would be careful of using the "Mag and Aluminum Polish". While I don't have Mother's, I do have a couple of other brands that I use for chrome and aluminum on my other cars. I agree the stuff works great, but I think it has mild abrasives that help get the nice shine. You might be slowly wearing away the protective coating on your rims by using it - kinda like if you used rubbing compound on the body every time you washed it - eventually you'd wear through the clear coat.

Not saying I know this definitively, but I'd check the directions just in case...

 

Good advice. First thing I checked though on this product - is it is non-abrasive (allegedly). I've been using it on my rims for about 9 months on my '07 CS and a little longer on my other vehicles......

So far, looks pretty good. What I try to do is use it as sparingly as possible - only when I think it "really" needs a good polishing (say 2X year)....

I do agree with what you're saying though, be careful, as anytime you're polishing/buffing ---you're buffing the outer coating to shine them up......

 

Are we sure the polished 18" rims are clear coated and not just polished? I also used the Mothers Mag and Aluminum polish when I first got the car to remove the goo left by the wheel stickers because the rims looked to me to be without clear coat. The compound immediately turned black upon rubbing which usually only happens when rubbing on bare metal. The standard 17" rims are clear coated and you can physically see the coat. Not sure, just asking.

 

I think that you are right , ever see the greyness come off when using a polish ? Now that's got to be strippin something away !

 

Thanks for that tip. Im eager to try it.