3
Rim Clean
To determine the rim cleaner best suited for the application needs, both the condition and the type of wheel rims are factors to be considered.
Condition of the wheel rims; the intensity and amount of dirtiness accumulated. For most applications of soiled wheel rims, BRILLIANT or RIM CLEANER work best. Use FLAME only on extremely soiled wheel rims applications.
Type of the wheel rims. FLAME contains strong acids that can damage softer metals and should not be used on PVD (the physical vapor deposition process), polished uncoated aluminum, or anodized wheels. BRILLIANT and RIM CLEANER are safer options to use, for a wider range of wheel rim types. BRILLIANT is a robust and highly effective rim cleaner that is non-corrosive, solving the safety issues that rim cleaners commonly raise. In addition, BRILLIANT has a low odour, and is biodegradable. BRILLIANT has been formulated to retain its acidity (required to remove unwanted metallic particles from wheel rims) but is not corrosive to human skin. Always check to see what wheel rims the vehicle has and any rim cleaner usage specifications alongside them.
The time to clean wheel rims is dependent on the size of the wheel rims, and the intensity and amount of dirtiness. Once the rim clean is complete, the rims will be left clean, bright, and streak-free.
Safety supplies include: goggles, apron, rubber boots, and impervious gloves. You will require a pressure washer or hose and nozzle to complete this task.
AREAS OF APPLICATION
Wheel Rims
PRODUCTS USED
PRODUCTS USED
Detailing task 3: Rim Clean
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Directions
STEP 1: DETERMINE AND DILUTE THE RIM CLEANER FOR APPLICATION NEEDS
Begin by determining the type of rim is to be cleaned and the condition of the rim. Determine whether BRILLIANT, RIM CLEANER, or FLAME is the best option to use for the application needs. Dilute the rim cleaner with water at the correct dilution ratio, if required.
STEP 2: PREPARE THE AREAS OF APPLICATION
Wet wheel rims, tires, and surrounding painted surfaces with water. Ensure areas of application are cool.
STEP 3: APPLY THE RIM CLEANER
Use a spray bottle and an acid resistant trigger sprayer nozzle. Start by applying rim cleaner to the front left wheel rim. Use a uniform pattern to navigate clockwise around the rim, spraying the rim cleaner. Ensure to spray the wheel rim at different angles for full rim cleaner coverage; include the rear rim and lug nut housings. Complete steps 3 to 5 for one rim at a time, working clockwise around the vehicle. Ensure to read and follow the maximum dwell time for the rim cleaner of choice. Do not allow rim cleaners to dwell on areas of application past the maximum dwell time, as damage is likely to occur. Do not allow rim cleaners to dry on the surfaces of application.
STEP 4: IF REQUIRED, AGITATE THE RIM CLEANER
Only agitate the wheel rims for intensely soiled applications, when necessary (typically a rare occurrence). Using a spoke brush, scrub back and forth to loosen the tough build up, and to reach behind the spokes to access small openings.
STEP 5: RINSE THE RIM CLEANER
Use a high-pressure washer to rinse the area thoroughly. Hold the pressure washer spray nozzle 20 to 30 centimeters (8 to 12 inches) from the wheel rim surface. Rinse at various angles to reach all areas of the wheel rim, rim spokes, and behind the spokes. Ensure to rinse the surrounding painted surfaces.
Tips
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Always rinse wheel rims, tires, and surrounding painted surfaces with cool water before applying a rim cleaner. Rinsing with cool water is a proactive measure to minimize the effect of rim cleaner overspray (spotting on painted surfaces), and chemical reactions due to rim cleaner temperature sensitives.
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Only agitate the rim cleaner for intensely soiled applications.
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Clean one wheel rim at a time.
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Do not allow rim cleaners to dwell on areas of application past maximum dwell time, as damage is likely to occur. Do not allow rim cleaners to dry on surfaces of application. Read and follow the maximum dwell time for the rim cleaner of choice.
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When completing an exterior wash, use a neutralizing wash soap to remove possible traces of acid remaining on the wheel rim or surrounding areas.
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Be aware, frequent applications of strong acid rim cleaners (i.e., FLAME) may damage certain wheel rims.
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Be sure to carefully read and follow all product instructions and precautions, on the product labels.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
There are currently three (3) Auto Valet rim cleaners available.
- BRILLIANT: a robust and highly effective rim cleaner, that is non-corrosive, low odour, and biodegradable. Works well for overall applications and for removing rim yellowing.
- RIM CLEANER: a powerful, well-rounded OEM approved rim cleaner. Works well for overall applications.
- FLAME: An aggressive acid-based rim cleaner that delivers for the toughest applications. Emits a strong acidic odour.
BRILLIANT is a robust and highly effective rim cleaner that is non-corrosive, solving the safety issues that rim cleaners commonly raise. In addition, BRILLIANT has a low odour, and is biodegradable. BRILLIANT has been formulated to retain its acidity (required to remove metallic particles from wheel rims) but is not corrosive to human skin.
Yes. All of Auto Valet’s rim cleaners are body shop safe. This includes BRILLIANT, FLAME, and RIM CLEANER.
Rim cleaners are formulated to be acidic as brake dust that attaches itself to wheel rims during the braking process, contains metallic particles. These metallic particles are more soluble in acidic solutions than alkali based cleaners. Surfactants used in rim cleaners are especially selected to remove iron oxide (rust), grease, lubricants and old residual tire dressings. The rim cleaner BRILLIANT is formulated to retain its acidity but is not corrosive to human skin, unlike other rim cleaners that are corrosive.
Only agitate the wheel rims for intensely soiled applications, when necessary. Using a spoke brush, scrub back and forth to loosen the tough build-up, reaching behind spokes to access small openings.