The Best Wheel Cleaners: Get That Showroom Finish
Your wheels and tires deserve a respite from all that road grime.
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If you clean your vehicle regularly, you know the importance of washing it from top to bottom. That includes the wheels. Dirty wheels are an eyesore, but clean ones can really make your car pop. Unfortunately, brake dust is a detailer's nemesis. It can build up and create a nasty film on the wheels that's unattractive and corrosive. If you're not sure which is the best wheel cleaner, check out our top picks in the buying guide below.
Your car’s wheels get particularly dirty, and it’s easy to see why. They come into close contact with all manner of road grime, including dirt, mud, and tar. In addition, when you use your brakes, bits of metal and debris from the brake pads accumulate on your wheels. What you end up with are wheels caked and coated with gunk.
Wheel and tire cleaners are specially formulated to remove such contaminants. But without the proper wash, you can rub this debris into the wheels, dulling or damaging the finish. The best wheel cleaners are designed to clean your rims without harming them and leave them looking pristine. Here are some of my favorites.
Sonax Full Effect Wheel Cleaner
- pH-balanced, acid-free formula
- Penetrates deep layers of grime
- Safe product for powder-coated wheels
- Not for custom-made wheels
- Applying it may require extra effort
Armor All Extreme Wheel and Tire Cleaner
- Easy to use
- Works quickly
- Produces a shine
- Old, tough stains will need scrubbing
- Spray nozzle inconsistent
Adam’s Deep Wheel Cleaner
- Safe for most wheel finishes
- Long straw in the sprayer nozzle
- Concentrated formula
- Strong smell
- Not recommended for all wheels
Our Methodology
I took several factors into consideration to select the best wheel cleaners. I chose products from well-known companies with a reputation for producing high-quality car care equipment. Since I didn't have the opportunity to hand-test every item, I examined user feedback to see how these products operate in real-world conditions. I also chose wheel cleaners in a range of prices in order to suit a variety of budgets. I avoided multipurpose cleaners and focused on products that are specifically designed to clean different wheel surfaces. The aim was to pick products that perform the best, are the easiest to use, and provide the longest-lasting shine.
Summary List
- Best Overall: Sonax Full Effect Wheel Cleaner
- Best Value: Armor All Extreme Wheel and Tire Cleaner
- Honorable Mention: Adam's Deep Wheel Cleaner
- Best for Heavy Brake Dust: Meguiars Ultimate All Wheel Cleaner
- Most Eco-Friendly: Adam's Eco Wheel Cleaner
- Honorable Mention: Eagle One All Wheel & Tire Triple Cleaning Foam
Best Wheel Cleaners: Reviews & Recommendations
Specs
- Brand: Sonax
- Size: 16.9 ounces
- Wheel compatibility: Safe for all wheelss
Pros
- Effectively removes brake dust
- Works on chrome, aluminum, steel, and other finishes
- Acid free
- Changes color when it dissolves grime
Cons
- Not the best option for some custom-made wheels
- Caked-on grime can require more elbow grease
- Pricer than some rival brands
Specs
- Brand: Armor All
- Size: 24 ounces
- Wheel compatibility: Safe for factory and aftermarket coated wheels
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Triple-action formula
- Effectively removes grime
- Easy to use
Cons
- Old, tough stains may require scrubbing
- Spray nozzle may operate inconsistently
Specs
- Brand: Chemical Guys
- Size: 16 ounces
- Wheel compatibility: Safe for use on chrome, alloy, powder-coated, clear-coated, and factory-painted wheels
Pros
- pH-balanced
- Tackles stubborn grime
- Quick and effective results
- Minimal scrubbing required
Cons
- Some users don’t like the strong scent
- Not for use on certain wheels
Specs
- Brand: Meguiar’s
- Size: 24 ounces
- Wheel compatibility: Safe for all wheel finishes
Pros
- Dissolves brake dust and removes grime
- pH-balanced and acid-free
- Easy to use
- Changes color to show it’s working
Cons
- Requires immediate rinsing
- Some scrubbing required
Specs
- Brand: Adam’s Polishes
- Size: 16 to 64 ounces
- Wheel compatibility: Safe for all wheel finishes
Pros
- Mild citrus scent
- Easy to apply and rinse off
- Effective on brake dust and road grime
- Better for the environment compared to other options
Cons
- Expensive
- Doesn’t clean tires as well as some other brands
Specs
- Brand: Eagle One
- Size: 23 ounces
- Wheel compatibility: Safe for factory-coated, clear-coated, and factory-painted wheels
Pros
- Thick, quick-acting foam
- Easy to use
- No scrubbing required
- Can be used on tires too
Cons
- Spray nozzle may malfunction
- May require more than one application
Our Verdict on the Best Wheel Cleaners
My pick for the best overall wheel cleaner is the Sonax Full Effect Wheel Cleaner. It does a great job of removing wheel dust, and it changes color as it dissolves contaminants, demonstrating its effectiveness. It's also compatible with a variety of different finishes. For a more budget-friendly option, consider the Armor All Extreme Wheel and Tire Cleaner.
FAQs
You’ve got questions. The Drive has answers.
Q: How do I get rid of the dirt after applying the cleaner?
A: Rinse it off with a high-pressure water hose and let the wheels dry. You may have to use some elbow grease to loosen up the dirt before you rinse it off.
Q: Is a wheel cleaner safe for engines?
A: Some cleaners are safe for engines. However, check the product details to make sure your preferred cleaner won’t harm or damage any components.
Q: Does a wheel cleaner remove rust?
A: Some wheel cleaners can also be used as rust removers. For the best results, use a dedicated rust remover, which may include a stronger formula.
Q: What should I consider when buying a wheel cleaner?
A: Not all wheel cleaners are created equally, so it's important to look at several factors before making a final purchasing decision. First, you must decide whether you want a formula that does the work for you without any scrubbing or one that requires a little work with a sponge or rage. The latter may require more work, but it may also produce more effective results, particularly on extra-dirty wheels. You must also consider how easy it is to apply the cleanser as well as its chemical composition, so you know exactly what you're putting on your wheels to spiff them up.
Q: What should I expect to pay for a wheel cleaner?
A: Wheel cleaning products can be less than $10 or close to $20, depending on the brand. Some items are less expensive but come in smaller bottles, so they don't last as long and you need to buy replacements more often.
Why Trust Us
Our reviews are driven by a combination of hands-on testing, expert input, “wisdom of the crowd” assessments from actual buyers, and our own expertise. We always aim to offer genuine, accurate guides to help you find the best picks.
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