Disc brakes have been a Godsend in terms of safety. The minute trade-off is that brake dust quickly makes wheels incredibly grubby. Brake dust has a barnacle-like ability to stick to alloy wheels and over time can cause pitting, damage that requires a specialist to put right. Regular cleaning is needed if you want to keep the wheels looking fresh.
Just like paint sealants, wheel sealants and wheel protector products make the job of scrubbing wheels both easier and less frequent. They create a clear, non-stick layer on wheels that make it harder for brake dust and general grime to adhere to wheels. These products normally come in the form of an aerosol spray or a paste, with a few exceptions.
What to use for wheel cleaning:
You can use a regular car shampoo, but for the best results in removing brake dust and road grime, use a dedicated alloy wheel cleaner.
A soft rag will be fine for removing the top layer of dirt, but for best results, like a dedicated wheel cleaner, use a wheel brush. A wheel brush usually has soft bristles to reach all crevices of even intricate alloy wheels
With clean and dry wheels, you can then apply your sealant and enjoy cleaner wheels for longer. Bliss!
The best wheel sealants and wheel protectors
Gtechniq C5 Wheel Armour
The best wheel sealant
Price: £22.39 | VIEW OFFER
Gtechniq produces some cracking products, and its C5 Wheel Armour is one of the absolute best. You only need a small volume (15ml for wheels up to 17-inches, 30ml for anything bigger) because the chemical bonding between the solution and the wheel is incredibly strong. You can expect between one and two years’ worth of wheel protection from a single application.
It’s easy to apply too: wipe it on with a pad, let it sit for about a minute, then buff and let it cure for 12 hours. Suitable for gloss, satin and matte rim finishes, and fit for use on chrome but not polished metals.
Pros
Unbeatable protection
Suitable for most wheel finishes
Cons:
12 hour curing time isn’t ideal
Specifications
Volume 15ml
Protection Up to two years
Auto Finesse Mint Rims
The best luxury wheel sealant
Price: £19.95 | VIEW OFFER
Auto Finesse’s wheel wax is a tough synthetic wax that creates a hard-working barrier against the corrosive contaminants that cling onto wheels. A paste wax such as Auto Finesse Mint Rims gets our top choice for balancing durability with ease of application. Wheel cleaners and treatments have a justified reputation for smelling terrible but Mint Rims smells of…mint.
You can add two or three layers of this wheel wax for maximum protection if you wish.
Pros
Great protection
Smells nice
Cons:
Pricey compared to other wheel waxes
Specifications
Volume 100ml
Protection Up to three months
Autoglym Wheel Protector 300ml
The best wheel sealant for easy application
Price: £10.50 | VIEW OFFER
Offering a mere fraction of the durability of other wheel sealants, Autoglym’s Wheel Protector may look out of place at first glance. After all, it offers only six weeks of protection and can’t be applied to dark or mirrored wheels. Where Autoglym does shine though is how easy it is to apply.
It’s an aerosol that requires nothing more than a spray onto the wheel and being left to dry. It’s then hydrophobic and works hard to fight brake dust and regular muck from sticking to clean wheels.
Pros
Easy application
Cons:
Poor durability
Not suitable for dark or mirrored alloys
Specifications
Volume 300ml
Protection Up to six weeks
Poorboy’s Wheel Sealant 235ml
The best value wheel sealant paste
Price: £15.95 | VIEW OFFER
Like paste waxes, there are pros and cons to using paste wheel sealants for protecting your alloys. A downside is that it’ll take longer to apply than a spray and it can be back-breaking work. The upside is that you can be assured every inch is protected and it can be a satisfying process to protect a car.
This sealant from Poorboy’s World can be used on aluminium, coated, chrome, and painted wheels. Not only does it repel brake dust, but also extra sticky stuff such as tar and bugs. Apply an extra coat or two to further enhance the protection.
Pros
Use on all wheel types
Good value
Cons:
No specified time-frame on durability
Specifications
Volume 235ml
Protection Not given
Chemical Guys Wheel Guard Max Coat Wheel Sealant
The best wheel sealant paste
Price: £21.49 | VIEW OFFER
More expensive than the Poorboy’s option, this wheel sealant from Chemical Guys will ensure that your tyres look as good as possible and can last as long as eight months before needing a new coat. It protects your wheels from brake dust, road grime and the weather and is suitable for any wheel type (including chrome).
Pros
Satisfying application
Long-lasting protection
Cons:
Takes a while to apply
Specifications
Volume 236ml
Protection Up to eight months
Turtle Wax Hybrid Solutions Ceramic Spray Coating 500ml
The best ceramic spray for wheels
Price: £14.36 | VIEW OFFER
Not explicitly designed for wheels but entirely appropriate to apply to them, this spray coating is loaded with ceramic technology to offer up to 12 months of protection. This ceramic spray has silicon dioxide in the solution that bonds firmly to a surface and acts as a protectant against UV, acidic substances, and light marring. It’s also very hydrophobic.
This particular product is a spray wax that can be used on almost any surface including wheels, exterior glass, plastics and headlights. Apply to a clean, dry surface, spread with a cloth then wipe clean. Add a second coat after 24 hours for up to a year’s protection.
Pros
Easy application
Long-lasting protection
Use on other exterior surfaces
Cons:
Not explicitly designed for wheels
Specifications
Volume 500ml
Protection Up to one year
What to look for in a wheel sealant?
Durability should be central to your search for a wheel sealant. Not only should you be searching for a long-lasting wheel sealant, but also check to make sure what the sealant will protect against. Brake dust, tar and insects should be a must, with UV protection another important characteristic.
Application is also important. A long curing time will render your car out of action and you’ll need to ensure the wheel is kept cool and not rained on.
How to prepare an alloy for protection:
The key to getting the most from a wheel sealant is to properly prepare the surface beforehand so the sealant can bond effectively. This means taking a bit of extra time to ensure that the alloy is decontaminated.
A good place to start is with an effective wheel cleaner, followed by a fallout spray to remove any embedded brake dust. An old clay bar also can be run across the wheel to collect bonded contamination, just be aware that the dirty nature of the wheel will render that clay bar fit for the bin. Finally, a panel wipe should be applied if a sealant has been applied previously. This will strip it away and leave the wheel bare for protection.
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