Disc brakes have been a Godsend. The minute trade-off is that brake dust quickly makes wheels quite grubby. Regular cleaning is needed if you want to keep 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.
Either way, it’s a simple addition to the car cleaning procedure that saves you time in the long run.
What to use for wheel cleaning:
You can use a regular car shampoo, but for best results in removing brake dust and road grime, use a dedicated alloy wheel cleaner. Read our guide on these products, they come in quite a range of types.
A soft rag will be fine for removing top layer dirt, but for best results, like a dedicated wheel cleaner, use a wheel brush. A wheel brush usually have soft bristles all round 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
Armor All Shield Brake Dust Repellent 300ml
Best quick spray
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An aerosol spray which can be applied once wheels are clean and dry. Shake and spray. While it does create a clear film, the excess can run down the wheels and on to the tyres as a white trickle. Itu2019s easily wiped off, just bear it in mind for dark rims. Once dried, it provides protection against brake dust and grime for about four weeks.
GTECHNIQ C5 Wheel Armour
Long-lasting
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Gtechniq produces some cracking products, and its C5 Wheel Armour is one of these. 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 year's worth of wheel protection.
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.
Simoniz Complete Wheel Protect 300ml
Best value
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Like the Armor All spray, the Simoniz wheel protectant is an aerosol spray. Value for money-wise, itu2019s excellent and does what it says on the canister.
Autoglym Wheel Protector 300ml
Best for light coloured alloys
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Autoglymu2019s wheel protector is very hydrophobic and works hard to fight brake dust and regular muck from sticking to clean wheels. It lasts up to six weeks and is simple to apply in aerosol form.
Poorboy's Wheel Sealant 235ml
Best value wheel sealant paste
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For use on aluminium, coated, chrome, and painted wheels. It takes longer to apply than a spray but the trade-off is you can expect better protection. 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.
Chemical Guys Wheel Guard Max Coat Wheel Sealant
Best wheel sealant paste
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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).
Turtle Wax Hybrid Solutions Ceramic Spray Coating 500ml
Ceramic spray
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This is a little different from the rest. Ceramic coating is a relatively recent development to the world of car cleaning but has certainly staked its claim. In a nutshell, ceramic coatings have silicon dioxide in the solution that bond firmly to a surface and act as a protectant against UV, acidic substances, and light scratches. Itu2019s 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.