I don’t have a lot of free time in my life, so when I get an hour or so to take care of my own car, it can be difficult to convince myself to spend the time needed to properly clean up my wheels. Thankfully, with advancements in wheel protection, this task is considerably quicker and easier than it used to be!
I have been experimenting with wheel sealants and wheel coatings for years, and it is pretty obvious that a good layer of protection on your wheels will help to make routine maintenance cleaning much more reasonable.
At Attention to Detailing, we have been using GTechniq C5 Wheel Armour with great results.
C5 provides durable protection on your wheels that can last an entire year… that means no more messing with waxes every month or so with hopes that your wheels will stay cleaner. C5 will hold up to high heat, and will repel dirt and brake dust better than traditional waxes. Like all nano coatings, C5 provides good resistance against staining and contamination as well. C5 enhances the finish of regular painted wheels, chrome, stainless, and even satin or matte surfaces.
I have found that even with the high dusting pads on my vehicle, I only need soap and water to completely clean my coated wheels. There is no need for expensive wheel cleaners. With all of that being said, proper maintenance is still critical. Be sure to wash your wheels on a regular basis to keep your coating clean. This can have a big impact on the overall life of any nano coating.
Application is very simple. Before beginning, make sure your wheels are thoroughly cleaned and decontaminated. Use an alcohol based cleaner like GTechniq Panel Wipe to ensure the surface is free of any oils prior to coating. Apply a small amount of coating to a lint free applicator, and spread evenly onto the wheel. Continue spreading until the entire surface has a thin, even coat. Remove excess coating from the wheel within 5 minutes after the start of application using a quality microfiber towel. It is important to remember that the coating can only be applied in temperatures above 40F, and should not be applied in direct sunlight. It is recommended that you work in a well ventilated area, and a respirator and gloves are always a good idea if you ask me.
After all the cleaning and prep work is completed, I find that we can generally apply 1 coat by hand to a set of 4 wheels, including barrels, in under 30 minutes when the wheels have been removed.
C5 has become our go-to wheel coating lately due to its ability to enhance the appearance of various wheel finishes, ease of application, and good protection. If you’re still waxing your wheels many times each year, give yourself a break and try a durable wheel coating.