anybody ever use a pressure washer to clean their rims?

[kidsdoc]

reason i'm asking is i'm wondering if the pressure would damage the finish (i hope that's not an obvious question-no flames! )

my RC's are a pain in the *ss to keep clean!

[m3mark]

I did once and never going to do it again. My first car was a 94 mitsubishi 3000gt vr4 and while using my friends washer it took the chrome finish right off the wheels.

[Vitolo]

Try getting a large soft hair brush, they work well to get most of the crap off. Then go over it with a sponge or mitt to get in the corners the brush missed.

[L8APX]

I did it once, no problems except the writing that was on the rims was blasted off. Those were technomagnesio rims, the ones on the pic below.

Better off going at the rims with a boar's hair brush and soap.

JMHO,

[AMCbimmer]

I have a pressure washer and I have used it on the paint. I know the limits and what to do since I have been playing around with it. It's all about the distance. You can use it on the wheels also. I do that when I want to clean the brake calipers and behind the wheels. I have a 5.5hp 2400 PSI pressure washer.

[Sulax34]

I spray on some wheel cleaner, let it sit for a minute, and then I use the pressure sprayer and it works really well. just get the nozzle within a couple inches of the wheel and the grime and brake dust will come right off.....but if you get that close, don't spray the tire....you might accidently cut it open.

[alexm520]

Originally posted by Sulax34
I spray on some wheel cleaner, let it sit for a minute, and then I use the pressure sprayer and it works really well. just get the nozzle within a couple inches of the wheel and the grime and brake dust will come right off.....but if you get that close, don't spray the tire....you might accidently cut it open.

I do the same way SULAX34 described and it works great; once in a while I use a wheel brush but not regularly. I also alternate between first using water under pressure and then just let it spray / splush the rims without pressure


AlexM520

[BLACKTAPE]

those wheel sprays don't work for sh*t....
My friend used a CHEAPO brand one and it stained on some areas.... you have to scrub ....

I would say M contours are easy to clean the outside but inside is impossible

[Karalahti]

I have washd my rims everytime with a very high pressure washer. Water output is 200bar 150ºC !!

My rims are 17" E46 M3 "replica" with new Goodyear Eagle F1 tyres 215/45 17"

[Matthew]

I clean my RCJ's by hand using a soft brush, soap, and water. They are pretty clean, although I guess I did miss a small spot

[Dios]

after u clean them put a nice coat of wax or sealant on them that usually helps the brake dust come off... i would never use my pressure washer on my car

[TurboRider3]

Originally posted by BLACKTAPE
those wheel sprays don't work for sh*t....
My friend used a CHEAPO brand one and it stained on some areas.... you have to scrub ....

I would say M contours are easy to clean the outside but inside is impossible

Thats why you dont buy the cheap brand and you buy nice expensive stuff.......if you care about your car its worth it.....

[Devsky]

I use a pressure washer its not a high powered one and I don't have it on the focused stream. And when I do I start far away and get closer slowly untill the grime and what not.