Wheels turning flat black

[Txclyde1]

I just wondered if any other GT350 owners are seeing their wheels turn flat from the original gloss color.It has 2000 miles and has been to a three day HPDE event.The wheels were turning flat from the middle to the outside.They were turning flat before the track event,so it doesn't appear to be related to that.I clean the wheels very often due to the dust.I use distilled water or windex.I have had many cars that had a lot of break dust and have used the same thing to clean them with no problems.It appears to involve the front wheels only.It is very evident on the front right wheel.Thanks.

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[Myshelby3425]

Pics? Maybe the chemical used to clean or the windex on that matte finish?


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[Spa2k]

The combination of heat and brake dust may be creating a baked-on mess. Try a super-strength wheel cleaner made for problems like these. (Make sure it says "Will not harm painted surfaces" on the label.)

 

[HizliBullet]

I use meguiar's aluminum wheel cleaner spray..

 

[montreal ponies]

Not sure Windex is safe for wheels ! It contains amonia.

 

[1mic]

I read the reason why ford went with black wheels was because the pads produced a ton of brake dust. I have multi spoke wheels, its a bitch to clean. Time to upgrade in lighter and possibly wider wheels with less spokes OP!

 

[nastang87xx]

Not sure Windex is safe for wheels ! It contains amonia.

^^I'd bet that's the culprit. If you used it on machine polished wheels? Okay, fine. Now don't do it again and go get real wheel cleaner made for the job. But I bet the ammonia damaged the gloss finish.

Rule of thumb: if you use it in the house, don't use it on your car.

 

[Txclyde1]

Thanks for the info ,but as I noted I have used windex or distilled water on black,red and clear coated/painted for years with no problems.It appears only the front wheels and mostly the front right wheel are affected.I have not used Meguires and I will try that.Thanks for that info.

 

[crazyfish]

My wheels from day 1 have been satin/ matte black? I have never seen my wheels shiny? Are there different batches with different finishes? My wheels have been washed once and vehicle has 300 ish miles so they didn't turn from heat, use or brake dust. I have a base gt350.

 

[TDC]

My wheels are Satin/semi-gloss for day one as well.

I wonder if the abrasive nature of the pad material could be slightly dulling the finish over time when it is wiped off.

 

[Bullitt2065]

Maybe it's the ammonia in the Windex is at fault.

Windex is a household product and doesn't belong anywhere on your car - I'd argue not even your windows. Get a true wheel cleaner for your wheels, or an automotive all-purpose cleaner.

I use Adam's Polishes products. Their APC and Wheel Cleaners work great.


http://adamspolishes.com/shop/exterior/wheels-tires/adam-s-all-purpose-cleaner.html

http://adamspolishes.com/shop/exterior/wheels-tires/adam-s-deep-wheel-cleaner.html

Hopefully you haven't done irreversible damage.

 

[nastang87xx]

No, Windex is terrible for your car's glass. It can damage tint if you have it too.

 

[Rated R]

I use Meg's Ultimate car wash detergent. I wash the car first and use the residual on the wheels with a mit. Using anything to get the dirt off replacing good old manual labor is asking for trouble imo.

 

[Bullitt2065]

I use Meg's Ultimate car wash detergent. I wash the car first and use the residual on the wheels with a mit. Using anything to get the dirt off replacing good old manual labor is asking for trouble imo.

There are plenty of products formulated specifically for cleaning wheels and removing brake dust, which will work far better than just car shampoo and elbow grease. That's still a lot better than Windex, though.

 

[superman07]

wheel cleaner and a couple different soft brushes after each wash. Final wipe down with microfiber towel.

Shiny lasts 3-4 hard stops max.

I learned the hard way with windex and stuff like simple green for specialty cleaning. stay away from it.

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