Non-toyota Alloys

[Desmond22]

The alloys on both my Avensises, 2003 and 2005, have been incredibly difficult to keep clean and looking good. I've tried every sort of cleaner and preserver but there are light patches and the brake dust on the front pair seems to eat them whatever I do.

The 2003 wheels were 17" and my 2005 has 16" so it isn't a problem with just one type.

I could go back to the dealer and complain but even if that worked it would just mean more of the same wheels.

So I'm seriously thinking of getting some 3rd party alloys.

Any recommendations?

[LIAM.MCGLOIN]

So I'm seriously thinking of getting some 3rd party alloys.

Any recommendations?

Mine are AMS 10 a Khan copy. look similar to T spirit 17" finished in dark crome effect.

[Desmond22]

Those look really neat.

How long have you had them & have they been hard to keep looking good?

[uumode]

I've yet to age mature my alloy wheels on my Toyota,

but from the used cars I've seen on the forecourts of Toyota dealers 4-1 years old the alloys seem in very good condition (bar a few kerbings here and there)?

I just use plain water to wash mine, (in case the alloy wheel cleaners are too harsh)

ideally before the brake dust has time to cake on

I use a coating of Turtle Wax Gloss Guard as the dust comes off easier when washing with plain water

http://www.turtlewaxuk.com/prod.asp?Partcode=FG3673

if that helps

[Desmond22]

I've yet to age mature my alloy wheels on my Toyota,

but from the used cars I've seen on the forecourts of Toyota dealers 4-1 years old the alloys seem in very good condition (bar a few kerbings here and there)?

I just use plain water to wash mine, (in case the alloy wheel cleaners are too harsh)

ideally before the brake dust has time to cake on

I use a coating of Turtle Wax Gloss Guard as the dust comes off easier when washing with plain water

http://www.turtlewaxuk.com/prod.asp?Partcode=FG3673

if that helps

It does and it doesn't ! :D

On the 17" ones I kept them polished with a good wax and used a mild cleaner to keep them clear of dust as far as poss. The muck and dust still ingrained though and after a couple of years it wouldn't shift.

For the current car I've done as you do but the results are even worse! Especially in the nooks and crannies on the front wheels the dust is impossible to move with a power hose or alloy cleaner. haven't tried a really strong cleaner to avoid more damage. These wheels have developed whitish streaks on them as well.

My old Carina had a bit of an alloy problem after 5 years or so but nothing like this. :(

[uumode]

I've yet to age mature my alloy wheels on my Toyota,

but from the used cars I've seen on the forecourts of Toyota dealers 4-1 years old the alloys seem in very good condition (bar a few kerbings here and there)?

I just use plain water to wash mine, (in case the alloy wheel cleaners are too harsh)

ideally before the brake dust has time to cake on

I use a coating of Turtle Wax Gloss Guard as the dust comes off easier when washing with plain water

http://www.turtlewaxuk.com/prod.asp?Partcode=FG3673

if that helps

It does and it doesn't ! :D

On the 17" ones I kept them polished with a good wax and used a mild cleaner to keep them clear of dust as far as poss. The muck and dust still ingrained though and after a couple of years it wouldn't shift.

For the current car I've done as you do but the results are even worse! Especially in the nooks and crannies on the front wheels the dust is impossible to move with a power hose or alloy cleaner. haven't tried a really strong cleaner to avoid more damage. These wheels have developed whitish streaks on them as well.

My old Carina had a bit of an alloy problem after 5 years or so but nothing like this. :(

Hmm that's weird, seems like you've done what is humanly possible to avoid the ingrained brake dust.

Though I avoid any shampoo or cleaner for the whole of my cars as that might 'wash off' or help strip off the wax.

My only other suggestion to form a protective barrier (at least for your new alloys) is to use a wax base, allow 24 hours to pass and apply the Turtle Wax Gloss Guard top coat sealant. It also helps if you choose an easy to clean alloy wheel. ;)

I bought a second hand car of 2.5 years with ingrained brake dust (woman owner who didn't clean / wasn't interested in cleaning the alloys) and I was considering having them refurbished. But was advised to try multiple applications of NEAT Wonder Wheels cleaner

(top rated here http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/product_test/...l_cleaners.html )

and then to remove the remainder, use a cutting compound (usually used for restoring the colour to fading paintwork) as the micro particles will polish out the ingrained dirt - and surprisingly in my case it worked. The wheels looked like new! Then applied lashings of wax and Gloss Guard.

Of course if the wheels are corroded then the above doesn't help.

Anyway good luck :)

[LIAM.MCGLOIN]

Those look really neat.

How long have you had them & have they been hard to keep looking good?

Have them since the car was new about 18months other then the wife fondness for kerbs there fine,quick wipe and they shine like new.