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Polishing the rims

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by LulzChicken, Jul 14, 2011.

  1. LulzChicken

    LulzChicken Prius Enthusiast

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    Hey guys. I have a very quick question. I want my rims to be super clean/shine, and yes, I do wash them thoroughly. However, I was wondering if there is a better product out there to do the job? Say, a polish for our wheels? No, I'm not talking about the hubcaps obviously, but the actual rims underneath. Are they metallic, alloy, or what? If anyone could recommend me a product besides some good car wash to clean/polish these with I'd be very appreciative. Let me know! Thanks!:eyebrows:
     
  2. stream

    stream Senior Member

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    If you have any build-up on them, you can use a bug & tar remover, such as this RainX:
    Rain-X®: Bug and Tar Pre-Wash Gel

    After cleaned, you can apply RejeX, which is a polymer that was designed for high temp applications, and will minimize build-up and make future cleaning easier:
    RejeX
     
  3. LulzChicken

    LulzChicken Prius Enthusiast

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    Thanks for the reply Stream. I don't necessarily have any problems with build up or tar. Not really a big problem to clean them either. I guess you could say I'm looking for a "wax" for my rims? As in, after they are already clean, something to apply to them which will make them "pop" more like a freshly waxed car. Maybe nothing exists for strictly rims.
     
  4. xs650

    xs650 Senior Member

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    Yes, they are a metallic alloy. They are painted, have a clear coat and take the same care as your car's paint.

    Wheels live in a pretty nasty environment, what with brake dust ( a mercifully small amount on a Prius) and splashed up road crud.

    There are products such as Rejex that help somewhat at getting stuff to not stick to your paint (including wheels).
     
  5. stream

    stream Senior Member

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    RejeX is the way to go. If you use ordinary wax, it will not last very long due the high temp of the wheels.
     
  6. 32kcolors

    32kcolors Senior Member

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    You can Zaino them, using Z-2 Pro and finish with Clear Seal.
     
  7. SW03ES

    SW03ES Senior Member

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    I use a product called "Wheel Wax" that works well. Although as said above you can use any good polymer sealant or a heavy carnuaba wax. Most waxes will vaporize because of the high wheel temps.
     
  8. LulzChicken

    LulzChicken Prius Enthusiast

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    Thanks so much for the comments guys. I am going to look into these products suited for high temperatures. Thanks a ton. That's exactly the answer I was looking for.
     
  9. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    I use the same stuff I use for the body. Currently: Mequiar's NXT Generation Tech Wax 2.0 (bit of a mouthful...). Goes on and comes off easy, seems pretty good. We're always swapping between the OEM's and separate snows on steel rims. I'll wax both when they're off the car. Makes for more complete waxing in lug nut wells, and is just generally easier.
     
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  10. samsprius1

    samsprius1 HEV Fanatic

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    I use this stuff everywhere! speed shine and a microfiber towel.
    Speed Shine® - Griot's Garage
    Get the refill kit /gallon +35oz w/sprayer and save $$
    The spray on car wash is good too! I think they have free shipping now.Go crazy!
     
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  11. LulzChicken

    LulzChicken Prius Enthusiast

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    Thanks you two! These look like some great products that I'm going to check out. I appreciate it.