Was looking for something to have a go at cleaning up my wheels, and decided to give Car Plan's "Wonder Wheels" a go.

Let me start by saying that, before I began, my wheels were in a right state. They have never really been cleaned (at least not since I've had them, which is about a year) other than a cursary blast with the jet washer every few weeks. They were, therefore in a bit of a state. They were pitted around the rims, and covered with tar spots and brake dust, which I had previously tried to remove with washing up liquid and a toothbrush, but to no avail. I was convinced that the only way to get my wheels looking bright again was to go down the refurb route.

Anyway, before splashing out £120+ on a refurb, I thought I'd have a go with one of the products available in Halfords, and as the market leader I plumped for Wonder Wheels. It is available in 500ml or 1l packs, at £7.99 and £11.49 respectively. I decided to go for the larger size, as I figured if it's any good, I'll do my girlfriend's Fiesta and my mum's Almera as well.

Anyway, I got on with the job. To apply, you pour a little bit into a plastic cup (which is provided), and apply to the wheel with an applicator brush. This enables you to get right into the awkward corners (of which vRS wheels have many!). You then agitate it using the brush, leave it for a minute or so, and then rinse off with a hose. Pretty easy really. For the really tough staining, you can then reapply and follow the same process (I found that rubbing with a flannel also helped with the toughest parts.

Anyway, to say I am pleased with the results is an understatement. I basically feel that I have bought a refurb in a bottle, and saved myself a bundle of cash in the process. I am delighted. Apart from a bit of bubbling around the valves (which was present before the clean up, I hasten to add), the wheels are virtually as good as new. It is so refreshing to spend money on a product that actually does what it claims. I would thoroughly recommend it to anybody.

Anyway, here's some photographs I took.

Before (as you can see, the staining is very severe and unsightly):

And after (these photos are of the same section of the same wheel):

And a couple of snaps of the overall effect:

Just to add, I realise that Wonder Wheels is acidic, and is therefore not ideal for long-term regular use, but for a one off clean up like this, I think it's a brilliant product. My aim now is to ensure that they don't get into that state again (I'll be cleaning them regularly with a bit of detergent).

Good job Mark

Steve

Good job. I did exactly the same to mine today, took them off cleaned inside and out, them put a coat of wax on them, nice and shiney now.

Good job. I did exactly the same to mine today, took them off cleaned inside and out, them put a coat of wax on them, nice and shiney now.

Good idea with the wax. I guess that'd stop the brake dust sticking as much in the first place. I might do that tomorrow evening.

A coat of polish and then some wheel sealant makes the world of difference. It is fairly time consuming applying though.

I'd go with something that has been designed for job in hand. I don't know how well a standard car wax would fare - with higher temperatures etc.

Steve

I polished them with some autoglym, them put a coat of collinite on. Hopefully will be easier to clean next time

Been using Wonder Wheels for a few years now, and swear by the stuff :thumbup:.

A coat of polish and then some wheel sealant makes the world of difference. It is fairly time consuming applying though.

I'd go with something that has been designed for job in hand. I don't know how well a standard car wax would fare - with higher temperatures etc.

Steve

It did take a while to do them and i dont know how the wax will stand the temperatures etc. It was nice and sunny so i didn,t mind giving them a clean

See how it goes but something like Poorboy's Wheel Sealant or Jetseal might prove a bit more hardy. See how you go though

Which Collinite did you use?

Steve

I agree Wonderwheels is excellent stuff. I used on my sisters alloys and my own, and highly rate it.

Came up well !

I've got some in the garage, but only use it diluted if i really have to.

Yep, would never advocate using it as a regular wheel cleaner.

Steve

Yep, for a one-off treatment to seriously manky wheels, then Wonder Wheels does the job!

Combined with Auto Glym Tar remover, then a good polish with Auto Glym Super Resin polish the wheels will look good as new!

Then seal them to help stop them getting tatty again. I like Poorboys Wheel Sealant, but haven't found it that durable... I've got 2 coats of collinite 476s on the Mondeo wheels, will see how they fair with the dustiest pads of any car I've ever owned.

we've been using it for years and its awesome!

also we waxed my dads wheels on his astra when it was brand new about 18 months ago with regular autoglym polish and they have stayed excellent since

we put 2 or 3 coates on with buffing each time but he does only do very low milage, maybe 5k a year or so :eek:

See how it goes but something like Poorboy's Wheel Sealant or Jetseal might prove a bit more hardy. See how you go though

Which Collinite did you use?

Steve

collinite 476s

Nice one mate. I have some acid free stuff if you want to try it.

I've just seen this in tescos at just £5.98... they had a little label on the bottom comparing it to Halfords' price of £7 something! Bargain!

Not when I got a gallon of acid free concentrate for £6

Mixes around 10/20-1

I dont use it a great deal but its useful to have for other peoples cars which arent looked after.

How well is Collinite or Jetseal holding up on your wheels guys? I have a tub of Collinite 476s here.

Chris

How well is Collinite or Jetseal holding up on your wheels guys? I have a tub of Collinite 476s here.

Chris

I have Collinite on my wheels... its doing the trick nicely... not sure what ill top them up with though.. dont fancy buying another tub of wax

I have Collinite on my wheels... its doing the trick nicely... not sure what ill top them up with though.. dont fancy buying another tub of wax

I tried the Collinite. Will be giving it a wash this evening or tomorrow sometime, so will report back.

I had forgotten just how shiny the 476s makes things go.

Chris