How do members look after their wheels? I'm new to alloys and find the array of cleaning products in Halfrauds and such places somewhat confusticating. Is there a "best" way to prepare wheels for winter? They're only bog standard Pyxis but I'd like to get 'em clean and protected before gritting starts.

I use Bilberry Pro diluted to their recommendation. Wet wheels with hose, use bilberry, let it do its thing, agitate it slightly, power wash off.

More stubborn marks may need a brush over.

 

Then I use Poorboys Wheel sealant. Blocks a lot of brake dust and gives the wheels a nice shine.

 

I find this to be a cheap and easy method to have clean, protected wheels.

Depends how much effort you want to put into cleaning them. If im giving the car a quick clean i spray the whole car with the hose including the wheels, spray the wheels with poundshop wheel cleaner, wash the car and use the left over soap and water to clean the wheels.

If your car has OE wheels, you know they will last well with a regular wash. I've never polished alloy wheels and never had a  problem.  

Most problems affect the cheaper aftermarket wheels.

I'm with Spencer with the Bilberry and Poorboys wheel sealant. Not the longest lasting or best combo, but helps make it easier for those in-between washes where I don't take my wheels off to clean properly.

Also cheap

Yup! Also have Tardis and Iron-X in my armoury for those tough to shift parts

Iron x used once a month - touches stains that bilberry won't touch

Bilberry inbetween as a more gentle wash

Anything non-acidic.

Nothing that special, regular washing, stained bits in the corners done with a toothbrush and autoglym wheel cleaner then washed again. Sometimes just use a car polish/wax to finish them off

Thanks guys, Bilberry and Pooboys seem popular so that's what I'll go for. I'm pulling the wheels off this weekend for a pre-mot look around, so I can clean them and give the backs a good coat of wax while they're off. 

The best thing I did for my alloys, was to wax them with some Collinite 845.

 

Once that's done, the dirt will just fall off when you clean them, so for that reason I don't use any special alloy products to clean them. I just use the Meguiars Gold Glass Shampoo and an alloy brush

Autosmart acid free wheel cleaner

 

 

The best thing I did for my alloys, was to wax them with some Collinite 845.

I agree with this for polish. Its tough stuff. I got some after autocar rated it best wheel polish. 

dirt just falls off if you so much as look at it. 

I've tried engine degreaser which is available in a 400gram spray can and is pretty cheap and quick if done regularly.

I use Astonish wheel cleaner from the local pound shop and have found it to be very good.

I use Astonish wheel cleaner from the local pound shop and have found it to be very good.

I don't think it's available in Oz, is that like an oven cleaner?

Have you read the Detailing guides in the Cleaning and Styling Section?

http://www.carcleaningguru.com/videos/

http://www.autofinesse.co.uk/detailing-guides/

http://www.polishedbliss.co.uk/acatalog/car-care-advice.html

Thanks for all that.

I noted a reference to pads that reduced the contamination of the wheels but I'm not sure if there are down sides such as increased rotor wear.

Has anyone tries different pads?

I used Greenstuff pads on my last car and it significanltly reduced the Brake dust

However, if you have a good sealer on your wheels, you wont ever need a wheel cleaner, just car shampoo

Like everything....if you prepare and protect, you will significantly cut down on the time you take regularly cleaning

Regular cleaning is essential!!

A good application of Rain-X on clean alloys makes future cleaning easy.

I'm with the guys (above) who use liquid Collinite (845)....two coats when the car was new (13 months ago) and I've not needed to use anything else other than car shampoo and a (cheapo) microfibre mitt on the alloys.

When it comes to cleaning mine, I've had enough by the time I've done all the body and glass.

My Hondas I've had never fouled the alloys like euros do with brake dust.

I simply hate being a slave to wheels.

So you never clean the alloys Ryeman?

I'm not much of a braker (bit old) so don't generate that much but I've used engine degreaser which does a reasonable job on dry wheels then sprayed off.

A follow up with soapy wash say 6 weekly.