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Cleaning & Protecting 18" Explorer Wheels


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In the 2006 Explorer Owners Manual it describes how to clean aluminum wheels and separately how to clean and protect chrome wheels. Since my 18" "Chrome" wheels on my Limited seem to be plastic , I am at a loss as to how to clean and protect the shiny chrome finish. The tech at the dealer said it was very important to keep brake risidue off of them from his experience on F-150'a with similar wheels but could offer no help on how to do this. He also said that if I kept the brake dust off of them the finish was under warranty for 36,000/36 months and seemed to hold up quite well. Anyone have any knowledge on this subject?

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In the 2006 Explorer Owners Manual it describes how to clean aluminum wheels and separately how to clean and protect chrome wheels. Since my 18" "Chrome" wheels on my Limited seem to be plastic , I am at a loss as to how to clean and protect the shiny chrome finish. The tech at the dealer said it was very important to keep brake risidue off of them from his experience on F-150'a with similar wheels but could offer no help on how to do this. He also said that if I kept the brake dust off of them the finish was under warranty for 36,000/36 months and seemed to hold up quite well. Anyone have any knowledge on this subject?

Personally I think they are damn good looking wheels and they hold up very well.I would recomend Armor All Quick Silver wheel cleaner,I've found it to do the best job on brake dust.Just spray it on and let it soak for a minute or two then spray off.It claims to be safe for all factory wheels.I'd like to say that I've used Meguiar's products for 30 years,but the Armor All wheel cleaner is a very good product that eats brake dust for breakfast.Enjoy that Explorer! :rockon:

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Personally I think they are damn good looking wheels and they hold up very well.I would recomend Armor All Quick Silver wheel cleaner,I've found it to do the best job on brake dust.Just spray it on and let it soak for a minute or two then spray off.It claims to be safe for all factory wheels.I'd like to say that I've used Meguiar's products for 30 years,but the Armor All wheel cleaner is a very good product that eats brake dust for breakfast.Enjoy that Explorer! :rockon:

 

Thanks for the reply. I have searched three auto supply stores and found everything but Armor All Quick Silver wheel cleaner. Pep Boys may ordinarily have it as their wheel cleaner shelf was pretty empty. I'll keep looking though. I agree that they are 'damn good looking wheels" and am just as happy with the 06 Explorer as I could be. I don't really understand why it is not a better seller.

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gaskanjim...glad to hear you are happy with your new Explorer. It is the state of the art SUV. I think gas prices have really put the hit on our sales and the simple fact that everyone has an SUV. When it's time to make a new purchase they are trying something different like cars or CUV's. Enjoy your new Explorer.

Edited by Calvin@LAP
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I also think the wheels look great. I've been rinsing them off with the powerwasher at the car wash and then using Eagle One spray wax with a soft sloth and they look great on my Eddie B. Good luck with your Explorer, luv mine!

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I've been into auto detailing for quite awhile, getting help from people over at detailcity and autopia. With Chrome wheels, there are various ways. I'd be careful with using a powerwasher. Those can easily chip and/or remove paint because of the pressure. With the chrome/plastic wheels, I would treat it like any other chrome on a vehicle. Clean it using sheepskin mit (like you would use to wash the body of the car), with the same soap you use to wash the car. A great way to protect it is to use this product from Michelin. I've used it on the Accord. Does a great job at keeping the shine on a wheel, and it does a decent job at repelling brake dust: http://www.pylonhq.com/michelin/images/bdrsmall.jpg

 

I'd also be careful of using Armor All anywhere on my car. It does its job, but its products, like the tire shine, sling around once you move the car and makes it look sloppy.

Edited by Duratec_Nick
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