Drive through car washes "wheel cleaner" - is it safe?

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fegriffith

Member

• May 10, 2013

• #1

I hope this isn't a stupid question, and I hope you aren't too horrified to learn that I will take my CX-5 through a drive through car wash...

Having read the manual and it specifically stating the wheels are treated and solvents shouldn't be used on them or it will remove the protective coating...what are your thoughts on the products that the drive through car washes use? Do you think this will damage the protective coating on the wheels or is it likely a milder product that wouldn't cause damage.

I know car washes vary...just wondering in general if you think I should beware. I can't imagine they'd be using a heavy duty product, and they aren't getting scrubbed in the process, just sprayed.

Thanks for your thoughts.

 

N

nizzy1115

Member

:

2013 CX-5 Sport

• May 10, 2013

• #2

In general i wouldnt worry. Lambos and Jags are taken to the turtle waxes around here. If its good for them its more than good for us.

 

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fegriffith

Member

• May 10, 2013

• #3

Thank you for the reply! I feel better.

 

L

Latitude Adj.

Member

:

Silver CX-5 GT AWD

• May 11, 2013

• #4

When the wheels spin to clean your doors will lock, I hope you have the keys handy

 

B

BacklashZ06

Member

:

Mazda Cx-5

• May 11, 2013

• #5

One of the best wheel clearness is simple green. Spray it on and use a kitchen brush to rub around the rim, then enter the car wash. Does a great job and is completely safe.

 

F

First_Mazda

Member

:

2014 CX-5 Grand Touring AWD

• Jul 31, 2013

• #6

BacklashZ06 said:

One of the best wheel clearness is simple green. Spray it on and use a kitchen brush to rub around the rim, then enter the car wash. Does a great job and is completely safe.

Click to expand...

I know this is a bit old but I needed to make a correction. Simple Green is safe if you have coated or painted wheels, however, on uncoated Aluminum wheels you're asking for trouble by using Simple Green as a cleaner.

 

S

sully1983

:

2014 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring

• Jul 31, 2013

• #7

I just purchased my 2014 CX-5 GT 2 days ago. First brand new car I've ever owned. I want to baby her as long as I can! Can anyone confirm that Simple Green is the safest cleaner for the aluminum-alloy wheels on the Grand Touring models? I believe I read in the owners manual that harsh cleaners would remove the coating on them.

 

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robertmazda

Member

:

2013 CX-5 Touring

• Jul 31, 2013

• #8

Why not buy a wheel cleaner from a major brand that says that it's safe for your wheels?

 

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BaronVonAwesome

Member

:

2013 Mazda CX-5 GT

• Jul 31, 2013

• #9

These wheel cleaners are professional grade and completely safe for the clear coated Mazda OEM rims:

Sonax Full Effect Wheel Cleaner
1Z ColourTec
P21S Wheel Gel Cleaner

My preference is the 1Z product, which I used to detail a CX-5 here

 

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Woodys2718

Member

:

2016 CX 5 GT AWD, Tech & IActivesense

• Aug 1, 2013

• #10

When you wax your vehicle, place a couple coats of the same wax on your wheels. All new wheels have a clear coat applied to them so waxing is safe. Now you won't need any special wheel cleaners what so ever. Whether you run through the car wash or hand wash (always preferred), your wheels will come clean with ease.