Keeping wheels clean is a chore, neither an easy nor pleasant one, and white wheels are the worst. But there's a few tips and tools that can help.
Firstly, don't let the dirt win. Keeping your wheels (or anything) clean is easier than putting it off, eventually facing a bona fide mess. Next, if you can raise the wheels up to your level, or at least spinning freely, life will be better. I'm fortunate to have a lift, and if I jack the wheel so it's free to rotate, then use minimal water with an old towel to catch the drippings, things go much more smoothly.
If chain goop is present, I use WD-40 on a paper towel to wipe it clean, followed by a water-based degreaser then a rinse. But getting in the corners and crevices requires a tool. A firm toothbrush or small detailing scrub brush works okay, but my favorite is the Sonic Scrubbers oscillating cleaning brush system.
Firstly, don't let the dirt win. Keeping your wheels (or anything) clean is easier than putting it off, eventually facing a bona fide mess. Next, if you can raise the wheels up to your level, or at least spinning freely, life will be better. I'm fortunate to have a lift, and if I jack the wheel so it's free to rotate, then use minimal water with an old towel to catch the drippings, things go much more smoothly.
If chain goop is present, I use WD-40 on a paper towel to wipe it clean, followed by a water-based degreaser then a rinse. But getting in the corners and crevices requires a tool. A firm toothbrush or small detailing scrub brush works okay, but my favorite is the Sonic Scrubbers oscillating cleaning brush system.
Click on image for an Amazon link. I found this glorified electric toothbrush on Amazon a few years ago, and these days there's several types to choose from. There's three attachments; two brushes and one with different grades of hook & loop scrub pads. My brush of choice has pointed bristles which reaches into corners and the cast-in lettering.
Click on an image below to enlarge
Click on an image below to enlarge
However, given enough time and neglect, I often find permanent discoloration in the corners. I address this with a light coating of touchup paint. The most convenient paint for the white VFR wheels I've come across is Dupli-Color GM Pure White. It's not a perfect match, but I only apply a light coat using a "dry brush" technique — applying minimal paint and feathering it outward.
This paint touchup is a quick and simple "5-foot" cosmetic cleanup and will likely need to be repeated every year or two.
Lastly, using a quality wax type chain lube and wiping the excess after application (use a throw-away rag wetted with WD-40) will help keep chain lube where it belongs — on the chain and off your wheels.
Click on an image below to enlarge
This paint touchup is a quick and simple "5-foot" cosmetic cleanup and will likely need to be repeated every year or two.
Lastly, using a quality wax type chain lube and wiping the excess after application (use a throw-away rag wetted with WD-40) will help keep chain lube where it belongs — on the chain and off your wheels.
Click on an image below to enlarge
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