I did my first wash on my Mazda5 today and have to ask if there is any easy way to wash the wheels.? I'm coming from hubcaps which are easy to clean but the wheels on my M5 have those knooks and crannies that are tough to reach. I see an area behind the front of the wheel that I can't reach. Do you reach from behind? Any suggestions for special brushes to reach inside the wheel? Not a big deal but any help appreciated.
2010 Mazda5 wheel washing
- Thread starter Martyd
- Start date
VenomDesign
Member
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- Mazda 5 GT Pearl White '07
I just went to Target/Wal-Mart and they had a whole assortment of wheel brushes there. I grabbed one that would clean around the lug nuts and one other that I could bend up to fit back behind the spokes and into the small hole in the spokes. It's a real pain to clean them up nice, but it looks so good when it's done.
I've been wondering about just painting or powdercoating the part behind the spokes black so I don't have to keep cleaning the inside of the wheel to have it look nice. I guess if I just didn't wash back there long enough, but that would drive me crazy.
I've been wondering about just painting or powdercoating the part behind the spokes black so I don't have to keep cleaning the inside of the wheel to have it look nice. I guess if I just didn't wash back there long enough, but that would drive me crazy.
wedginator
Member
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- 09 Mazda 5
I use a microfibre cloth to get into the nooks and crannies. I also make the effort to reach behind and inside the rim. I wash my rims often enough that road grime and brake dust doesn't build up so I don't really need to use a brush.
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- mazda5 2006, Focus ST
P21S Gel Wheel Cleaner and a EZ Detail brush should do the job for you.
Wet a rag and rub the dirt off. Have you never cleaned a rim before? It's just like washing the rest of the car. Washing the back of the rim is beyond anal retentive. If you have time to wash the backside of a rim on a minivan then you have way too much time on your hands. Please come work a couple hours a day for me so I can spend time with my family.
tortugazoom
Member
After you get them clean, I would suggest using a wheel wax or sealant on them. I use a wheel cleaner or diluted all-purpose cleaner/degreaser to clean the wheels on my cars and then use a wheel sealant on the wheels. Most wheel sealants will actually brighten the wheels and give them a better appearance. I find that if I clean them really well and use a sealant on them, that you can get by with just a soap and water wash for the remainder of the month.
I haven't found a wheel wax/sealant that totally repels brake dust, but using one makes them a lot easier to maintain and keep clean. If you use a wheel cleaner every wash, you will most likely strip off the sealant, so I use just soap, water and a brush in between deep cleaning and sealing the wheels. By not using a wheel cleaner every wash, you'll save yourself some cash money as well.
I haven't found a wheel wax/sealant that totally repels brake dust, but using one makes them a lot easier to maintain and keep clean. If you use a wheel cleaner every wash, you will most likely strip off the sealant, so I use just soap, water and a brush in between deep cleaning and sealing the wheels. By not using a wheel cleaner every wash, you'll save yourself some cash money as well.
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I have tried a lot of wheel cleaning spray, and they all work the same way (at least that's how I see it how I really put effort in cleaning the wheels). Usually I just use the same car wash shampoo + water leftover from the body and add a bit of kerosene to take off any oil or tar that is there and use armor all to make the tire shine.
Sorry all, that was a bit rude. I forget that sometimes our toys demand the utmost attention and care, yielding a proportional amount of joy. Diff'rent strokes for diff'rent folks.
I was washing this rim last night:
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/FMS-M-1007-S177B/?rtype=10
thinking about how, if you think the 5 wheel is a PITA, how much you'd like washing this one on my Focus. I hate washing these.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/FMS-M-1007-S177B/?rtype=10
thinking about how, if you think the 5 wheel is a PITA, how much you'd like washing this one on my Focus. I hate washing these.
I identify with your pain. I had an '03 EAP SVTF with those wheels. They looked great but what a pain in the ass. Depending on how long I neglected my cleaning duties it would take me longer to clean the wheels then it would to wash the car. Ugh...I really miss that thing. Not the most powerful of cars but it was a blast to drive.
