Honda Alloy Wheels maintenance

[ams3177]

Hi All,

I recently upgraded from Civic EX (UK) to CR-V EX with Advance Safety Pack (UK). This baby comes with 19" Onyx Alloy wheels (factory fitted).

On my CIVIC EX, which also had factory fitted 18" Alloy wheels, there were few scratch marks, which I am not sure how they developed. When I was with the Honda dealer he mentioned something about washing etc. and I was not exactly sure what he was referring to?

I am now worried about how to maintain these new wheels. I get my car washed at a commercial car wash center and they use alloy wheel cleaners. Is this advisable? When I checked the Honda manual it suggests using normal soap water to clean them. I am not sure it is enough to clean them and maintain them in their orginal (or close to original) condition.

Can anyone suggest anything? Any past experiences will be more than helpful. I just do not want to damage my wheels again. ;-)

Cheers all,
Amit

[lefooey]

Honda recommends only using a mild car soap to wash your alloy wheels. There is a clear coat sprayed on them which can be damaged by chrome and alloy "cleaners." Likely the cleaner the commercial wash is using is slowly getting under the clear coat and damaging your finish.

I'd go back to hand washing if I were you. :)

[sleeksilver]

It doesn't hurt to wax them occasionally as well....