A thioglycolate-based wheel cleaner with color-changing iron dissolution technology designed for safe use on all wheel finishes including delicate surfaces. Autoglym Advanced All Wheel Cleaner ranks #5 of 38 wheel cleaners for gentleness.
Key Chemistry
pH
8.1
Active Mechanism
thioglycolate chelation
Surfactants
4 (anionic, amphoteric)
Expert Analysis
Uses sodium mercaptoacetate at 15-30% concentration to chelate iron particles from brake dust, causing a visual red color change during the reaction. The alkaline pH of 8.1 is balanced with anionic and amphoteric surfactants to maintain compatibility with sensitive wheel finishes while providing effective cleaning power.
Key Differentiators
- •High concentration thioglycolate formula (15-30% sodium mercaptoacetate) for strong iron removal
- •Full ingredient disclosure with excellent transparency rating
- •Formulated to be safe on unlacquered wheels unlike most iron-reactive cleaners
Ingredients
Sodium mercaptoacetate
15–30%≈ 18.0% active thioglycolate (salt-normalized)
CAS: 367-51-1Cleaning agent
Alcohols, C12-14, ethoxylated, sulfates, sodium salts
1–3%
CAS: 68891-38-3Surfactant
1-Propanaminium, 3-amino-N-(carboxymethyl)-N,N-dimethyl-, N-coco acyl derivs., hydroxides, inner salts
1–3%
CAS: 147170-44-3Surfactant
1,2-benzisothiazol-3(2H)-one
<0.1%
CAS: 2634-33-5Preservative
2-methylisothiazol-3(2H)-one
<0.1%
CAS: 2682-20-4Preservative
Water
N/D
CAS: 7732-18-5Solvent
Polyethylene glycol mono-C10-16-alkyl ether sulphate sodium salt
N/D
CAS: 68585-34-2Surfactant
1-Propanaminium, 3-amino-N-(carboxymethyl)-N,N-dimethyl-, N-C8-18(even numbered) acyl derivs., hydroxides, inner salts
N/D
CAS: 97862-59-4Surfactant
Bronopol
N/D
CAS: 52-51-7Preservative
Fragrance
N/D
CAS: N/AFragrance
Safety Profile
Signal Word
WarningEye Hazard
Causes serious eye irritationSkin Hazard
May cause an allergic skin reactionCorrosive to Metals
NoFlammable
No
