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 features an iron-reactive color-change indicator that turns purple on contact with ferrous brake dust, providing visual confirmation of where contamination is heaviest. The formulation is also verified biodegradable based on SDS ecological data.
Key Chemistry
pH Level
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
Potential Concerns
- ⚠pH of 8.1 contradicts 'pH neutral' marketing claims - truly neutral pH would be around 7.0
- ⚠Strong thioglycolate concentration may cause sulfur odor and requires careful dwell time management
- ⚠Marketing warns against use on unlacquered wheels despite claiming universal compatibility
Ingredients
Source: both
