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Autoglym

Custom Wheel Cleaner

alkaline-basedready-to-usewheel-safeheavy-dutydanger-labelbiodegradable

A high-alkaline wheel cleaner formulated specifically for sensitive wheel finishes including diamond cut, lacquered carbon fiber, and anodized surfaces where acid-free chemistry is required.

Key Chemistry

pH Level

12.7

Active Mechanism

alkaline saponification

Surfactants

4 (anionic, nonionic, amphoteric)

Expert Analysis

This alkaline-based cleaner relies on disodium metasilicate as the primary active ingredient to break down brake dust and road grime through chemical saponification rather than acidic dissolution. The multi-surfactant system (anionic, nonionic, and amphoteric) provides thorough wetting and emulsification while maintaining compatibility with delicate wheel coatings. At pH 12.7, it delivers strong cleaning power while avoiding the corrosion risks associated with acidic formulations on sensitive finishes.

Key Differentiators

  • Exceptionally high pH 12.7 formulation provides aggressive cleaning power while remaining acid-free
  • Complete ingredient transparency with full formula disclosure - rare in the wheel cleaner category
  • Specifically engineered surfactant blend safe for problematic finishes like diamond cut and lacquered carbon fiber

Potential Concerns

  • Very high alkalinity (pH 12.7) requires careful handling and thorough rinsing to prevent residue buildup
  • Brand advises against use on split rims due to difficulty ensuring complete rinsing between bonded surfaces
  • Strong alkaline chemistry may cause skin/eye irritation - classified as 'Danger' signal word product

Ingredients

8 disclosed
Butoxypropan-1-ol≥ 1 – < 3
CAS: 29387-86-8Solvent
Alcohols, C6-12, ethoxylated≥ 1 – < 3
CAS: 68439-45-2Surfactant
SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE1 - 10%
CAS: 68891-38-3Surfactant
Glycerine1 - 10%
CAS: 56-81-5Solvent
disodium metasilicate0.1 - 1%
CAS: 6834-92-0Builder
Ethanol, 2,2'-iminobis-, N-[3- (branched decyloxy)propyl] derivs., N-oxides0.1 - 1%
CAS: 68478-65-9Surfactant
TRISODIUM DICARBOXYMETHYL ALANINATE0.1 - 1%
CAS: 164462-16-2Chelating agent
Polyethylene Glycol Mono-C10-16-alkyl Ether Sulphate, Sodium saltN/D
CAS: 68585-34-2Surfactant

Source: both

Safety Profile

Signal Word
Danger
Eye Hazard
Causes serious eye damage
Skin Hazard
May cause moderate irritation
Corrosive to Metals
Yes
Flammable
No