Custom Wheel Cleaner
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. Autoglym Custom Wheel Cleaner ranks #4 strongest among 68 wheel cleaners in ChemCX's SDS-based analysis, with a formulation designed for aggressive brake dust and iron deposit removal. It also contains chelating agents that bind dissolved minerals, helping prevent water spots during rinsing. The formulation is also verified biodegradable based on SDS ecological data.
Key Chemistry
pH Level
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
Source: both
