A thioglycolate-based iron-reactive wheel and paintwork cleaner that uses color-changing technology to visually indicate iron contamination removal. Autoglym Magma ranks #2 strongest among 36 iron removers in ChemCX's analysis, with a formulation optimized for dissolving embedded ferrous contamination. It ranks #4 for thioglycolate concentration, the primary active ingredient responsible for dissolving iron particles on contact. The formulation is also verified biodegradable based on SDS ecological data.
Key Chemistry
pH Level
Active Mechanism
thioglycolate chelation
Surfactants
2 (anionic)
Expert Analysis
Uses sodium mercaptoacetate as the primary iron chelator at 15-30% concentration, creating visible red reactions when contacting iron particles. The pH-neutral formulation (6.4) with anionic surfactants allows safe use across all exterior surfaces while maintaining effectiveness against brake dust and airborne iron contamination.
Key Differentiators
- •High concentration sodium mercaptoacetate (15-30%) for strong iron chelation performance
- •Full ingredient disclosure with excellent transparency rating
- •True pH-neutral formulation that won't strip existing protection layers
Potential Concerns
- ⚠Thioglycolate chemistry produces strong sulfur odors during use
- ⚠Not recommended for vinyl wraps, limiting use on wrapped vehicles
- ⚠Requires pre-washing and may need agitation for optimal results on heavy contamination
Ingredients
Source: both
