Meguiar's logo

Meguiars

Hot Rims Chrome Wheel Cleaner

acid-basedcitric-acidconsumer-gradeready-to-usedanger-labelwheel-cleaner

Best Value

$0.37/oz

24 oz

Positioned as a consumer-grade acidic wheel cleaner that balances cleaning effectiveness with relative safety compared to professional-grade acid cleaners. Competes in the ready-to-use segment against both acid-based and iron-reactive alternatives.

Key Chemistry

pH Level

3.5

Active Mechanism

acid dissolution chelation

Surfactants

4 (nonionic, amphoteric, anionic)

Expert Analysis

This acidic wheel cleaner utilizes citric acid as the primary cleaning agent to dissolve mineral deposits and brake dust through chelation and pH reduction. The multi-surfactant system (nonionic, amphoteric, and anionic) creates the "Xtreme Cling" foam that enhances dwell time on vertical surfaces while providing effective soil suspension and removal.

Key Differentiators

  • Citric acid-based formula offers effective cleaning with less aggressive chemistry than hydrofluoric or phosphoric acid alternatives
  • Multi-surfactant foam system designed for extended vertical surface adherence
  • Child safety lock mechanism on trigger spray bottle

Potential Concerns

  • pH 3.5 and 'Danger' signal word indicate potential for damage to sensitive wheel finishes or painted surfaces if misused
  • Acidic formula may not be suitable for all wheel types, particularly those with delicate coatings or finishes

Ingredients

26 disclosed
CITRIC ACID1 - 10
CAS: 77-92-9Cleaning Agent
HYDROXYACETIC ACID1 - 5
CAS: 79-14-1Cleaning Agent
1,2-propylene glycol 1-monobutyl ether< 3
CAS: 5131-66-8Solvent
ETHOXYLATED C9-11 ALCOHOLS< 3
CAS: 68439-46-3Surfactant
DECYL-N,N-DIMETHYLAMINE OXIDE< 2
CAS: 2605-79-0Surfactant
SODIUM XYLENE SULFONATE< 2
CAS: 1300-72-7Surfactant
AMMONIUM BIFLUORIDE< 1
CAS: 1341-49-7Cleaning Agent
WaterN/D
CAS: 7732-18-5Diluent
Phosphoric AcidN/D
CAS: 7664-38-2Cleaning Agent
Propylene Glycol Butyl EtherN/D
CAS: 5131-66-8Solvent
Glycolic AcidN/D
CAS: 79-14-1Cleaning Agent
NonoxynolN/D
CAS: 127087-87-0Surfactant
Ammonium BifluorideN/D
CAS: 1341-49-7Cleaning Agent
Fragrance IngredientN/D
CAS: Withheld as CBIFragrance Component
Fragrance IngredientN/D
CAS: Withheld as CBIFragrance Component
Benzyl SalicylateN/D
CAS: 118-58-1Fragrance Component
Fragrance IngredientN/D
CAS: Withheld as CBIFragrance Component
Fragrance IngredientN/D
CAS: Withheld as CBIFragrance Component
Fragrance IngredientN/D
CAS: Withheld as CBIFragrance Component
Fragrance IngredientN/D
CAS: Withheld as CBIFragrance Component
Fragrance IngredientN/D
CAS: Withheld as CBIFragrance Component
Fragrance IngredientN/D
CAS: Withheld as CBIFragrance Component
Fragrance IngredientN/D
CAS: Withheld as CBIFragrance Component
Fragrance IngredientN/D
CAS: Withheld as CBIFragrance Component
Fragrance IngredientN/D
CAS: Withheld as CBIFragrance Component
Fragrance IngredientN/D
CAS: Withheld as CBIFragrance Component

Source: sds section 3

Safety Profile

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