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YumCars

Yum Wheels

thioglycolate-basediron-reactivepH-neutralwheel-safeready-to-useall-purpose

Best Value

$0.62/oz

A ready-to-use thioglycolate-based wheel cleaner that combines iron chelation and surfactant cleaning in a single formula for comprehensive wheel decontamination.

Key Chemistry

pH Level

5.0

Active Mechanism

thioglycolate chelation

Surfactants

3 (nonionic, amphoteric)

Dean
Dean's TakeDean's PickFeb 19, 2026

I first heard about the YumCars brand from YouTuber AutoCare HQ, a UK-based detailer. I've enjoyed using every product from the brand and I particularly like Yum Wheels, especially in conjunction with Wheel Foam and Yum Undress, their tire cleaner. It's sometimes a challenge to get their products in the US, but when in stock, grab 'em!

Expert Analysis

Uses sodium mercaptoacetate at 10-20% concentration as the primary iron chelator, working at a mildly acidic pH of 5 to dissolve iron particles and brake dust. The formula combines nonionic and amphoteric surfactants with the thioglycolate chemistry to provide both chemical iron removal and mechanical cleaning assistance through added slickness.

Key Differentiators

  • High concentration sodium mercaptoacetate (10-20%) provides strong iron chelation without harsh acids
  • Gel-like viscosity formulation designed to cling to vertical wheel surfaces for extended contact time

Potential Concerns

  • Low ingredient transparency with only 6 disclosed components limits formulation assessment
  • Thioglycolate actives can produce strong sulfur odors during the iron dissolution process

Ingredients

6 disclosed
Sodium Mercaptoacetate10-20%
CAS: 367-51-1Cleaning agent
D-Glucopyranose, oligomers, decyl octyl glycosides1-5%
CAS: 68515-73-1Surfactant
reaction mass of: 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one [EC no. 247-500- 7]and 2-methyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one [EC no. 220-239-6] (3:1)<0.0015%
CAS: 55965-84-9Preservative
Amphoteric surfactants< 5%
CAS: N/ASurfactant
Non-ionic surfactants< 5%
CAS: N/ASurfactant
TETRAMETHYLOLGLYCOLURILN/D
CAS: N/ACleaning agent

Source: sds only

Safety Profile

Signal Word
Warning
Eye Hazard
Causes serious eye irritation
Skin Hazard
May cause an allergic skin reaction
Corrosive to Metals
No
Flammable
No