Wheels take the worst of everything: brake dust, road grime, tar and rust staining from the brakes. Left alone, brake dust bakes onto the surface and a normal wash will not shift it. The question is which cleaner to reach for, because a stronger product is not always the right one.
Start with the milder option
For most wheels, including regularly washed ones, an acid-free cleaner is the right starting point. Vonixx Vexus is acid-free, ready to use and safe for regular use on all wheel types. It removes grease, brake dust, oil and grime without damaging plastic, paint, rubber or metal surfaces.
When to step up to Acidus
Vonixx Acidus Fast is the strongest wheel cleaner in the Vonixx range. It is for heavy brake dust, mineral scale, rust staining and baked-on grime on alloys, chassis and arches that Vexus has not shifted. It is a heavy-duty product, not a weekly wash.
| Vexus | Acidus Fast | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Acid-free | Acidic |
| Best for | Regular cleaning, wheels and engine bays | Neglected wheels, heavy brake dust, scale, rust staining |
| Dilution | Ready to use | Ready to use |
| Care needed | Normal | High. Keep off polished, anodised and bare metal finishes |
How to clean wheels with Vexus
- Make sure the wheels are cool.
- Spray onto the wheels and arches.
- Agitate with a wheel brush or detailing brush until the dirt visibly releases.
- Rinse off completely, then dry.
How to clean neglected wheels with Acidus
- Work on cool wheels, out of direct sun. Never on a hot wheel.
- Rinse the loose dirt off first.
- Spray Acidus Fast over the wheel, arch or chassis.
- Leave it for 1 to 3 minutes. Do not let it dry, and agitate with a tyre brush if the dirt is heavy.
- Rinse off completely with a pressure washer. Rinse longer than feels necessary, especially around the hub and lug nuts.
Test an out-of-sight spot first on any finish you are unsure about.
Follow up the tyres
Clean the tyres with Vonixx Delet, then dress them with Vonixx Shiny.
If the wheels still have orange specks
Tiny orange or brown specks are usually iron fallout from brake dust. Our guide to removing iron fallout covers Vonixx Izer, which also works on wheels.
Keep them clean
Once the wheels are back to clean, go back to the milder cleaner for regular washes. Our full guide to cleaning wheels and tyres covers the rest of the routine, and the arches need the same attention, so see our guide to cleaning wheel arches.
Frequently asked questions
Is an acid wheel cleaner safe?
Used as directed on suitable finishes, yes. Keep it off polished, anodised and bare metal, never let it dry, and rinse thoroughly.
Do I need Acidus if I wash my wheels regularly?
Usually not. Regular washing with an acid-free cleaner is enough. Acidus is for wheels that have been neglected.
Can I use Vexus on an engine bay too?
Yes. It is made for both wheels and engine bays.
Products mentioned in this guide
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