VEHICLE WHEELS are one of the most visually appealing items of vehicle styling, but they are also exposed to the most dirt, grime and debris.
Due to the fact that vehicle wheels get really dirty and they look so good when they are clean, there is a strong temptation to use harsh chemicals to ease cleaning and make them shine.
CLEANING THE WHEELS BEFORE VEHICLE DELIVERY
Make sure to follow these recommendations when cleaning the vehicle wheels:
• Wash dirt off the wheels with a wet sponge and plenty of water.
• Clean the wheels thoroughly using a mild soap, a special vehicle soap or a general purpose dishwashing liquid mixed with clean lukewarm (never hot) water.
• Nissan recommends that the road wheels be waxed to protect against road salt in areas where it is used during the winter.
• Follow all instructions in the Appearance and Care section of the applicable Owner’s Manual.
TO PROTECT THE WHEELS, wheel covers and brake components during transportation, the wheels are often covered with an adhesive protective film at the factory. When an adhesive wheel cover is removed, some invisible adhesive film may be left on the wheels. If the adhesive is not completely cleaned, dirt may build up and stick to the adhesive, making it appear as if the wheel coating is damaged.
• Do not use a cleaner that uses strong acid or alkaline contents to clean the wheels.
• Do not apply wheel cleaners to the wheels when they are hot. The wheel temperature should be the same as the ambient temperature.
• Rinse the wheels to completely remove the cleaner within 15 minutes after the cleaner is applied.
• Do not use car washes that use acid in the detergent. Some car washes, especially brushless ones, use some acid for cleaning.
IMPORTANT: Damage to wheel appearance due to the use of inappropriate chemicals or cleaning products is not covered under warranty.
COMPARING PAINTED and CHROMED ALLOY WHEELS
Painted Alloy Wheel
Although the painted wheel has a high luster (shiny) appearance, it does not have a mirror-like finish as that found on a chromed wheel.
Chromed Alloy Wheel
A chromed wheel has a highly reflective finish (like a mirror).
PAINTED ALLOY WHEEL damaged by an acidic cleaner
DO NOT use chrome wheel cleaner on painted wheels. Many chrome wheel cleaners have acidic ingredients.
NOTE: Nissan/Infiniti does not recommend the use of “tire dressing.”
When the tire dressing is applied, it may combine with an anti-ozonant compound (applied by tire manufacturers) to form a new compound that could stain the vehicle paint. The paint stains occur if the wet tire dressing/ anti-ozonant compound slings onto the vehicle paint when the vehicle is driven.
CLEANING PRODUCT pH INFORMATION:
• Alloy wheels are susceptible to damage from cleaners with a pH that is acidic or alkaline.
• Cleaners should have a pH that is close to neutral (pH of 7). Cleaners with a neutral pH include mild soaps and general purpose dishwashing liquids.
EXAMPLES OF pH INFORMATION FROM MSDS
