Wheels

Cleaning Tips

I've been trying different chemicals on my original anodized S4 flats. I tried some wheel
cleaners, some home remedies, and several soaps. (I have not tried the expensive German
cleaners from Griot's Garage or other mail order houses.)

The results are surprising. The best "clean" results from a liberal application of Goop hand
cleaner followed by the factory-recommended Vaseline. The Goop removes all the brake dust
and embedded road grime. The Vaseline (petroleum jelly) returns the factory sheen. Be sure to
wash and copletely dry the wheel before you start with the Goop. (It is water-soluble.) Rub the
Goop in with a heavy towel or sponge. Then rinse off the Goop. When the wheel is again dry,
rub in the Vaseline with a heavy towel. Finally, polish the wheel with a clean, dry towel. The
down side is that it takes about 2 hours for 4 wheels.

The cleaned wheels look very different from polished, plated,clearcoated or painted wheels seen
on more common cars. I still prefer the aftermarket or reproduction "cup" style wheels, but if
you cannot afford new, at least your old wheels can look new. It's much better than the dirty
gray look frequently seen on old 928 wheels.

Now you have something to do this weekend,

LeeH
87 S4 5sp, red/black, 48k, Aiken, SC


I also tried factory recomended applique of vaseline- use care! I found a great deal of difficult
to remove gummed up brake dust and road spoils after several thousand miles (with routine
washings every week or so). YMMV

Steven Tucker