Wheel cleaner
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 810
Likes: 494
Simple Green. You can buy it at Lowes or Walmart for about $10 in a gallon jug. Works great on everything. Under carriage, wheels, tires, chrome, etc.
I usually mix it about 1:1 with water. For stubborn stains, use it straight. I buy it by the gallon or 2.5gal when I can find it in that size at Lowes. We use it to wash dirt bikes, street bikes, zero turn mower, tractor, and everything on a vehicle that isn't painted body panels. Never had an issue with it on painted frames / other painted metail - I just don't use it on my vehicle body panels. Works great, been using it for prob 20yr and never had an issue with it.
I use it out of pump sprayer (squeezing the squirt bottle handle 1,000 times sucks)
I usually mix it about 1:1 with water. For stubborn stains, use it straight. I buy it by the gallon or 2.5gal when I can find it in that size at Lowes. We use it to wash dirt bikes, street bikes, zero turn mower, tractor, and everything on a vehicle that isn't painted body panels. Never had an issue with it on painted frames / other painted metail - I just don't use it on my vehicle body panels. Works great, been using it for prob 20yr and never had an issue with it.
I use it out of pump sprayer (squeezing the squirt bottle handle 1,000 times sucks)
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 8,640
Likes: 2,435
I don't know of any truly no scrub wheel cleaners. Just like the body, it never comes completely clean without some contact. I use P&S Brake Buster on the wheels. It's safe and works good with just some light agitation with a wheel brush. Just about every automotive cleaning product company has a wheel cleaner. I avoid the acid type wheel cleaners, they can cause damage if not used correctly.
Cross-Country
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 53
Likes: 7
From: Lincoln, CA
You didn't say which break pads you have on your truck but the stock pads suck; the amount of dust they create is crazy. I switched to Power Stop pads a few months ago and the dust is almost non existent.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,937
Likes: 1,221
From: Southern Crescent
Seems like I recall you should NEVER use chrome polish on PVD wheels... because they are not chrome. I've been using the same car wash soap as I use on the paint work and then get after it with a rag. They seem to come clean pretty easy, perhaps that's one good thing about PVD.
I'm reluctant to use anything remotely harsh on my wheels. I have no experience with the other non-PVD wheels.
I'm reluctant to use anything remotely harsh on my wheels. I have no experience with the other non-PVD wheels.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 779
Likes: 427
How do you like the braking feel of the Power Stop? Good initial bite? The OEM brake pads are usually something that they get right, but they don't seem to care about brake dust.
Trending Topics
Cross-Country
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 56
Likes: 20
My rims are ceramic coated. Spray the soap and rinse it off with a final wipe down. Spotless every time
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Cross-Country
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 53
Likes: 7
From: Lincoln, CA
Honestly, I haven't noticed a difference in "initial bite" probably about the same with stock, so I think your analogy is spot on. I went with the Extreme (as I occasionally tow trailers BUT i haven't since putting these on) my son went with the Evolution for his Dodge 2500. We are both very happy with them and the dust is non existent.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 162
Likes: 9
best wheel cleaner I have used ever so far is Shine supply "cool guy" it eats the brake dust way better than others that work the same way. but its not a degreaser so sometimes ill still hit with a simple green and lightly with the wheel brush before i rinse.
Hotshot
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 12,353
Likes: 4,388
From: SW VA
I like CG because it produces a thicker foam than other store brands I've tried.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 150
Likes: 108
From: Newark, Delaware
Went with Power Stop Z36 ceramic pads and ceramic coated the wheels. I had done this on the Shelby a couple years ago. Cleaning is so much easier. Very little brake dust. Just use car wash soap and pressure wash. Sometimes a light agitation.