Hey, Joe! (Sorry
])
If they're the original C4S wheels then they should be quite easy to clean. I have the 18 inch five spoke carreras (see pic on left) and I've always found that the secret is to just keep on top of them. If you get lazy and let the dirt, tar and grime build up they can be a nightmare to bring back to how you like them - clean.
Taking the wheels off will undoubtedly make the job easier but I'm guessing that as you've just got the car you don't fancy being unable to drive it for longer than a few minutes!![
]
I use Autoglym Clean Wheels: http://www.autoglym.co.uk/enGB/product-proddetail.asp?v06VQ=FF&Range=1
It's not too acidic and therefore shouldn't damage the lacquer on your wheels the way that some "cleaners" can (eg. Wonder wheels[
]) I went to a pound shop recently and managed to pick up a micro-fibre wash mitt which I now keep for just doing the wheels. (It was a pound). If you keep the wheels really clean and don't allow the grime to build up a mitt like this should be all you need to clean them (with the Autoglym Clean Wheels). You shouldn't need a brush really but if you feel that you do I would recommend getting a Tesco/Argos value bog brush: http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/0096083/Trail/searchtext%3ETOILET+BRUSH.htm
Bog brushes are a good shape for getting behind the spokes of the wheel - which is where you can get a lot of build up of grime. A hand mitt will allow you to get your fingers right in there and - even though you can't see what you're cleaning - you can be sure that you've done what you can to prevent the start of any corrosion, which is where it usually starts!
When I've cleaned, thoroughly rinsed and dried the wheels I sometimes then use this: http://www.autoglym.co.uk/enGB/product-proddetail.asp?v06VQ=IJ&Range=1 The jury's out about whether it helps to keep the dirt from sticking to your newly cleaned wheels but I find it pretty good. There are all sorts of other wheel waxes made for alloy wheels (Google 'Rim Wax') but from memory I think that a can of this Autoglym wax is under £5 - so not bad value. Using this spray wax will be a lot more effective if you do have the wherewithal to take the wheels off because you can then make sure that you get it behind the spokes as well.
Spray the Clean Wheels in to the wheel blot recesses and then use something like this to clean between the blot and the inside of the recess: https://www.monzacarcare.com/products/?category_id=6155&search_mode=view_item&product_id=1927&start=0&search_term=Enter%20search%20term Don't forget to rinse these out really well as this area can be more prone to corrosion due to the pressure on the wheel from the wheel bolts.[&:]
I always find that your hours of work on the wheels are best appreciated if you use a good tyre shine at the end as it provides a good contrast from the black of the tyre to the colour of the alloy. This is the best one I've used (and I've tried loads!): http://www.autoglym.co.uk/enGB/product-proddetail.asp?v06VQ=HE&Range=1
(Can I just say at this point that I am in no way affiliated with Autoglym![
] I just don't see the point of spending loads on these products - unless it's wax for the paintwork. Eg. Zymol, etc, etc...)
Anyway, hope this all helps and happy cleaning and safe driving!!
Adrian.
