The Most (un)Realistic Wheel Cleaner Test

Discussion in 'Car Detailing Product Discussion' started by ndrom, Mar 1, 2010.

  1. ndrom

    ndrom Two Bucket System Washer

    I posted a link under a different thread, but people seemed to like it, so I thought I'd start a new one.

    Products Tested:
    -P21s Special Performance Gel Concentrate Wheel Cleaner
    -Chemical Guys Diablo Rim and Wheel Cleaner Gel Concentrate (cut 2:1)
    -Chemical Guys Diablo Rim and Wheel Cleaner Gel Concentrate (undiluted)
    -Griot's Wheel Cleaner

    The concept behind this test was to see what these 3 safe cleaners were capable of, objectively as possible. Understand that these wheels are not a typical case. Also, given the the condition, I would use a much more aggressive cleaner, but the point was to test cleaners that are safe for any surface, including raw polished aluminum.


    To the test:

    ***Due to a simple oversight, the picture or link that was here broke the forums rule and has been removed. My apologies for any inconvenience.***
    ***Due to a simple oversight, the picture or link that was here broke the forums rule and has been removed. My apologies for any inconvenience.***


    Disclaimer:
    For sake of transparency, I am employed by the car care retailer whose blog is linked. We carry all of the tested products. I personally did all the testing.
     
  2. agpatel

    agpatel OD On Detailing

    Nice review....thanks for doing it...
     
  3. scott14

    scott14 Birth of a Detailer

    cool review!
     
  4. Dylan@Adams

    Dylan@Adams Guest

    Man those wheels were NASTY!!
     
  5. Aesop

    Aesop Jedi Nuba

    It said Diablo wheel cleaner but the photos say Griot's and vice versa....which is which?
     
  6. ndrom

    ndrom Two Bucket System Washer

    That's what you get with a 16 year old car that was owned by a young woman who didn't care about it.

    OOPS! Fixed it!
     
  7. Dylan@Adams

    Dylan@Adams Guest

    She must know my wife

    >looks to make sure my wife isn't reading over my shoulder<
     
  8. pektel

    pektel DB Forum Supporter

    :lol:

    Dylan, you know it's your job to keep that car of her's clean too! It's the only way my girlfriend doesn't get mad at me for being in the garage all the time :D
     
  9. Dangler

    Dangler Birth of a Detailer

    yeah those were some nasty wheels, I say diablo would be well suited for well maintained wheels, and for heavily soiled wheels i'd reach for the P21S
     
  10. 604_Snooze

    604_Snooze Obsessive Detailer

  11. ndrom

    ndrom Two Bucket System Washer

  12. 911Fanatic

    911Fanatic DB Pro Supporter

    Nice test. Its nice to see a test done on some really messed up wheels to see what they will actually do. Thanks for sharing. So you are saying that P21S and Diablo are safe even for uncoated anaodized wheels, like say Volks?
     
  13. anticubicle

    anticubicle Any Rag Vehicle Washer

    That's awesome. Looks like I'll be trying out P21s.

    Would love to see a test against DP Wheel Gel.
     
  14. Handz

    Handz Obsessive Detailer

    Great review!!!
     
  15. mutmanns

    mutmanns DB Forum Supporter

    Yes, I bought a gallon last year when trying to get some nasty rust/brake dust off of two wheels. It worked very well. It worked just as wheel as the ads on YouTube. The few things I didn't like about it was the smell. Very strong smell that will make you cough if you are not careful. I don't really like the brown color either but maybe that is just me. I did like the price and the cleaning abilities so for the occasional wheels that are pretty nasty, that is what I use. It is also very good on tires. I can spray it on tires and hit them with a hose and they are clean. I typically will still scrub the tires with a brush before rinsing but you really don't need to.

    With that said, I still love P21 and feel like I can trust it more on expensive wheels(meaning I do not feel like P21 could harm a delicate finish). I also like the fact that it is a gel.
     
  16. Denzil

    Denzil Guest

    Thanks for doing these tests! I think I might buy another 5L of P21S just to have some on hand along with my Diablo. :)
     
  17. vtec92civic

    vtec92civic Nuba Guru

    wow so that diablo looks pretty weak.
     
  18. corvus.corax

    corvus.corax Virgin Detailer

    Very nice review! Would be great to see how Sonax Extreme performs in the competition vs CG Diablo or P21S :D
     
  19. ndrom

    ndrom Two Bucket System Washer

    That is what I am saying. I am planning another test to show this. Keep your eyes posted on that blog.

    I wouldn't quite say that. It just isn't on par with P21s gel. Considering the price though, I think it's a very good option for wheel cleaner.
     

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