Ford Motor Company and all automotive manufacturers work collectively with wheel manufacturers to provide vehicle owners with the highest quality wheels. Included in this is the coating applied to the cast wheels, hubcap, or wheel covers and other wheel components. 

There are two widely used wheel coatings used in the industry, and they are acrylic and polyester powder coatings. 

Wheel covers (hub caps) and other components use both a liquid coating and or powder coating technology. These coating provide a very durable and chemically resistant finish. 

Studies conducted by Ford and it’s suppliers have indicated many wheel cleaners or acids used in the car and detailing industry may be damaging the powder coating finish on wheels. 

A widely used cleaner sold by many chemical companies is hydrofluoric acid based. Others contain a blend of biammonium and ammonium fluorides, as well as large concentrations of sulfuric, phosphoric, and oxalic acids. Hydrofluoric acid and the biammonium and ammonium fluorides are the most damaging and should not be used to clean OEM wheels. Other acids will damage wheel coatings if it is too concentrated or the formula is lacking inhibitors. 

Another group of wheel cleaners are alkaline based. These materials use very high concentrations of caustic chemicals to remove brake dust and road film. Most of these contain butyl cellosolve in addition to caustic chemicals. These products may be as damaging as the acidic types. 

Both types of cleaners may and often do streak or cloud the wheel coating. This could happen the first time the cleaner is applied or may take place over time. This is due to the chemicals attacking the coating and breaking apart the chemical composition of the coating. The only repair is to refinish or replace the wheel. An expensive repair in either case. The proper use of an engineering tested and approved wheel cleaner greatly reduces the possibility of damaging the wheel or wheel cover. Ford is in process of developing a wheel cleaner for dealer use. 

How to Clean an OEM Wheel 

    1.  Make sure the wheel is cool. It must be cool to the touch. Note: A hot wheel will 
         increase the opportunity for any cleaner to damage the coating. 
    2.  Spray the cleaner product evenly over the wheel, allow it to dwell for 1-2 
         minutes. 
    3.  Using a soft long bristle brush agitate the wheel, for 1 minute. 
    4.  Rinse all of the cleaner residue from the wheel, then wipe with a soft cloth towel.