Armor All Wheel Protectant - Dust Free? Pictures!

[CRyan]

Ok, so I was at Advance Auto for another purpose and I always glance at the car care isle when visiting these places. I saw this stuff for $15 and thought I would give it a shot.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/2411/Can.jpg (http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/76335)

Anyone that has owned, detailed, or even briefly looked at a german auto has seen the brake dust they spew everywhere. Years ago I remember thinking why would somone buy that car and never ever wash it (basing my opinion on the condition of the front wheels). Anyway, German OEM pads are juast horrible when it comes to brake dust - This effect can only be matched by a few brands of track pads.

I may eventually change pads but for now I have been on the lookout for a prodect that would actually prevent brake dust from adhering to the wheel and not simply make it easier to clean.

So here is a test of an Armor All product that specifically states that it does just that - Prevent adhesion of brake dust and other dirt. Spray on, let dry for as long as possible and thats it. This is probably the first Armor All product I have purchased in 15 years.

The Setup
I began with a perfectly clean and dry front wheel - IronX etc. I taped a line down the center and sprayed the top portion of the wheel with the product - Liberally as directed. I specifically coated my tires more liberally than usual to make sure any overspray didnt stain my tire (not sure it would but I didnt want to run the risk with a new product. Just remember going forward that the protected side is the side with the valve stem.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/2411/Tape3.jpg (http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/76338)

As you can see, the product left a visible line at the tape. The product did not overtly impact the shine of the wheel. However, after about 24 hours (still not driven yet) I touched the surface of the wheel with my fingertips. I was not comforted by what I found. A chalky residue was certainly present (although it appears clear while undistrubed on the wheel). At this point, I was already losing hope.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/2411/Residue.jpg (http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/76337)

Day One
Hmmm. 60 miles in and the brake pads are certainly shedding some dust - As Always. Do you see a difference?

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/2411/1136.jpg (http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/76327)

Treated side

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/2411/389.jpg (http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/76329)

Untreated side

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/2411/2101.jpg (http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/76328)

Day Two
125 miles in.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/2411/550.jpg (http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/76331)

Treated side

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/2411/732.jpg (http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/76333)

Untreated side

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/2411/638.jpg (http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/76332)

Another closeup of the opposite end of the wheel. You can see where the product got under the tape so the line is not perfect.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/2411/844.jpg (http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/76334)


So for now, this stuff works. I mean really works. You can see how much dust I get after only 120 miles of driving (mostly interstate, some traffic). And there is litterally no dust on the protected side - It is interesting that the dust falls together into little clumps on the protected side and then eventually flings off itself. I circled one of those clumps under the first Day One photo.

I will update the thread with more days as time goes on. The only question is longevity - Will it remain on the wheel after washing? Granted a spray of water would clean them if completely protected - But will it remain on the wheel after getting wet? If not, is the spray worth it the price/effort? The can makes no mention of how often it needs to be applied. So we will see. But so far, wow, it actually repells brake dust.

[RDZL1]

Nice write-up. Please keep us updated.

[jms493]

Nice write up...ihave had this in my cabinet since xmas. I am thinking of using it on my wifes car.

[Setec Astronomy]

Ha, I remember this product getting some play on the forums when it came out, and IIRC there was also a similar product from another mfr. Thanks for putting this back on the radar.

[trekkeruss]

If it can repel brake dust and dirt on the wheels, couldn't I just spray it all over the car? :p

[swanicyouth]

I used this stuff (or a similar product) years ago. But, it left a white haze on my wheels. Plus, it was just another step. I found the ultimate solution to this problem is getting low dust pads and OptiCoating the wheels. It's really a night and day solution.

[KneeDragr]

I use this on my GS Corvette which has monstrous brakes with crazy dust. Its nothing short of amazing if used properly. Here is a tip sheet.

1.) The wheel must be absolutely clean, with no wax, detailer or any residue on it prior to application. I use window cleaner to clean the wheels after washing.
2.) It needs to cure overnight to work best.
3.) Any areas you miss will look ridiculous because dust will cling to those parts - so you must apply everywhere.
4.) Anything will take it off - if you even lightly brush something against the wheel it will take this product off. Its not stuck on, it just sits on the surface.

[Setec Astronomy]

I found the ultimate solution to this problem is getting low dust pads and OptiCoating the wheels. It's really a night and day solution.

+1.

[CRyan]

I used this stuff (or a similar product) years ago. But, it left a white haze on my wheels. Plus, it was just another step. I found the ultimate solution to this problem is getting low dust pads and OptiCoating the wheels. It's really a night and day solution.

New pads would certainly be a solution. However, Opti-Coat does very little in preventing dust - Actually, I don't think it does a thing in that regard. Easier to clean certainly but that is not my goal. My goal is to not have a wheel coated in grime after 60 miles.

[trekkeruss]

My goal is to not have a wheel coated in grime after 60 miles.

The solution is simple: don't use the brakes. :laughing:

[The Guz]

Nice write up. Keep us updated on the durability. I have used meguiar's brake dust barrier which make it easier when washing the car. It doesn't repel like what you have experienced with armor all.

[FUNX650]

New pads would certainly be a solution. However, Opti-Coat does very little in preventing dust - Actually, I don't think it does a thing in that regard. Easier to clean certainly but that is not my goal. My goal is to not have a wheel coated in grime after 60 miles.
It's going to be difficult to find a product that will
totally repel hot metal-shavings/dust.

With that in mind:
"Easier to clean" is a worthwhile goal of mine.

Bob

[KillaCam]

Here's a solution, don't buy German cars haha

[swanicyouth]

Ah, here ya go. Found the stuff I used to use squirreled away in the back of the garage.

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/05/08/yhe2ezug.jpg

Don't need it no more. I'll shove it behind the Armor All I found of similar vintage.

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/05/08/vada8a2e.jpg

Just to give you an example, I went from having the filthiest German brake dust wheels (BMW M brakes 2008 vintage) to the easiest to clean and cleanest wheels overnight by switching pads and OCing the wheels.

Awesome no dust pads:

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/05/08/habuqyra.jpg

I'm not sure if OC "repels" brake dust, but any dirt seems to come off with pressure washing with water. I probably haven't washed these wheels in 3 weeks / 300 miles (and they are front wheels):

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/05/08/eny9y6yt.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/05/08/symuqu6e.jpg

Just trying to demo what an amazing difference ceramic pads can make (and OC).

[DaveT435]

How is the performance out of them?