Using Tarminator as a wheel cleaner?

[Mantilgh]

I have seen some, or at least one, person here that is using Stoners Tarminator as a wheel cleaner.

Whats your method with it?

Do you use it first, or last, or only it?

With brushes?

I have seen that some use it and decided to try it out the other day after the customer realized I would not have access to water. I just lightly sprayed it then wiped the faces with a microfiber, switching to a clean section of towel as I went along. The wheels were pretty bad and it worked very well and didn't require too much product or effort.

I basically waterless washed them this way, then went over them with rinseless and spray waxed as I dried.

How do those that use Tarminator for wheels on a regular basis use it?

Any issues to watch out for?

[lawrenceSA]

My typical approach when dealing with neglected wheels is:

Wash
Tar removal (spray, let it dwell, remove with clean MF)
Iron removal
Clay (if needed)
Polish (if needed)
Protect
Then going forward wash with the least aggressive method possible - so ideally just car shampoo.

Whilst I have noticed on many occasions the wheels appearing to be cleaner after using the tar remover I have always assumed its the fact that it is pulling off tiny spots of tar which may not be easily visible to the naked eye, but once removed, show a difference in the overall 'cleanliness' of the wheel.

I can't see the regular use of a tar remover in place of a wheel cleaner as being very good for the wheels in terms of hitting it with a solvent often, and, surely the tar remover would be removing your LSP, actually making ongoing maintenance harder? Also, there is no lubrication or dirt encapsulation going on so I'd imagine there is an increased chance for inflicting swirls into the finish.

[Desertnate]

I can't see the regular use of a tar remover in place of a wheel cleaner as being very good for the wheels in terms of hitting it with a solvent often, and, surely the tar remover would be removing your LSP, actually making ongoing maintenance harder? Also, there is no lubrication or dirt encapsulation going on so I'd imagine there is an increased chance for inflicting swirls into the finish.

Totally agree. I'd use tar remover to remove some really stubborn road sealant, striping paint, tar, or other nastiness from the wheel, but not on a routine basis. It would kill the LSP in short order.

[FUNX650]

Any issues to watch out for?

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Bob

[Mantilgh]

Thanks guys. No, not planning on using on my own or lighty soiled wheels on a regular basis. Just that initial cleaning on really stained customer wheels.

I always have a can or to on hand but rarely use it.

Thank you for the msds Bob, that is one of the few I have not looked at.

Here's one from the other day half cleaned.

[LSNAutoDetailing]

I use Griot's Heavy Duty Wheel cleaner. It's safe on all wheels and does an amazing job.
I try to use Tarminator as a spot tar remover on the vehicle (front bumper cover, behind the wheels, etc...) and NOW, I always where a mask when using.
I had to Urgent Care once after using Tarminator with a persistent soar throat....