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Car wax on Wheels & Headlights?

Discussion in 'Detailing' started by KirthGersen, Nov 19, 2018.

  1. Nov 19, 2018 at 10:26 AM
    #1
    KirthGersen

    KirthGersen [OP] New Member

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    2018 SR5 Crewmax
    Just bought a set of new takeoff wheels -- 2018 "TRD Offroad" , gloss black with clearcoated aluminum highlights.

    > Any worries using a good quality, non-abrasive, car wax on the wheels, given that wheels can get very hot from braking?? Wouldn't want the wax to melt into gooey mess.

    > What about car wax on the plastic headlights & taillights? Any issues?

    FWIW, my go-to wax lately has been 3M #39526 "Perfect-It Show Car Paste Wax".
    I have little interest in evaluating the "boutique" waxes requiring 10 hrs to do their special 13-step process :sarc:
     
  2. Nov 19, 2018 at 10:30 AM
    #2
    15whtrd

    15whtrd Mr. Blonde

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    White 2015 Tundra DC SR5 TRD 4x4 5.7L, White 2003 Sequoia 2WD
    TRD Pro suspension, +2 Coachbuilder shackles, 2015 TRD Pro headlights, 20% ceramic tinted windows, clear ceramic tinted front windshield, aFe drop in pro s dry air filter, TRD airflow accelerator, TRD oil fill cap, TRD 18 psi radiator cap, BDX Bullydog tuner, Weathertech floor mats front and rear, rear seat fold down mod, DNA hard trifold tonneau cover, Linex with uv protection, TRD rear swaybar, TRD center caps, TRD Pro grille insert with color matching surround and bulge, TRD PRO headlights, aluminum oil filter canister, Real truck tailgate seal, Pop-n-lock tailgate lock actuator, rear diff breather relocate, RCI front skid plate. 275/70 R18 BFG KO2s
    I always wax my headlights and rims when I wax the truck.
     
  3. Nov 19, 2018 at 10:31 AM
    #3
    417Tundra

    417Tundra New Member

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    Yep. Me too
     
    15whtrd likes this.
  4. Nov 19, 2018 at 2:13 PM
    #4
    UNTMatt

    UNTMatt New Member

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    Usually, I don't (I use Collinite wax). On the headlights and taillights, I use Plexus or Original Bike Spirits Spray Cleaner and Polish. Both are designed for use on plastic and both work very well (the Plexus is just more expensive). If you do use a wax, make sure it is plastic safe and is not a polish or cleaner wax.

    --Matt
     
    Capt J-Rod and Watt maker like this.
  5. Nov 22, 2018 at 1:08 AM
    #5
    astro-jason

    astro-jason New Member

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    Treat them just like you do a regular painted surface and you'll be fine.

    -Jason
     
  6. Nov 22, 2018 at 1:58 AM
    #6
    YTThao530

    YTThao530 New Member

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    WD40 work the best for wheels. But just me
     
  7. Nov 22, 2018 at 7:40 AM
    #7
    CMB

    CMB New Member

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    Not nearly enough room here!
    1012180846.jpg I've been using Duragloss Aquawax after a good claying/polish/paste wax. It's been great for everything including Trim,Glass and Wheels. Applies in Sun or Shade. Just recently tried Carguys Tire Treatment and was really impressed. I'm trying their Spray Sealant pretty soon.
     
    War Machine likes this.
  8. Jan 14, 2019 at 8:57 AM
    #8
    briarpatch

    briarpatch New Member

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    Heat is the enemy of carnuba wax...and on wheels, it will break down quickly. I use McKees Wheel Sealant on mine, and have never used anything more than soap and water to clean them since. I've also used PoorBoys wheel sealant on them with good results
     
  9. Jan 14, 2019 at 10:27 AM
    #9
    Stumpjumper

    Stumpjumper New Member

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    I use McQuires plastic polish on headlights and taillights. I use nothing but soap and water on the wheels. Back in the days when I had chrome wheels I used chrome polish.
     
  10. Jan 14, 2019 at 10:50 AM
    #10
    War Machine

    War Machine SSEM # 5 3MW

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    I don’t think it’s going to melt into a mess, it just won’t hold up for very long. Something like McKees wheel coating is easy to use, but expensive.

    This is what I’ve used for the most part:

    https://www.waxaddictusa.com/copy-of-leather-balm
     
    15whtrd likes this.
  11. Jan 14, 2019 at 10:51 AM
    #11
    War Machine

    War Machine SSEM # 5 3MW

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    Car Guys has some good stuff, and isn’t mentioned often. Their trim restore is really good.
     
    Law323 likes this.
  12. Jan 19, 2019 at 6:01 AM
    #12
    Capt J-Rod

    Capt J-Rod New Member

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    Husky Floor Mats, Diamond back lid, Coverking seat covers, More gas.
    I use collonites 845 and Jescar power lock sealer. I usually use plexus on the lenses for the lights front and rear. It was designed for aircraft windshields and eisenglass boat enclosures. It also kicks ass on my "plastic chrome" cheesy ass grille. I also like to clay bar my windshield and glass and wax it with 845. It does better and lasts longer than rain x. I accidentally stumbled onto fluid film for tire black. It works well. As for rims I wash then with dawn dish soap or simple green if the dust is bad. I do wax the rims with the jescar every so often. When I rotate tires is when I go after the rims.
     
  13. Jan 19, 2019 at 6:16 PM
    #13
    Buildn

    Buildn 2022 Tundra Limited CM 6.5 Bed TRD Off Road

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    TRD Air Filters, Front door windows tinted to match the rears. Wheel locks, Talons Garage cat shield, Tyger Automotive soft tonneau cover, WeatherTech floor mats with Tuff Skinz Custom Emblem kit, Toyota OEM Emblem Black Out kit. AVS vent covers on all four doors, Red Tundra letters on front bumper & TRD highlighted in Red on front grille. Tailgate Tundra Letters in Black.
    I tried this and it made my rims really glossy. It makes your headlights slick as well.2D967EB6-BE84-421A-82C7-1E5F67DEFAA1.jpg3D6BF937-3824-4EE6-B245-DA5A6C16E106.jpg
     
  14. Feb 9, 2019 at 9:53 PM
    #14
    Tundra1078

    Tundra1078 New Member

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    TRD dual exhaust, sway bar, TRD skid plate, grab handle (future), husky liners
    I just used some left over clear bra on the headlights. Holds up well. Protects it from rock chips and other things. Plus replace it later when it gets worn down.
     
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  15. Feb 12, 2019 at 5:13 AM
    #15
    coreyk85

    coreyk85 2019 Tundra Limited Cement

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    I wax the lights just to meet them looking clear.
     
    War Machine likes this.
  16. Feb 12, 2019 at 6:36 AM
    #16
    War Machine

    War Machine SSEM # 5 3MW

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    Fantastic product.
     

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