Ceramic wheel coating

[spicyB48]

Has anyone tried ceramic coating their wheels to stop brake dust from building up? I use a ceramic spray coating every few months on my car's exterior bodywork (provides nice protection to everything except the glass). Water rolls off and dust/bird droppings/ other crap just doesn't stick so I wonder if it would work on the wheels as well to stop brake dust from building up? I also see dedicated ceramic wheel cleaners for sale for around $30, do these work any better?

[Boardmember]

I believe the face of my wheels had ceramic applied in the package I purchased from the dealership (CeramicPro, separate shop).

If it helped, I feel sorry for those without. Brake dust is pretty significant and requires hand wiping every surface.

I know. I’m not special. Welcome to the club.

[allinon72]

A coating will not prevent brake dust but will make it easier to remove. A high quality hand applied coating is the only thing worth doing on the wheels.

[gabriel.psd]

Yes, I had my R101LW in Gloss White ceramic coated and the brake dust didn't want to stick on. Made it super easy to just wipe the dust off. I also switched to PosiQuiet ceramic brake pads, and made it so my wheels were pretty much clean at all times. I'm still running the same type of pads 6 years later.

[TboneS54]

I know the coating helps resist brake dust sticking to the wheels because as I drive, brake dusts falls down to the bottom of the wheel when I park. I can blow most of it off with air.

I use an iron remover type wheel cleaner spray which tackles the rest. At worst, a very light layer of dust remains, and I have to "touch" the wheel with a brush or mitt - though I only do that every other wash.

Other benefit, besides looks, are hydrophobicity for reduced water spots and ability to blow dry the wheels clean/dry.

[spicyB48]

Originally Posted by gabriel.psd

Yes, I had my R101LW in Gloss White ceramic coated and the brake dust didn't want to stick on. Made it super easy to just wipe the dust off. I also switched to PosiQuiet ceramic brake pads, and made it so my wheels were pretty much clean at all times. I'm still running the same type of pads 6 years later.

Thanks! I will definitely apply the ceramic coating, I found a ceramic wheel coating kit that comes with enough for 2 cars (so I can do a friend's car too).

I have been considering ceramic brake pads for my next (first) brake service anyways.

[Seanhfx]

Originally Posted by Bimmerito

Has anyone tried ceramic coating their wheels to stop brake dust from building up? I use a ceramic spray coating every few months on my car's exterior bodywork (provides nice protection to everything except the glass). Water rolls off and dust/bird droppings/ other crap just doesn't stick so I wonder if it would work on the wheels as well to stop brake dust from building up? I also see dedicated ceramic wheel cleaners for sale for around $30, do these work any better?

Coating won't stop build up. It will make it easier to clean. I got mine coated (wheels off) and I can get the wheel 80%+ clean with just pressure washer, but use brake buster for 100% clean. I top up the coating every few months with a sprayable ceramic topper.

[chris719]

Originally Posted by allinon72

A high quality hand applied coating is the only thing worth doing on the wheels.

I somewhat disagree with this. I think a sprayable rinse-off sealant like Gyeon WetCoat is awesome on wheels. Low effort, gives many of the benefits of a coating, will hit all surfaces. If you wash your car every month it'll last forever as you refresh it, and works well as a topper for a coating.

[shimmy23]

I have ceramic coated several wheels and at this point, i think doing anything other than the inner barrel is a waste of time. You still need to clean your wheels regularly to prevent brake dust and road debris build up. Ceramic makes it easier, but it doesn't ensure your wheels stay clean. If you are cleaning regularly, you don't need ceramic.

[chris719]

Originally Posted by shimmy23

I have ceramic coated several wheels and at this point, i think doing anything other than the inner barrel is a waste of time. You still need to clean your wheels regularly to prevent brake dust and road debris build up. Ceramic makes it easier, but it doesn't ensure your wheels stay clean. If you are cleaning regularly, you don't need ceramic.

I agree, although sometimes I think the opposite. It's easy enough to hit the faces without removing the wheels. I would say if you do the inner barrels just be mindful that you'll have to remove part of it near the edges before putting on new tires it if it's a really slick coating and stops wheel weights from sticking.

[shimmy23]

Originally Posted by chris719

I agree, although sometimes I think the opposite. It's easy enough to hit the faces without removing the wheels. I would say if you do the inner barrels just be mindful that you'll have to remove part of it near the edges before putting on new tires it if it's a really slick coating and stops wheel weights from sticking.

good point. i applied after the tires were mounted

[Pheonix]

Ceramic coating (or any type of coating) will only be good with really good surface preparation. Make sure it is as clean as you can get (I even do a light polish) before applying.
Agreed with some posts above, ceramic coating won't prevent dust from sticking to the wheels but will make cleaning so much easier.

[MSH_]

Originally Posted by Pheonix

Ceramic coating (or any type of coating) will only be good with really good surface preparation. Make sure it is as clean as you can get (I even do a light polish) before applying.
Agreed with some posts above, ceramic coating won't prevent dust from sticking to the wheels but will make cleaning so much easier.

Agreed on surface prep....my go to on my last 2 sets of new wheels has been Carpro Eraser wipe down and then 2 coats of Cquartz DLux.

[TboneS54]

Did my new wheels last week