Wheels take the worst of the car’s environment and the most aggressive chemistry, which is why the finish matters more than the product. Non-acid cleaners are safe on virtually everything including polished and anodised faces. Acidic cleaners cut heavier deposits and will etch a delicate finish permanently.
If you do not know the finish, use non-acid. If the wheel is coated, use pH-neutral and nothing else. Tires are a separate job with separate chemistry: a tire cleaner is alkaline and will strip an old dressing so the new one bonds.
Wheels take the worst of the car’s environment and the most aggressive chemistry, which is why the finish matters more than the product. Non-acid cleaners are safe on virtually everything including polished and anodised faces. Acidic cleaners cut heavier deposits and will etch a delicate finish permanently.
If you do not know the finish, use non-acid. If the wheel is coated, use pH-neutral and nothing else. Tires are a separate job with separate chemistry: a tire cleaner is alkaline and will strip an old dressing so the new one bonds.