posted 04-22-2004 12:36 PM         

I am writing to advise about my recent experience with Meguiars Hot Rims
wheel cleaner.

Meguiars advertises "...this is the safe choice. Hot Rims is a highly
effective formula that removes road grime and brake dust on all wheel
surfaces...or surfaces surrounding the wheels. We use tough, penetrating,
neutralizing agents that dissolve and lift the dirt and grime by breaking it
down and washing it away. Just spray it on and hose it off. "

I did not find this to be the case. I sprayed the 8-hole wheels of my 95
E320, which were without as much as a scratch. With a soft, wet, terry
cloth, I proceeded to clean each hole, the Hot Rims worked very well at
removing the dust and grime. As I wiped the face of the wheel, I noticed
the paint starting to blister and lift off the center cap and the wheel. I
immediately rinsed the wheel, but the damage is already done.

I e-mailed Meguiars, and received a call back from Mr. Macdonald. He
informed me that sometimes this can happen with the Hot Rims product,
especially if one of the following conditions are present: the wheel is
hot, if Hot Rims is applied in direct sunlight, or if the wheel has been
exposed to road-salt applications. None of which is mentioned on the product
label. Meguiars has asked to see pictures of my car and it's wheels, and
seems willing to work with me to resolve this issue.

I write simply to caution others about this product, and advise of my
experience.

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Current mods: Mopar dual exhaust & front mudflaps; MacMotorsports Air Intake;
Real Rod Air Patrol; Graphics by Balistek Designs; ($8) Chrome grille; Chrome
tire valve-stem covers; Painted rear bumper lettering; Prowler Pro Gears; Synthetic
Oil; Raybestos Ceramic Brake Pads; TGF Door Panel Inserts & Headrest Covers;
SheepskinExpress Sheepskin Seatcovers; Grille Light; Pinstriping by Bo Boring;
Painted Valve Cover; Window Tinting; Windshield Visor Banner; Front Bumper
Removal / Relocation of Front Turn Signal Lights; Real Rod Transmission Cooler
Cover, Sill and Carper Covers, Aero Front Covers and Roadster Rear Pan, rear
bumpers removed; rear mudflaps; painted calipers; Prowler Products by Gary
Drilled Rotors, front and rear; Painted tach; Jay's Aluminum Billet Center Caps
w/shimmers, Chrome Lugnuts and Chrome Radio Bezel Shimmer; Dash Rings;
Windshield Wiper Arm Removal; Fender Trim; Speaker Replacement; Painted
Plenum; Painted Radiator Crossmember; Painted Rear Mudflaps; Air Patrol
graphics.

More 'Pumpkin' photos . . . . . More cars and other stuff

New pictures in Personal Scrapbook (02/23/03)

"I may have to grow older, but I do not have to grow up!"

posted 04-22-2004 02:40 PM         

When I use this stuff, I spray it on and hose it off ASAP. I don't do any rubbing and it works great.

posted 04-22-2004 02:49 PM         

ceramic pads
clean wheels with soap and water only

posted 04-23-2004 09:56 AM         

I am willing to bet that as usual you only get half the story, and from the owner's Point of view, which usually omits the owners errors.

I'll bet anything that he sprayed it on the wheels when hot, and even I wouldn't spray something like that on PAINTED wheels, no matter what the bottle said.

posted 04-23-2004 11:17 AM         

quote:

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Originally posted by Black Tie 161:
Interesting...

I am willing to bet that as usual you only get half the story, and from the owner's Point of view, which usually omits the owners errors.

I'll bet anything that he sprayed it on the wheels when hot, and even I wouldn't spray something like that on PAINTED wheels, no matter what the bottle said.

I call "User Error"...LOL

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