ITB15020

Classification:
Reference:
Date:
WT15-003
ITB15-020
May 7, 2015
PRECAUTIONS FOR CLEANING PAINTED ALLOY WHEELS
APPLIED VEHICLE: All Infiniti vehicles equipped with painted alloy wheels.
SERVICE INFORMATION

Stains/spots caused by
acidic cleaner
The appearance of painted alloy wheels can
be damaged if acidic cleaners are used (see
example in Figure 1).
NOTE:
 See page 2 for example of painted wheel
and chrome wheel.


See page 2 for cleaning product pH
information.
DO NOT use Chrome Wheel Cleaner on
Painted Wheels. Many chrome wheel
cleaners have acidic ingredients.
Figure 1

Wash dirt off the vehicle and wheels with a wet sponge and plenty of water.

Clean the vehicle and wheels thoroughly using a mild soap, a special vehicle soap, or general purpose
dishwashing liquid, mixed with clean lukewarm (never hot) water.

Infiniti recommends that the road wheels be waxed to protect against road salt in areas where it is used
during winter.

Make sure to follow all instruction in the Appearance and Care Section of the Owner’s Manual.
IMPORTANT: Damage to wheel appearance due to the use of inappropriate chemicals or cleaning products is
not covered under warranty.
Infiniti Bulletins are intended for use by qualified technicians, not 'do-it-yourselfers'. Qualified technicians are properly trained
individuals who have the equipment, tools, safety instruction, and know-how to do a job properly and safely. NOTE: If you believe
that a described condition may apply to a particular vehicle, DO NOT assume that it does. See your Infiniti dealer to determine if this
applies to your vehicle.
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Example of painted and chromed wheel
Figure 2
Example of a Painted Alloy Wheel
Although the painted wheel has a high luster
(shinny) appearance, it does not have a
mirror like finish as found on a chromed
wheel.
Example of a Chromed Alloy Wheel
A chromed wheel has a highly reflective
finish (like a mirror).
Cleaning Product pH information

Alloy Wheels are susceptible to damage from clearers with a pH that is acidic or alkaline.

Cleaners should have a pH that is close to neutral (pH of 7). Cleaners with a neutral pH include mild
soaps, and general purpose dishwashing liquids.
The pH scale is from 0 to 14:
0
1
2
3
Acidic
4
5
6
7
Neutral
8
9
10
11
12
Alkaline
13
14

The more a cleaning product deviates from a pH of 7 (or neutral) the harsher the cleaner is, and the
more likely it is to cause appearance damage.

The pH of a product can usually be found on the MSDS (Materials Safety Data Sheet) for a given
product.

See examples of pH information from MSDS on the next page.
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ITB15-020
Examples of pH Information From MSDS
Example 1
pH of 1-2:
This is very acidic
(harsh cleaner)
Example2
pH of 7-8:
This is neutral
(mild cleaner – recommended )
Example 3
pH of 10-11:
This is alkaline
(harsh cleaner)
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ITB15-020