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