Does Tire Self-Cleaning Agent Damage Car Paint?
2 Answers
Self-cleaning agents are highly damaging to car paint. Here are the detailed explanations: 1. Self-cleaning agents are mainly used to clean stains on tires and rims, and the alkalinity of self-cleaning agents on the market is generally very high, basically falling into the category of caustic soda. Even when diluted to 1:100, they remain strongly alkaline and highly corrosive. 2. Using so-called no-wipe self-cleaning agents available on the market to wash cars can cause significant harm to both humans and vehicles while cleaning. Therefore, self-cleaning agents should not be used directly for car washing and must be used with caution. 3. Cleaning power does not represent the quality of a cleaning agent; it is merely one function of the agent. The key consideration is whether the cleaning agent can ensure that the surface being cleaned does not suffer secondary damage while cleaning. 4. The correct approach is to choose safe and environmentally friendly professional car washing and detailing products and to avoid using corrosive alkaline cleaning agents or acidic cleaning agents containing harmful acids.
Tire cleaners can indeed damage car paint, as I've personally experienced during car maintenance. These products are primarily designed for tire cleaning, but some formulations contain highly acidic or alkaline ingredients, such as degreasers added by certain brands. If accidentally splashed onto the paint surface, they can corrode the finish, leading to loss of gloss or spotting. My car once developed white streaks after application, which I later learned were caused by chemical reactions. I recommend covering the car body with cloth or paper before use, or opting for pH-neutral products to minimize risks. Always rinse the car body immediately after tire cleaning to remove any residue. Don't forget to regularly wax your car to strengthen the paint's protective layer. Careful operation is crucial - small oversights can lead to significant problems.
