Sealed and coated aluminum wheels for trucks and RV’s were introduced around 2005. Some RV manufacturers did not use sealed wheels. Some only put them on their higher end coaches. You need to know if you have sealed wheels before you use any abrasive polishing products on them.
Accuride and Alcoa both make sealed and coated wheels. Accuride uses the name ACCU-SHIELD on their sealed wheels and Alcoa uses the name DURA-BRIGHT. Both of these wheels will have a sticker with one of these two names, clearly visible on your wheel between the hand-hole.
When cleaning an ACCU-SHIELD or DURABRIGHT aluminum wheel, rinse the wheel with water to remove any debris, grit or dirt particles prior to scrubbing. High-pressure water is recommended.
Use a 100% cotton cloth to remove stuck on dirt and grease.
Use a mild soap solution such as Alcoa’s Wheel Cleaner to help remove built up dirt and grease.
Rinse off all soap residue. High-pressure water is recommended.
Dry the wheel with a clean, dry 100% cotton cloth.
Do not scrub the wheel before rinsing off loose particles with high-pressure water. Rubbing debris against the surface of the wheel can result in scratches.
Do not use synthetic cleaning pads. Synthetic cleaning pads can result in streaking of the surface.
Do not use wire brushes to remove dirt or grime from the wheel surfaces.
Do not use strong detergents, alkaline or acidic cleaners or abrasive aluminum polish to clean an ACCU-SHIELD and DURA-BRIGHT aluminum wheel. Any harsh or abrasive products will mar the surface of the wheel.
Do not use strong solvents to remove grease or grime from the surface of the wheel. Damage to the wheel surface finish might occur.