Product Review: P&S Brake Buster Non Acid Wheel Cleaner
by Rodney Tatum
The P&S Brake Buster Non Acid Wheel Cleaner, a good product that may be ideal for the right person. The P&S Brake Buster Total Wheel Cleaner is marketed as a safer (non acid) wheel cleaning option that also leaves behind corrosion inhibitors. It is also sold at a very generous price point. I decided to test this product out and give my initial impressions of it. Although it is stated as capable of cleaning tires as well, my testing was limited to wheels.
I tested this wheel cleaner on my wheels shown below:
- I sprayed a liberal amount of cleaner directly onto the wheel.
- I let sit for at least 1 minute (1 to 2 minutes) before agitating.
- Using the DI Pro Series Wheel Brush(Soft), I agitated the area very vigorously with this brush.
- Rinsed the product off.
Although my wheels were cleaner than average, I really wanted to challenge this wheel cleaner. I did not foam the product, which would have boosted the performance. Also normally I would use multiple kinds of brushes, including a DI Boars Hair Detailing Brush to make sure hidden corners and hidden areas are thoroughly agitated. But I wanted to use a single (gentle) all purpose type wheel brush to give you a more accurate evaluation of the cleaner. The results being a mostly clean surface that would require some touching up around the corners to get the wheel perfectly clean.
If you are to ask my opinion about this product in regards to merely personal satisfaction (PURE PERFORMANCE), the word ‘solid’ would come to mind. It is a solid product, perhaps not the greatest wheel cleaner. With respect to performance, it did not wow me in that regard. But It did not disappoint me at all compared to other options I have used. When you factor in value, essentially what you are getting for the cost, that is another story.
I want to emphasize that when you weigh price for performance, it is a superior performing product. It may be one of the best value products on the market!
For the enthusiasts 16 ounces at a very generous price point of $7.99, you are getting a very respectable and safer product than an acid type wheel cleaner.
For a detailing shop that has a need to cut cost but still deliver quality, you can get 128 ounces of this product for $20.99. If your business model is about taking on maximum car volume, where you go through a ton of product, this is a wheel cleaner that will get the job done with incredible value.
If not the greatest wheel cleaner, what is?
Best honestly is a difficult question to answer. When I was reviewing this product, I was well aware of its instant popularity amongst professionals. I also meant what I said by it being in the good category and great (value) for the money.
Unfortunately I can’t give you that clear winner, with money being no option.
Somewhat a while back I do remember using Meguiars Non Acid All Wheel Cleaner.
To be noted I consider Brake Buster to be more of a wheel cleaner. It was the only real dedicated I recall using. At worst they are about the same. If you told me I had to pick, (unscientific guess) I would definitely say the superior product is Meguiars Non Acid All Wheel Cleaner, and I think (been a while) safer on certain wheels.
Right now my FIRST choice is Gtechniq W5 All Purpose Cleaner, a rare PH all purpose cleaner. My wheel cleaner choices are also based upon my comfort using the in a variety/all surface. I probably can with this and comfortable with MOST. It also is a very good wheel cleaner. I do not use this as often, but for heavy brake dust (or moderate on Matte Wheels) I will go with a dedicated Iron Removal product first and go from their. Caked on Iron on different subrates are not created equal. Testing out Brake Buster did not steer me away from that combination (that I carry anyway) at all. Occasionally I will use a Tar remover, a product on hand specific to a problem.
I have found this to be an effective wheel cleaner even cut down 5-7:1. I don’t generally see “trashed” wheels and it has worked very well at cleaning the wheels and tires I see.
I’ve been using this product for a few months now and as stated in the review it’s a great product and an excellent value.
I use Wheel Woolies and do use it to clean the tires as well. It does a great job on heavily soiled wheels, okay job on tires.
Overall for the money it’s now my go to wheel cleaner.
I have a 911 with satin black wheels and tried all kinds of cleaners and have not found one that really does the job. So what I am asking is if money is no object what is the best product out there to get the wheels really clean?
Jerry with black satin wheels the dilemma is they are showing everything and can stain if left in that condition over time, BUT you have to err on the side due of caution because they are a little more delicate than your typical wheels.
If you haven’t already already, after getting them as clean as possible, applying a ceramic coating or at least a strong compatible sealant on them for easier maintenance.
I would definitely make sure whatever I used was PH neutral. Perhaps starting with an Iron Remover and using car soap after.
Yes, I too would like to know if not the best, and cost is not a factor, what product would be?
I admit I have not been the greatest connoisseur when it comes to products that clean wheels. With that said, I use a variety of products depending on condition and kind of wheels. I will grab a bottle of Gtechniq W5 Citrus All Purpose Cleaner as my primary option. I have iron removers I may use as well and or just car soap.
When I am cleaning wheels, just like any part of the car, I am thinking how safe is this product. There are a variety of wheel finishes that makes how strong something is less of a concern (or even a negative). Than you factor in the question of convience/efficiency of packing another dedicated product. I do not have a product (maybe Meguiars Non Acid) that can justify via checking all of the boxes. I know it’s not the perfect answer for you
SONAX Wheel plus cleaner but I believed it’s a acid chemical cleaner I use it on my notorious MB wheels is excellent
For whatever reason, throughout the years I have never tested Sonax Wheel Cleaner. But I do know it has been a very popular product for a while.
Great and honest review. I have found this product to be good, not great for the category.
Thank you! I try to stay positive and look for the good in every product unless it is REALLY warranted. People have certain products that work for them.
At the same time I will not be a “Everything Is The Best” guy. That would be a disservice to everyone here.
This stuff will ruin a coated asphalt driveway. I have white marks all over my driveway from using it so be wary of it.
On the other hand, it works alright. I still prefer using Meguiar’s Wheel Brightener as it does the job extremely well.
Thanks Christopher, Good to know about the driveway marking issue. I have used Brake Buster diluted at about 3:1 water to BB applied through a foam sprayer, and have not seen this problem. In the future, I will use it on the concrete apron portion of my driveway to avoid encountering this issue. I like this product and feel it offers great value, but I am new to detailing and have not used an acid based cleaner to compare it against.
Right works on the vehicle but did leave big white marks runs on my black top driveway.
Thank you for bringing this up!
Thank you Tim for also coming forward with this. I’ve approached P&S about it and they said there should be no issues. I have asked for them to cover the costs of my freshly coated driveway last year and Bob Phillips said “Not sure we can be responsible for driveway issues associated with cleaning products.” Again to those wanting to try this product it will leave white marks on your seal coated driveway.
Does any one tried the Meguiar’s Non Acid Wheel Cleaner? The gallon can be diluted 3:1.
Quite a while ago I have used it and enjoyed it. It is a good product.
Thank you for the review Rodney.
I too have tried it PS Brake Buster 1:1, 1:5, Spray bottle, Foamer…. It’s a good product but not enough to steer me from my current products, one being Sonax Wheel Cleaner Plus.
Nice review but I did notice that the product was used on a plastic wheel cover on a steel rim. Any reviews of it being used on various alloy rims?
The iron cleaners should only be used with the wheels off the car as they can damage the calipers and the coated bolts, etc. I have Dr. Beasley’s and am not impressed. Tried Griot’s heavy duty wheel cleaner and it did pretty well. Sonax is a non-acid cleaner in regular and heavy duty so okay for all wheels. I have met with the fellow from Liquid Performance a few times at car auctions and he gave me a finishing coat which I believe is silicon based and it puts a nice finish on the wheels and makes it easier to clean afterwards. My conclusion is that the only way to really clean the wheels on my car is to take them off and do it but I have center locks which need a special heavy duty torque wrench/bar to remove and put them back on.