Is there some kind of solution that can be applied on rims in order to repel dirt and water so that they are never dirty?

 

not really.

http://www.autoeducation.com/carcare/wheels.htm

Anything will only work a little for a short time.

One option is to change brake pads to something that dusts less than the OEM pad, ceramic pads do fine, change both front and rears and the rotors too if the old pads are very worn.

Wheel wax or similar helps a little, reapply wax or treatment after each car wash.

Use a wheel color that doesn't show dirt or water marks. Anthracite or dark gun metal isn't bad, white and light silver show dirt/grime.

 

thanx minihune, unfortunately i want to buy white color rims, so i guess i must be ready for dirt!

 

my 2012 all4 with white wheels was delivered with textar brake pads

almost no dust

i wax the wheels twice a year with mequires synthetic wax 2 ... nothing sticks to the wheels ... i clean them with a damp paper towel

 

that means that the rims are always white? id be very interested in seeing any photos if possible!

 

i have posted these photos before ... this is after 2 weeks and about 1000 miles without a wash

oem pads on my 03/2012 build all4

wheels waxed with meguires synthetic wax 2

 

Car looks pretty clean for 2 weeks without a wash and 1000miles! Where are you located? Doesn't it rain there?

 

IMO the design plays a huge factor too.

One should already know that white wheels will require more attention than other finishes. That said, for example, a R85, racing-fin design and infinite stream will require more time for upkeep VERSUS NM's RSe05 or any 5-spoke designed wheels out there. Really based what kind of wheel you prefer.

In my own experience, i followed all the procedures from 0-low dust ceramics pads, waxing and even cleaned the barrels thoroughly. Used a bug & tar remover for "hard stains" and kept a touch paint handy when needed. I even switched to gun mental and other finishes but ended up going back to white wheels because of the look I was going for. In essence you're welcoming another commitment on the upkeep of your MINI.

I might be off-tangent but this is something one may consider going in when using white wheels and not to discourage anyone.

Best of luck and show us some pics when a decision is made.

 

Many thanks Joeygonz for the advices!

 

no it did not rain, nor did i clean the wheels .... that is the point ... my wheels do not get covered in brake dust between the combination of textar pads and mcguires synthetic wax 2

 

Like minihune said, the best method/product will only last for a little while. Depends on how much you drive and what kind of brake pads you have. The best product I've found is the Armor All Wheel Protectant. Not cheap at around $8 for a spray can. Works better than the cheaper Eagle One version.

http://www.armorall.com/product-types/wheels/

 

The protectant stuff is great when it's dry. I found out if it's exposed to water or rain then it just washes off.

Get some low dust pads?

 

A cheap spray bottle of Rain X with any paint sealant will work. They will both chemically bond to the rim together. They will not break down from the high heat put off from your brakes and last and bead much longer. Plus they will repel water and dust better unlike wax which grabs and holds it.

 

Wheel wax and changing the OEM brake pads out to akebono or hawk / ebc will reduce brake dust. The OEM pads tend to dust allot.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...t-part-ii.html

 

+1

this may sound silly but i run my leaf blower when necessary and the dust just blows right off. a little elbow grease at the beginning but with excellent dividends!

 

Thats a good leaf blower

 

Yeah, just don't remove any paint.

 

That's a strong blower if it removes paint.