- 1. WheelWax Ultimate Protection for Your Wheels
- 2. Chemical Guys Wheel Guard Rim and Wheel Sealant
- 3. Detailer Rim Job Wheel Wax and Sealant
- 4. Smartwax Rim Wax Ultimate Shine and Protection
- 5. KevianClean Quick Wax Car Detail Spray
- 6. Poorboy's Wheel Sealant
- 7. Chemical Guys Guard Wheel and Sealant Wax
- 8. Surf City Garage Edge Wheel Wax
- 9. Sonax Wheel Rim Shield
- 10. Swizöl Swissvax Glacier Premium Wax
Taking care of your car is absolutely vital to ensuring a long-lasting, healthy drive – and cleaning your car regularly is a massive part of its maintenance. Despite being one of the most important components in a car, many drivers often forget about cleaning and detailing their wheels. Yet, without the right wheel wax and wheel sealant, you’ll soon notice that your rims can corrode, and even become a danger.
Getting the best wheel wax for your car wheels and rims means you are less likely to damage your vehicle while driving – as well as making sure that your car looks amazing and feel great to drive. In this article, we discuss the best wheel sealant and rim wax in extensive detail – so you can be sure you’re buying the right products for your needs, and ensuring you can enjoy the best finish possible.
The Best Wheel Wax
Affordable yet efficient, the Ultimate Protection for Your Wheels from WheelWax comes up as the best wheel wax for any car. This is a highly rated option that customers buy time after time, allowing WheelWax to really make a name for themselves in the alloy wheel sealant world, as well as being suitable for all other wheel materials.
Able to cut through grease with ease, this rim wax also acts as a cleaner- although we don’t recommend this on heavily soiled wheels. It helps to restore the look and finish of your wheels and, finally, produces a good coating of wax – the latter of which is known to repel brake dust with ease.
Be aware that, if you’re new to waxing, this option may be a little tough for your first use, as the wax will dry extremely quickly. If you aren’t used to quick application and buffing required, you might notice a powdery residue left on your vehicle after use.
- Safe for all wheel types
- All-in-one solution
- Highly rated
- Affordable
- Brand WheelWax
- Model 13
- Weight 4.2 ounces
Quick drying, making it easier to do multiple coats
Cleans, restores and protects in one
Loved by customers
May dry too fast for some users – especially during their first time using a wax/sealant
Can leave a powdery residue
If you love the way a freshly washed car shines on the street, then you’ll be pleased to know that one of the best wheel sealant options on the market is perfect for you. Giving you a wet look finish that gives an unmistakable shine to your vehicle – no matter what finish your rim has or what material it’s made of.
Chemical Guys have done a great job of creating a quality wax sealant for your wheels, here. Despite it’s liquid finish, it boasts a surprising longevity of up to 8 months – meaning you can spend less time cleaning and detailing, and more time enjoying your ride. Just be aware that you’ll need to wear a solid set of gloves when applying this, as many users note it has stained their hands with a nice, green tinge after use.
- Gives a wet look finish
- Repels dirt and dust
- Resists high braking temperatures
- Ideal for multiple rim types
- Brand Chemical Guys
- Model WAC_303
- Weight 8 Ounces
Gives long lasting protection against dirt and debris
Works on a wide range of different rim materials and types
The wet shine finish gives a freshly washed look to your tires
Will stain your skin, so be sure to wear gloves
Can be difficult to buff away
A great choice for new detailers and those who haven’t given their car a full clean, before. This kit comes with everything you need, as well as the high quality, easy to use wheel wax. Great for aluminum, steel and chrome rims, this wheel sealant gives your vehicle rims an invisible finish that repels dirt, dust and grime from the road – all the while, making future cleans much easier.
It also does a great job of working elsewhere on your car. Being able to work on chrome trims around the vehicle means you can get your entire car sparkling in no time – and everywhere that has been treated will not only look great but be resistant to the muck that gets attracted to those smaller spots, during your drive.
- Made in the USA
- All-in-one kit provided
- For use on aluminum, steel and chrome
- Highly rated
- Brand Detailer 365
- Model Fba_detailer365-rimjob-combo
- Weight 12 ounces
Comes with a complete kit to help you get the job done
Provides an invisible shield to leave your rims looking like new
Can be used elsewhere on your vehicle
Can dry a little too quickly for some users
Some customers note an unpleasant smell from the wax
Perfect for use on chrome rims, this rim wax is safe for any type of finish your wheels may have. It’s an extremely highly rated option and customers love how easy it is to use and remove. Unlike many harder variants, this options glides on and off thanks to its ingredients, although you may notice that you’ll get through this a lot faster than some of wheel sealant choices – so it may be best to buy two or more, if you’re looking to stock up for future use.
This is also a cleaner and polish, alongside the waxing capabilities, so you’ll be sure to get a good, smooth finish thanks to this option from Smartwax. However, you should also be aware that this means it won’t leave as thick a layer, so you will need to apply this more frequently – particularly if you’re based in the wetter, rainier states as it will quickly wash away.
- For use on chrome wheels
- Safe for all finishes
- Highly rated
- Brand SmartWax
- Model 10100
- Weight 8 Ounces
Easy to use and remove
Excellent for repelling brake dust and general dirt
Cream format runs out much faster than wax counterparts
Does not clean rims as well as others
If you prefer to make a quick and easy application of wheel wax after a clean, then this spray is ideal for your needs. While being a relatively expensive option when compared to others on this list, it has repeatedly come up as a customer’s favorite, thanks to its ease of application and lack of focus required when using. It’s also surprisingly powerful and quick to dry, making it easier to fix up and get back on the road.
Made up of a plant-based formula and completely eco-friendly, this is a good option if you’re looking for quick top-ups between more detailed cleaning and waxing. It is, however, much thinner than many of our other options, which doesn’t make it a great choice for when you need a good level of protective sealant on your rims.
- Spray application
- Multi-purpose
- Eco-friendly formula
- Brand KevianClean
- Model KC-24-QW
- Weight 24 Ounces
Perfect for quick applications
Can be used across the car for cleaning and waxing
Does not last as long as a wax application
More expensive than other options
Poorboys wheel sealant is one of the most popular choices on the market – and for good reason. For starters, this can be used on any wheel materials and rim finishes bar those with a satin finish, and it does a fantastic job of repelling dirt and dust. In particular, customers love how well this wheel sealant repels water, making this a great choice for those who live in wetter climates.
It’s incredibly fast to apply, thanks in part to how easily this sealant melts into your rims, which makes it much easier to use overall as you’ll need less elbow grease. However, due to the thinner layer it provides, this is another sealant which falls under the requirement for more frequent application.
- For use on multiple wheel materials and types
- Highly rated sealant
- Great for repelling water, grime and dirt
- Brand Poorboy’s World
- Model PB-WS08
- Weight 9.9 Ounces
Customers love how fast and easily this sealant works
A very highly rated sealant, with excellent ability to repel water
Does not work well on satin finishes
Not as long lasting as other options
Another great entry from the Chemical Guys, this wheel and rim wax is perfect if you spend a lot of your time on the highway or anywhere that requires heavy braking. It is essentially the best in its class for resisting high braking temperatures and repelling brake dust, leaving you with healthier wheels and rims, for longer.
The thicker protective layer produced through using this wax can be a little hard to get out at times, but bear with it and you’ll get a good finish on any wheel finish. Price can fluctuate frequently with this wheel wax, so be sure to grab it while it’s on special offer for a great finish on your rims.
- Works with any wheel finish
- Resists high braking temperatures
- Helps to repel dirt and debris from the road
- Brand Chemical Guys
- Model WAC315
- Weight 8 Ounces
Gives a good level of protection from the elements
One of the best options to repelling brake dust
Can be expensive
Some reviews noted that the wax was hard to wipe off
A full all-in-one system for cleaning, sealing and protecting your wheels, the Diamond Edge Wheel Wax from Surf City Garage is a great choice if you want to get your rims looking like they just came off the factory floor. It can’t be used on polished or satin rims, as a few customers have noted that this wax can leave a heavily smeared finish, here – indicating that you’ll likely need to go over this a fair few times to get the final look you’re after.
It uses a resin-based formula, which helps the Diamond Edge to resist the higher temperatures that often come with heavy braking. It also does a great job at repelling the brake dust, while leaving a good finish on any other wheel rim types.
- Resin-based formula
- For use on polished and satin rims
- Resists high temperatures
- Brand Surf City Garage
- Model 475
- Weight 9.6 ounces
Very highly rated and loved by customers
Cleans very well and leaves a nice finish
Not ideal for use on non-polished or satin rims
Another quick and easy go-to when you’re short on time or simply can’t be bothered to get right into the nooks and crannies of your wheel rim. The Wheel rim Shield from Sonax comes in an aerosol format to give a simple application when you’re short on time and comes highly reviewed by customers.
The rim wax lasts for up to 6 weeks here, so you may find yourself needing to apply this a little more often if you’re living in colder, wetter states or do a lot of traveling. It can also produce a lot of waste, as the application isn’t as direct as the paste counterparts – however, it’s still a solid choice for topping up between finer detailing.
- Aerosol application
- Lasts for up to six weeks
- Safe for all wheel and rim types
- Brand Sonax
- Model 04363000
- Weight 14.4 ounces
Aerosol formula is very easy to apply
Excellent for repelling brake dust
Leaves residue on wheels and rims
Produces a lot of waste due to the aerosol spray
Best Wheel Wax Buying Guide & FAQ
What to Look for in a Wheel Wax
- Material
The material of your rims will have a very different effect on what wheel wax you should buy. This is because each option provides a different finish and that finish can change the way the wax will sit on your rims. Satin and chrome are easily the hardest options to cater for, as there needs to be a near-invisible wheel sealant used for this, while brushed metal styles can be a little tougher to work with but the smears are more forgiving.
- Type
The type of wheel wax and wheel sealant you choose will make a huge difference, particularly in the application. Sprays and aerosols are naturally going to be much easier to use, while pastes can be a little tougher but provide a longer lasting finish. We discuss these similarities and differences in more detail, below.
- Effectiveness and Longevity
Naturally, you aren’t going to want to put in all the effort of cleaning, polishing, waxing and sealing your car if you need to do it all again in a week. As much fun as sorting your vehicle out can be, it’s better if your value for money goes a little further by giving a sparkling shine that lasts for much longer.
- Reviews
Reviews are one of the most important factors to look into when buying a new wheel wax. This way, you can see if there are any flaws that are unlikely to be mentioned in the product descriptions, as well as what others loved about their products. You can also check here to see if those with wheels similar to yours have managed and how good the finish is, especially if the reviewer has posted before and after pictures.
Why You Should Use a Wheel Sealant
In the same way that a wax can help keep your car looking great for longer, a wheel sealant works by repelling dirt, dust, water and grime. These usually build up over time to give your car a thick layer of muck, which then becomes difficult to wash off.
By using a wheel sealant, you provide a protective layer over the wheel of your car, helping it to avoid a build up of grime and brake dust, which becomes corrosive, if left for too long. This also makes it much easier to clean the next time, as you’ll have less build-up to remove – especially in those awkward spaces.
Paste vs Spray
Paste wax is the oldest form of wheel wax, although the science behind the latest options on the market has come a long way since they first came on to the scene. Because of their compact nature, they’re often more expensive than spray wax options, although their overall finish is preferred by many drivers and detailers.
You might find that paste wax is a little tougher to use, at first. Their texture can be very tough, and they might need a little warming up before you apply them, by way of using them at a fast pace – this also avoids the wax from drying out before you’re finished. However, this can differ from brand to brand, so feel free to check the reviews of your product before buying, to get a feel for how tough your new purchase will be.
However, because of their compact nature, there is generally less waste when using a paste wax over a spray wax, which is naturally going to be less precise in your application. On the plus side, spray waxes are great for a quick once-over, as their speed makes up for the lack of accuracy.
Liquid and spray waxes are also more likely to dry out at a much faster rate than pastes, as they are a lot thinner in consistency. For the same reason, they also don’t last as long as a paste wax and therefore require more frequent applications.
Best Wheel Wax FAQ:
Before applying your wheel wax, it’s important to get your wheels and rims clean and ready for the application of your chosen wax. This will prevent the build up of dirt and grime from stopping your rim wax from being as effective as it can be. So, grab a hose and get to work on those wheels, only stopping to let your wheels dry once the water is running clear. You can use a bristled brush to get into those hard to reach spots, such as around the lug nuts or between the spokes of your rims. Because of the different finishes available on your wheels, it’s best to use a soft-bristled brush for this part. Once your wheels are dry and clean, you’re ready to use your wheel wax. To get a good finish, simply apply the wax across the wheels, the formation you go in shouldn’t matter too much, but it’s best to go from the inside toward the outer edges of each spoke. This way, you won’t double-up or forget which parts you’ve already gone over. Once you’ve used the wax, it’s time to buff up your wheels and rims. Do this in small, circular motions to avoid smears appearing and you’ll be sure to get a great shine on your wheels. Once you’ve done this for the first time, you’ll notice that your next clean will be much easier and faster.
Your freshly waxed wheels will have different levels of longevity, depending on the type you have chosen and the quality of the wheel sealant. Some claim to last as long as up to 8 months, while others may require a weekly top-up. As a rule of thumb, it’s best to give your wheels a fresh wax every 3 months – or less if you do a lot of driving.
Wheel wax and wheel sealants will often do the same job as a polish, and you shouldn’t need to do any polishing after applying a wheel wax. Depending on the type you’ve bought and used, it can even lead to small scratches on the surface of your rims, if you haven’t buffed away the wax thoroughly.
Our Top Pick
For its affordability, effectiveness and ease of use, we chose the Ultimate Protection for Your Wheels from WheelWax as our Top Pick. Ideal for use on a range of rim types and materials, this is a great choice if you’re used to the nitty-gritty of waxing and sealing when you’re detailing your wheels.
We love its all-in-one nature, allowing you to clean, restore and protect your wheels with just a few coats. Although not ideal for those new to detailing their car, we still feel that, overall, this is the best wheel wax on the market, today.