While catching up on the forum, I read a post by KF about ArmorAll Wheel Protectant (in a thread about his new GT). He noted that since the brake dust doesn't stick to the wheels -- which is the idea, of course -- it must go somewhere. That somewhere may be along the painted sides of the car "downstream" from the brakes -- so along the fenders, doors, etc. I've been using the Wheel Protectant on my car for 5 years, and I think it works very well. However, the thought of brake dust getting on the painted bodywork and doing its corrosive damage is very disturbing to say the least.

Has anyone noticed any damage or any effects from this?

 

I wouldn't think it'd cause any damage to the paint as long as you keep it waxed and washed. Most car wheels are painted and as long as they're kept washed they don't seem to have issue. That said we've all seen cars where the front wheels are pitted, but thats surely from neglect.

 

Heres what 7yrs of not properly cleaning your wheels does for you .
This is the "Fully detailed by the dealer" 2007 Vantage I just bought .
So now Im doing the detailing MY WAY !!!
2 1/2 hrs per wheel lots of elbow grease and my favorite cutting compound T-Cut you can see the results .


So if you don't clean and wax your car you can expect the same kind of problems everywhere that brake dust gets .

 

Washed my car today. Paint still looks great. Always waxed, and washed at what is my best guess of balancing when it needs it versus too much washing -- which can cause its own damage. So far, so good.

Further thoughts, opinions and experiences appreciated.