Had a pretty reputable indie shop install new tires recently. After washing the car, I noticed that there's a lot of glue/residue left over from the old wheel weights.

Did my shop screw up by not cleaning this off? And would Goo-Gone or a similar product work without damaging the wheel?

 

Go gone. Rubber eraser. Or just some soap and water on a rag should rub that off.

 

If not, put some wd 40 on it, and let it sit a while, it really melts/breaks down adhesive and you can wipe it off.

 

or get a paper towel soaked in rubbing alcohol and let it sit on there for a few minutes (10 mins) and check to see if you should leave it longer. Should come off easy after.

 

Use a plastic scraper (or old credit card) to remove the bulk adhesive, then apply 3M adhesive cleaner with a cloth rag to remove the residue.

 

Four serious responses. Each with different advice. Love it.

OP -- let us know how you go about it and whether it worked. I have some residue that I want to remove as well.

 

Go back to this "high end" shop, make them do it and then rebalance the wheels for good measure.
What I did to the local dealer after they started me off with the same mess, in addition to using silver weights on my black rims.

 

All super similar with just a different solvent

 

Carpro Tar remover works as well, or Stoners Tarminator.

 

WD40 works well

 

The best thing to remove this and other adhesives is (wait for it) 3M Adhesive Remover. Usually available at most local parts stores.

And the tire shop screwed up by being lazy.

 

Are those marks on the rim just dirt-deep, or did they use a screwdriver to pry off the old weights?

 

Same question as Southbranch. Those look like scratches in the wheel.

 

Wurth Citrus Degreaser.

Or denatured alcohol.

 

I have had good luck with 3M Adhesive Remover