I posted over in the Wheel and tire forum but thought I'd probably get a quicker response here. I've got two questions for you rim and tire guru's.

1) I have a set of Michelin pilot alpin snow tires that I'm looking to sell for a friend. Two of the tires have a different tread pattern. I'm assuming these two are just a newer model as they are both Michelin pilot alpin tires. My question is will this difference in tread pattern affect performance in the snow?

2) I have one rim that has a hard black film on them that I cannot get off. I have no idea what it is. Almost looks like the tire slime that is used for temp repairs. Any suggestions on what I could do to get it off?

Thanks for your input as always. Pics below

 

1) both will be good, people get wayyyy too paranoid about mixing tires...IIRC left side is the newer Michelin model, PA3 vs PA2...tread depth beats all for winter tires IMHO
2) I'd bet any good wheel cleaner should get that off, spray on, scrub gently with a paint brush,,,clean.

 

Mixing tires is a well based paranoia. (bad idea)
Kinda like having one jogging shoe and one tennis shoe and then
trying to play a game.
It can be done but there will be challenges.

 

Sonax and a wheel brush should get that stuff off. Sonax or not so brand named Metal-X is like cheating when it comes to wheel cleaning (still pH neutral so its paint/bodywork safe).

 

Brake cleaner.

 

Simple Green. Rinse well.

Sent from my iPhone using Rennlist

 

3M Adhesive remover works amazing too.

 

Tried brake cleaner and no luck. Will try the 3M adhesive remover next. This stuff is hard and crusty. Not sure if any wheel cleaner like sonax will work.

 

some of the wheel cleaners are pretty awesome...another back-up is oven-cleaner, if that doesn't work its probably sandpaper time...

 

Be carefull Mike .. the more harsh chemical you go and out of PH balance the more damage you can do to the finish on the rim. can you go mechanical with a plastic spatula or seomething hard enough for the contaminant but softer than the finish ?

i would reach out to a detailer .. may be worh it . there used to be one that hung out here and gave advice time to time

Wes R or something i think .

 

Try a clay bar - good to safely remove stubborn dirt without being abrasive

 

All great suggestions. Will try a plastic scraper and clay bar as well this weekend

 

Try a heat gun and see if it softens it up.

 

Naptha/ aka Coleman camping fuel, it's strong enough to dissolve most petroleum based crud off painted surface without affecting the paint.

 

i think after all of this I think Imre and I are going to wake up to one of two things soon ..
A Massive explosion that can be heard clear across Cambrige,
Or some bald dude with Arms like popeye wandering around Cambridge like hes on some serious chemicals