D-CON V4 Wheelcleaner De-Ironizer is an acid-free and non-caustic wheel cleaner that dissolves iron particles and brake dust. You spray it on ready to use, and as it works it changes colour from aqua blue to purple-red where it reacts with iron. That way you see exactly where the dirt sits. You will find D-CON V4 Wheelcleaner De-Ironizer in the shop.
What V4 does
Fine iron particles from brakes and rails settle on your wheels and paint; they start to rust and still feel like a rough layer after washing. A normal shampoo will not remove them, because they are bitten into the paint. V4 reacts with those iron particles and turns them into a liquid you rinse away easily, without scrubbing. The aqua-blue colour that shifts to purple-red is the reaction itself and therefore normal, not a sign that something is wrong. D-CON states V4 is acid-free and non-caustic, a milder class than acidic iron removers, and the new version has a lavender scent.
The colour change
V4 comes out of the bottle as a fresh aqua-blue liquid. As soon as it meets iron, it starts to bond within seconds and changes colour to purple or dark red. That colour change is your indicator: the more purple-red, the more iron is coming loose. Let the reaction do its work and do not rub dry; the dissolved dirt rinses right off.
How to use it
Cool wheel. Work on a cool wheel or cool paint in the shade, not in direct sun or right after driving.
Light mist. Spray a light mist of V4 evenly onto the wheel surface or the paint.
Let it dwell. Let it dwell 5 to 10 minutes; the colour shifts to purple-red where it reacts with iron.
Agitate and rinse. On heavy dirt work with a wheel brush, then rinse thoroughly with a pressure washer and dry the wheel.
On paint too
V4 is suitable for wheels, paint and most exterior surfaces. On paint you use it as a decontamination step just before claying: it pulls the iron particles out so you have less risk of marring when you clay. Test a sensitive or unfamiliar surface on an inconspicuous spot first. For daily wheel dirt a dedicated wheel cleaner often works faster; for that, read the guide cleaning wheels without damage.
Tips for the best result
Work wheel by wheel so you rinse in time and nothing dries in.
Wear gloves and work well ventilated during the reaction.
Rinse the barrels and back generously, that is where a lot of brake dust sits.
Use it as decontamination a few times a year, not with every wash.
You will find more wheel cleaners in the wheel cleaners category.