How to Remove Glue From Alloy Wheels

Made of aluminum, magnesium or a combination of both metals, alloy wheels are found on a variety of cars, trucks, motorcycles and other vehicles. The wheels endure dust, dirt, grime and other debris, but are easy to maintain. Like other parts on your vehicle, when a substance like glue is spilled or splashed on alloy wheels, the substance adheres to the wheel surface. To remove glue from your vehicle's alloy wheels, you need a chemical that won't damage the metal or leave a residue behind.

Things You'll Need

  • Bucket
  • Warm water
  • Latex gloves
  • 3 soft non-abrasive cloths or towels
  • Lacquer thinner or mineral spirits
  • Automotive wash
  • Water hose
  • Fill a bucket with one gallon of warm water. Wear latex gloves to keep your hands from getting wet.

  • Dip a soft non-abrasive cloth or towel into the bucket of water. Wring out excess water.

  • Wipe the alloy wheel with the wet cloth or towel to remove any loose dust or dirt from the wheel.

  • Apply two tbsp. of lacquer thinner or mineral spirits to the cloth or towel.

  • Scrub the area of glue on the alloy wheel with the cloth or towel that contains the lacquer thinner or mineral spirits.

  • Re-apply lacquer thinner or mineral spirits to the cloth or towel. Continue scrubbing the wheel until the glue is removed from the alloy wheel.

  • Add one tbsp. of an automotive wash to the bucket of warm water.

  • Dip another clean, soft non-abrasive cloth or towel in to the bucket of soapy water. Wring out excess soap solution.

  • Wash the alloy wheel with the soap solution-soaked cloth.

  • Rinse the alloy wheel with water from a hose.

  • Dry the wheel with a clean, soft non-abrasive cloth or towel.