Car cleaning, removing ground in algae and brake dust

[Ihavenojob]

It's that time of year when I think about washing the car. I've had the same thoughts for about 4 years, but never followed through. Today I decided to clean my car, must be 4 years since I last washed it. The window seals were more like window boxes, the roof rails likewise. I have got rid of most of the moss/algae, but there are rough patches I can't shift, I believe it to be baked on algae (car is parked on the drive facing south). The wheels are similarly stubborn, the clean bits look very nice and clean, the dirty bits are, well , dirty with baked on brake dust. Anyone know of any stuff that will shift this, something that you can apply and leave it to work?

 

[Brigadier]

It's that time of year when I think about washing the car. I've had the same thoughts for about 4 years, but never followed through. Today I decided to clean my car, must be 4 years since I last washed it. The window seals were more like window boxes, the roof rails likewise. I have got rid of most of the moss/algae, but there are rough patches I can't shift, I believe it to be baked on algae (car is parked on the drive facing south). The wheels are similarly stubborn, the clean bits look very nice and clean, the dirty bits are, well , dirty with baked on brake dust. Anyone know of any stuff that will shift this, something that you can apply and leave it to work?

You can try the autoglym magma type products but, by the sounds of it, you've left it so long that the crud will have corroded into the wheels themselves.

You'll get them cleaner, but unlikely back to new.

In my experience, to keep wheels clean you have to......... keep your wheels clean.

 

[Burnerman]

Obviously many products are available but do try Autoglym Magma to remove baked on metallic particles, Wonder Wheels wheel cleaner and Muc Off for general cleaning. A pressure wash is a good move before you get stuck in with clay bars or whatever.
John

 

[Brigadier]

As for the algae, you could try applying and reapplying car shampoo, and not letting it dry out on the paintwork.

 

[Burnerman]

Beat me to it, Brig!
John

 

[Brigadier]

Obviously many products are available but do try Autoglym Magma to remove baked on metallic particles, Wonder Wheels wheel cleaner and Muc Off for general cleaning. A pressure wash is a good move before you get stuck in with clay bars or whatever.
John

Have you tried the clay mitt option, John?

As a lazy car cleaner, I find the farecla one is almost magically effective.
I don't bother with the detailer spray anymore either, just the normal dilution of car shampoo.

 

[Burnerman]

I've used clay bars before but these days I use the No Nonsense wash and wax from Screwfix, Muc Off for bugs etc and Meguiars products if I want to go deeper. I don't have a garage so the cars have to get on with it really. Autoglym do a great dash board cleaner, forget the name of that one!
John