How To Grow a Business and Team. Touchless Wheel Cleaning and How it Works. Episode #952

Touchless wheel cleaning refers to cleaning wheels without physically scrubbing them—typically using specialized chemicals and high-pressure water. The goal is to dissolve brake dust and grime while reducing the chance of scratching delicate wheel finishes.

The Acura NSX is a rare, high-profile sports car, and the “first gen” refers to the original Honda/Acura NSX era (the classic, earlier production). In detailing circles, seeing one in person is notable because it’s a desirable platform for paint protection and careful preservation.

A dime-sized bubble in PPF often indicates trapped moisture or contamination under the film. If water is trapped, it can create a visible blister and may require corrective steps (like controlled squeegeeing, drying, or professional rework) to prevent further lifting or failure.

The discussion centers on using tiny pinhole needles/syringes to remove trapped air from under cured PPF. The hosts describe it as inserting from the side and pulling air out through a very small pinhole to reduce visible defects.

The hosts are discussing a common PPF installation issue: trapped air pockets and/or moisture left under the film. Even after installation, these can dry and become visible over a couple of weeks, creating weak spots or lifting edges.

They differentiate moisture from air pockets and explain that moisture may require different handling than simply sucking out air. If the issue suggests broader installation problems, the film may need to be returned to the PPF shop for correction.

A squeegee is used to press PPF (or similar films) down so it adheres smoothly and to help push out trapped air. The hosts mention that moisture is handled differently and that you can try to “zip it out” with a squeegee, but some problems need to go back to the installer.

They recommend a short follow-up window after a fresh PPF install—typically a two-week check—so the installer can inspect and correct any issues while the film is still workable. This is presented as the normal workflow between the customer and the PPF installer.

When defects are large or the film won’t lay down properly, the hosts say it may not be fixable in place. They describe pulling the affected panel/section and reapplying PPF, especially if the film is coming off or can’t be made to adhere smoothly.

In a high-quality detailing shop, QC (quality control) is the process of inspecting the work before the customer takes the car. It’s meant to catch issues like missed areas, incorrect pressure, or imperfect panel coverage so they can be corrected quickly.

To abrade something off means to mechanically scuff or remove the existing coating/contaminants so the surface is properly conditioned for the next step. For PPF installs, abrading (or otherwise removing) incompatible coatings helps ensure the film can bond correctly and reduces edge-lifting.

Polishing the edges refers to refining the film/paint interface so the perimeter is smooth and properly prepared. In PPF situations, edge prep matters because lifted edges can start peeling further if the underlying surface wasn’t corrected or if incompatible products remain.

A multi-stage issue means the peeling/lifting problem likely has more than one contributing factor—such as prior coating, surface contamination, and installation technique. The hosts imply that you can’t assume a single cause; you may need a full diagnostic and multi-step correction before reapplying protection.

Ceramic coating is a paint-protection product that forms a hard, hydrophobic layer on the clear coat. It’s often used to improve chemical resistance and make dirt and water bead off more easily than bare paint.

“Tack” describes how strongly an adhesive film grabs and holds during installation. Higher-tack film can conform and stay in place better, which can improve edge sealing and overall results compared to lower-quality materials.

Edge peeling refers to the film’s corners or seams lifting away from the paint over time. It’s commonly linked to poor prep, cheap film, or installation techniques that don’t properly seal the edges, and it’s why installers recommend inspections and sometimes re-trimming or rework.

“Front end hood” here refers to protecting the hood area as part of a partial PPF job. Installers often focus on the most exposed surfaces—hood and front bumper—because that’s where rock impacts and abrasion are most common.

Rock chips are small paint damages caused by debris kicked up from roads, especially on the highway. They’re a key reason people choose PPF for the hood and front bumper, since the film can take the impact instead of the paint.

The front bumper is a high-contact area that takes impacts from small debris, bugs, and road grime. PPF on the front bumper helps preserve the paint and reduces the chance of chips and scuffs that can be expensive to repair.

Fenders are the side panels over the front wheels and are frequently targeted by road debris and minor impacts. The speaker notes that depending on the car’s condition and body style, you may or may not need to protect the fenders with PPF.

When PPF’s adhesive “goes bad,” the film can lose its bond to the paint. That can lead to edges lifting, bubbling, or the film needing replacement sooner than expected.

“Peel up” refers to PPF edges lifting away from the paint surface. This is often discussed as an age/heat/installation-quality issue, and it’s a key concern for owners planning long-term protection.

The Ferrari F40 is a legendary, track-bred supercar built to be fast, light, and dramatic. The podcast’s focus on paint “coming off” highlights a real-world concern for older exotics: exterior finishes can degrade over time, especially if they weren’t protected well. It’s also discussed in terms of value and expectations—owners often don’t buy it thinking it will appreciate to extreme levels.

The Ferrari F50 is a 1990s-era supercar known for its performance and its place in Ferrari’s collector lineup. The podcast’s comment about paint “coming off” reflects a common ownership concern for older supercars: surface coatings can deteriorate, and correcting it may require careful, paint-safe restoration work. It’s also mentioned in the context of value expectations—owners typically focus on enjoying the car rather than assuming it will skyrocket in price.

The hosts shift from exotic “collector” cars to a common daily driver: the Honda CR-V (CRV). They discuss how its paint and exterior materials make it a straightforward candidate for detailing work, especially when using a ceramic coating process.

Paint correction is the process of removing or reducing defects in the paint surface (like swirls or scratches) using polishing compounds and pads. The hosts mention that Honda paint is easier to work with when the goal is correction, which matters because the surface quality affects how well a ceramic coating bonds and looks.

The Honda S2000 is a performance roadster famous for its high-revving engine and driver-focused handling. The podcast’s “easy to work on” comment points to how accessible it can be for maintenance and detailing corrections, while the “rough years” and “finicky” note suggests some model years can be more troublesome. Paint and surface condition are also a common topic for cars like this because they’re often kept as enthusiast vehicles.

The hosts note that the lower panels of the CR-V use hard plastic trim/material. This matters in detailing because plastic trim often needs different prep and product choices than painted metal/clear coat to avoid issues like poor adhesion or uneven finish.

“Trim” here refers to products designed specifically for exterior plastic trim pieces rather than painted surfaces. The hosts imply that because the CR-V’s lower areas are hard plastic, you should use trim-focused products to get the right look and durability.

An applicator is the tool used to apply product to trim surfaces, and the host notes that trim products can drip out thicker and show a slight color. That observation is used to suggest the formula is different from other products and may require the right application method.

The host argues that proper surface prep is critical because coatings rely on chemistry and bonding to the substrate. Using the correct cleaner helps remove contaminants and adjust the surface so the coating can adhere and provide longer-lasting protection.

The discussion highlights that coatings are designed for specific substrates, like glass versus plastics. A coating that works well on one surface may not bond or perform as intended on another because the chemistry and surface requirements differ.

Plastic oxidation is the dull, chalky surface that forms when exterior plastics are exposed to sun and weather. The host explains that trim cleaner removes this oxidation whether the trim is new or old.

Mobile detailers are detailers who bring their equipment to the customer’s location instead of working from a fixed shop. This business model can help with convenience, repeat bookings, and reaching customers who can’t easily drive to a detailer.

Customer retention is how well a detailing business keeps past customers coming back. It’s usually driven by consistent quality, good communication, and making it easy to rebook services.

In detailing, “soap” refers to the cleaning product used early in the process to loosen and lift dirt before deeper cleaning steps. The type and dilution matter because it affects how well grime releases and how safe it is for the paint and coatings.

Touchless wheel cleaning is a method where you apply a chemical cleaner to the wheel and brake dust, then rinse it off—without physically scrubbing the wheel face. The goal is to reduce labor and minimize the chance of scratching or damaging finishes while still removing grime and brake dust.

AWX is referenced as a brand/company that created a wheel-cleaning product approach before the trend became popular online. In this context, it’s being positioned as the origin of the “touchless” wheel cleaning idea that later gained wider attention.

The “two step method” is the workflow described for touchless wheel cleaning: first apply an acid-based cleaner, then apply a second product (like TRX) to finish the job. The segment highlights that leaving out the details—like acid strength and the correct follow-up chemical—makes the results inconsistent.

Here, “acid” refers to an acid-based wheel cleaner used to dissolve brake dust and other bonded contaminants. The discussion emphasizes that how aggressively you use the acid (strength and dwell/usage) determines whether you can achieve a truly “touchless” result and what follow-up chemicals you’ll need.

TRX is referenced as a follow-up product used after the acid step to help achieve a “touchless” outcome. The hosts connect TRX’s effectiveness to how strong the acid step is, arguing that the wrong pairing or chemical strength can increase the chance of wheel damage.

A degreaser is used to dissolve oily contaminants and residues that remain after the acid step. In the segment, the hosts warn that if you use very strong chemicals in both steps, you may create “double trouble,” requiring tighter control to prevent damage and ensure the wheel doesn’t dry improperly.

“Burning a wheel” is used as shorthand for chemical damage to wheel finishes—such as etching, discoloration, or stripping of coatings—caused by overly aggressive cleaners or poor control. The hosts frame it as the key risk that many people asking for “touchless” aren’t willing to accept.

While the word “dwell” isn’t explicitly stated, the segment’s “control everything right” and “nothing dries” describes dwell-time management—keeping chemicals wet long enough to work without letting them dry. Drying can lead to residue and increased risk of finish damage.

WX is mentioned as part of the speaker’s preferred chemical lineup alongside TRX for a “standard” approach to touchless wheel cleaning. The segment doesn’t define WX in detail, but it’s clearly treated as a specific product used in the process.

The speaker emphasizes checking wheel temperature before applying strong chemicals, because hot rotors/wheels can increase chemical reactivity and create safety or effectiveness issues. They recommend rinsing/cooling if the wheel is hot from recent driving or brake heat.

“Degreasing type” refers to a class of cleaners formulated to break down oily, greasy, and heavy contamination. In wheel detailing, this matters because brake dust and road grime can behave like a stubborn film that needs stronger chemistry to lift.

Rotors are the brake discs that can get extremely hot after driving and especially after braking. The speaker notes smoke coming off rotors during testing, explaining that visible smoke doesn’t always mean the rotor is dangerously hot.

The hosts are warning against letting any cleaning product/chemical dry on the car. When chemicals dry, they can leave residues behind and become harder to remove, and some products can be more aggressive in their dried state.

A “drying aid” is a product used after washing to help water sheet off and reduce water spotting as the car dries. Even with these products, the transcript emphasizes that letting chemicals dry on the surface can still be risky.

The segment focuses on controlling chemical risk by managing dilution, pre-rinsing, and keeping products wet so they work as intended. It’s a practical detailing concept: stronger chemistry can be effective, but safe application depends on activation, contact time, and avoiding misuse (like letting aggressive cleaners dry).

A degreasing product is formulated to break down oily grime and brake dust residue on wheels. In detailing, how you apply it matters—dilution and pre-rinsing can prevent overly aggressive chemistry from harming wheel finishes.

Dilution is the process of mixing a chemical concentrate with water to reduce its strength. The host recommends diluting “the hell out of it” when you’re uncomfortable with a product’s aggressiveness, giving you more control and reducing the chance of wheel finish damage.

“Reactivate” refers to keeping wheel-cleaning chemistry working by re-wetting it before it dries. The host’s point is that many cleaners perform best when the surface is wet, so you may need to re-spray to maintain contact time and cleaning action.

This is a detailing principle: many chemical cleaners are designed to work while they’re hydrated and actively reacting on the surface. Letting products dry can reduce effectiveness and increase the chance of residue or finish issues, so keeping the wheel wet supports consistent results.

Pre-rinsing removes loose dirt and dilutes existing contaminants before applying stronger chemicals. The host notes that rinsing will dilute the product even more, but it’s a “safe and sorry” approach that can reduce risk when you’re unsure how aggressive the cleaner is.

A foam wash is a pre-wash method where thick foam is applied to soften and lift contaminants before contact washing. It’s often used to reduce the amount of grit that gets rubbed during the wash step.

The hosts emphasize avoiding products drying on the surface because dried soap or cleaner residue can leave streaks, spots, or mineral deposits. This is especially important in hot, sunny conditions where evaporation is fast.

The speaker references working on Dodge Caravans, which are common minivans and often get heavy use. Detailing fleets like these can be a training ground for learning how to handle grime, paint-safe washing, and consistent results.

The hosts use extreme heat (115°F) to illustrate why detailing process control matters. High temperatures accelerate evaporation, making it easier for cleaners to dry on surfaces and cause spotting or residue.

Using a pressure washer wand refers to the handheld spray tool used to apply high-pressure water for rinsing or pre-wetting. The hosts describe keeping it ready to re-wet areas so soap/cleaner doesn’t dry.

Washing in direct midday sun affects how quickly water and cleaning products evaporate, which can change how safely you can clean without leaving spots or streaks. Detailers often plan timing and technique around sun exposure to maintain consistent results.

A customer interaction system is a repeatable process for how you communicate with clients—whether that’s texting, calling, or using a structured workflow. The point is to reduce missed appointments and keep customers informed so the business runs consistently.

Key management is the process of securely handling and tracking customer keys (and sometimes garage door access) so your team can access the vehicle without compromising safety. In mobile detailing, it’s a core operational system because you’re often working when the customer isn’t present.

Mobile detailing means bringing the detailing service to the customer’s location instead of requiring them to drive to a shop. It changes how you handle communication, scheduling, and access (like keys), because the customer may not be there in person.

They discuss confirming drop-off times with customers via text and using reminders because customers often arrive later than the scheduled time. For a service business, this reduces no-shows, improves scheduling accuracy, and helps the team plan labor and workflow.

The hosts debate whether a shop should ever skip phone calls or confirmations and rely on assumptions. The underlying idea is that consistent communication reduces errors, sets expectations, and protects the business from misunderstandings.

In detailing, especially when you’re doing one-off jobs, your schedule directly affects customer experience. If you miss timing, you can lose the chance to make a strong first impression, which can impact future referrals and retention.

The hosts describe how consistent reliability—showing up on time and following through—builds trust with high-end clients and estate staff. In a service business, trust reduces friction and makes it easier to handle sensitive situations (like valuables found during cleaning).

The hosts explain that in a city like Las Vegas, the client’s collection and the value of items found during cleaning can be extremely high. This context matters because it drives the need for strict procedures and careful communication.

The transcript references an estate manager as a key point of contact for coordinating services across a large property with many vendors. In luxury settings, the estate manager often controls access, scheduling, and communication with contractors.

The hosts discuss “accountability” as a leadership skill: not just doing tasks yourself, but making sure others follow through. In a service business, accountability is what turns expectations into consistent performance.

In this context, “headaches” is a business metaphor for operational problems—mistakes, rework, customer issues, or behind-the-scenes friction. The host attributes most of these issues to whether team members consistently put in effort.

The host uses “20 bucks an hour” to illustrate how wage levels relate to employee expectations and perceived effort. It reinforces the idea that pay should be considered in the context of local labor markets.