[SantaEugence]

Got a refurbished set of 403m's without tyres, what's the best thing to put on them to protect them, is there any kind of coating worth applying prior to fitting tyres?

[eleven11]

I'm not an expert on this topic. However, I did have my wheels ceramic coated. One set has Opticoat Pro+, and the other Ceramic Pro (marine application). I doubt you're going to find anything to truly "protect them," but ceramic coating will make it easier to clean.

[BEM-S4]

You can ceramic coat or wax, multiple products choices for either.

[SantaEugence]

Worth doing though?

[Icarium81]

Get a brush for a drill and just clean them as needed. I let mine get a bit gross over the winter because it's too damn cold to be scrubbing rims, so I bought a brush and it took off all the gold/brown brake dust that had built up over the winter. Just be careful to not hit ABS brake sensors

[Gen13 F36]

The question is how often you clean your car?

If you don't clean often, say twice a month then go get it ceramic coated, it will make it easy to clean your wheels

OR

Clean car twice a month, clean after wash then spray with hybrid ceramic wax... wipe and good to go.

[Billfitz]

I treat mine with Wipe New for wheels, it reduces brake dust build up considerably, and makes keeping them clean much easier.
https://www.amazon.com/Wipe-New-WW6P.../dp/B00MBPLPII

When they do need cleaning nothing beats Brown Royal.
https://www.flashautodetailproducts....-tire-cleaner/

It's great for cleaning anything that gets oil and grease on it, and you can dilute it with water up to 5:1, so it's not expensive.

[Gen13 F36]

Originally Posted by Billfitz

I treat mine with Wipe New for wheels, it reduces brake dust build up considerably, and makes keeping them clean much easier.
https://www.amazon.com/Wipe-New-WW6P.../dp/B00MBPLPII

When they do need cleaning nothing beats Brown Royal.
https://www.flashautodetailproducts....-tire-cleaner/

It's great for cleaning anything that gets oil and grease on it, and you can dilute it with water up to 5:1, so it's not expensive.

Wow... I learn something new. Will try this product.

[Billfitz]

Follow the directions with Wipe New. The wheels must be perfectly dry when you apply it, and kept dry overnight while it cures.

[Commerce]

As mentioned above, OptiCoat Pro is a very good chemical resistant coating but it is only offered through installers meaning you would have to pay someone a pretty penny to get it done.

I did my wheels in CarPro Dlux which is specifically designed as a wheel coating but I am still testing the longevity. Only had it on the wheels for 6mo before storing the vehicle for winter Gtechniq C5 is another wheel specific coating. As with any ceramic, it makes them much easier to rinse off and wash. The question of it being worth it really comes down to you, personally I don't find it to be as awesome as ceramic coating your paint but that's not to say I won't go all-out when it comes to detailing as it's a large passion of mine.

If you are going to go the DIY route make sure you follow the proper prep procedures just as you would with paint by giving them a good wash with an iron/fallout remover, tar removal (if necessary) and clay bar prior to coating them.