We Say
Brake dust is inevitable. Spending ages scrubbing it off doesn't have to be. Gtechniq C5 puts a durable ceramic barrier between your wheels and the grime, making regular cleaning considerably easier.
Wheels probably have the hardest life of any painted surface on a car. They're constantly exposed to brake dust, road grime, water and heat, and they're often the most awkward part of the vehicle to clean. A good wheel coating can make a real difference, particularly if you've got intricate alloy wheels that seem to take forever to wash.
Gtechniq C5 Wheel Armour is a ceramic coating designed specifically for this environment. It chemically bonds to compatible wheel finishes, creating a protective layer that resists contamination and helps stop brake dust and road grime from taking such a firm hold. It won't keep your wheels permanently clean, but it can make the dirt much easier to remove when you wash them.
One of C5's biggest strengths is heat resistance. Gtechniq confirms that the coating retains its integrity at temperatures up to 600°C, making it suitable for demanding applications around wheels, including compatible brake calipers and exhaust tips. The manufacturer also claims up to two years of protection, although actual longevity will depend on preparation, driving conditions and maintenance.
Preparation is where we'd spend the most time. Wheels need to be thoroughly cleaned, decontaminated and dried before applying C5. Any remaining brake dust, old protection or oily residue could affect the finish or bonding. We'd use Gtechniq W6 Iron & Fallout Remover to tackle embedded ferrous deposits, followed by Gtechniq Panel Wipe for the final preparation. Take particular care with smart repairs or non-original paint, which may be sensitive to strong panel wipes.
Application isn't difficult, but it does need a little attention. Work on no more than half a wheel at a time and remove the residue within 30–60 seconds using a clean Gtechniq MF1 microfibre cloth. The coating then needs 12 hours indoors, away from the elements, to cure. C5 is suitable for gloss, satin and matt wheel finishes, but not bare aluminium or polished metal lips. Get the preparation and application right, and it's an excellent way to make those regular wheel-cleaning sessions less of a chore.
Key Features
Durability
UP TO 2 YEARS
(Manufacturer-claimed protection)
Heat Resistance
600°C
(Maximum stated coating integrity)
Water Beading
8/10
(PolishedBliss comparison rating)
Description
Gtechniq C5 Wheel Armour is a long-lasting ceramic wheel coating developed to protect alloy wheels against brake dust, road grime and environmental contamination. Its chemically bonding formulation creates a durable protective layer that helps prevent dirt from adhering firmly to the surface, making regular cleaning easier.
Designed for the demanding conditions encountered around wheels, C5 offers heat resistance up to 600°C and manufacturer-claimed durability of up to two years. It is suitable for compatible gloss, satin and matt wheel finishes, as well as appropriate painted brake calipers and exhaust tips.
Why you'll love it:
✓ Durable ceramic coating for alloy wheels
✓ Helps prevent brake dust and road grime bonding to surfaces
✓ Makes regular wheel cleaning easier
✓ Chemically bonds to compatible wheel finishes
✓ Manufacturer-claimed durability of up to 2 years
✓ Withstands temperatures up to 600°C
✓ Excellent resistance to staining and contamination
✓ Water-repellent protective finish
✓ Suitable for gloss, satin and matt wheel finishes
✓ Can protect compatible brake calipers and exhaust tips
✓ Suitable for application by hand
✓ Available in 15ml and 30ml sizes
The 15ml bottle is designed to cover the outer faces of wheels up to 17 inches, while the 30ml bottle provides enough product for the inside and outside of wheels up to 20 inches, according to Gtechniq's coverage guidance. Actual consumption will depend on the wheel design and the area being coated.
For proper preparation, thoroughly clean and decontaminate the wheels before using Gtechniq PW Panel Wipe to remove any remaining residues. Once C5 has been applied, buff away the excess within 30–60 seconds and allow the coating to cure indoors for 12 hours.
C5 is suitable for compatible gloss, satin and matt finishes, but must not be applied to bare aluminium, including polished wheel lips. It is also unsuitable for unprotected polished metal surfaces.
Specification
| Adds Protection | Yes, ceramic wheel protection |
|---|---|
| Application Method | By hand with a lint-free applicator |
| Coverage | 15ml: wheel faces up to 17 inches; 30ml: inside and outside up to 20 inches |
| Curing Time | 12 hours indoors |
| Durability | Up to 24 months (manufacturer claim) |
| Heat Resistance | Up to 600°C |
| Protection Type | Chemically bonding ceramic coating |
| Residue Removal | Buff within 30–60 seconds |
| Size | 15ml and 30ml |
| Suitable Finishes | Compatible gloss, satin and matt wheel finishes |
| Water Beading |
|
How To Use
1) Clean and decontaminate:
Thoroughly wash the wheels and remove brake dust, road grime and bonded contamination. Gtechniq recommends products such as W5 Citrus All Purpose Cleaner and W6 Iron & Fallout Remover. Rinse and dry the wheels completely.
2) Prepare the surface:
Wipe each wheel with Gtechniq Panel Wipe to remove remaining oils and residues. Take care with smart repairs or repainted surfaces, which may be sensitive to the cleaner.
3) Shake and prepare:
Shake the C5 bottle thoroughly and put on suitable protective gloves. Apply several drops to the supplied AP1 lint-free applicator.
4) Apply the coating:
Spread C5 evenly across the wheel finish, working on no more than half a wheel at a time. Ensure all suitable areas receive a thin, consistent layer.
5) Buff the residue:
Within 30–60 seconds of application, remove the remaining residue using a clean Gtechniq MF1 ZeroR Microfibre Buff Cloth. Check carefully around spokes, edges and recessed areas.
6) Complete the remaining wheels:
Repeat the process, using fresh sections of the applicator and clean microfibre as required.
7) Allow to cure:
Keep the wheels indoors, protected from the elements, for at least 12 hours while the coating cures.
Important Notes:
✓ Wheels must be thoroughly cleaned and decontaminated
✓ Ensure all surfaces are completely dry
✓ Use Gtechniq Panel Wipe before coating
✓ Test compatibility on smart repairs and repainted finishes
✓ Shake the bottle before use
✓ Wear suitable protective gloves
✓ Apply to no more than half a wheel at a time
✓ Buff residue within 30–60 seconds
✓ Allow 12 hours of indoor curing
✓ Suitable for compatible gloss, satin and matt finishes
✓ Do not use on bare aluminium or polished metal lips
✓ Store in a cool, dry place
✓ Use within 3 months of opening
✓ Unopened shelf life is 12 months according to Gtechniq
✓ Follow the current product label and Safety Data Sheet
Safety Data
Gtechniq C5 Wheel Armour is a solvent-containing ceramic coating. The manufacturer-issued Safety Data Sheet, version 2.0 dated 6 July 2023, identifies the product as a highly flammable liquid and vapour (H225) and harmful to aquatic life with long-lasting effects (H412).
Important safety information:
✓ Highly flammable liquid and vapour
✓ Keep away from heat, sparks, flames and ignition sources
✓ Do not smoke during application
✓ Use in a well-ventilated area
✓ Avoid breathing vapours and spray mist
✓ Wear suitable protective gloves and eye protection
✓ Avoid unnecessary skin and eye contact
✓ Keep the container tightly closed when not in use
✓ Store in a cool place away from direct sunlight
✓ Keep securely out of reach of children
✓ Prevent release into drains and waterways
✓ Dispose of contents and containers in accordance with local hazardous-waste requirements
✓ Follow the current product label and Safety Data Sheet
Safety Data Sheet:
For full hazard classifications, first-aid information, storage requirements and handling precautions, consult the Gtechniq C5 Wheel Armour Safety Data Sheet. The manufacturer-hosted document linked below is version 2.0, issued 6 July 2023.