Chemical Guys Diablo Wheel Gel vs. Jimbo’s Pure Magic Cleaner – Which Cuts Brake Dust Faster?
If you’re tired of scrubbing wheels forever, this test is for you. We compared Chemical Guys Diablo Wheel Gel with Jimbo’s Pure Magic Cleaner to see which removes baked-on brake dust faster and with less effort.
Why Brake Dust Is So Tough
Brake dust is a mix of iron, carbon, and adhesive resins that bonds to the wheel face. The longer it sits, the harder it is to remove. The right chemistry saves time, protects the finish, and reduces the need for aggressive brushes that can scratch clear coat.
Head-to-Head Specs
| Feature | Chemical Guys Diablo Wheel Gel | Jimbo’s Pure Magic Cleaner |
|---|---|---|
| Format | pH-balanced gel | Acid-based wheel & tire cleaner |
| Brake Dust Cutting Power | Moderate on fresh dust | High on heavy, baked-on dust and mineral buildup |
| Dwell/Cling | Good cling, slow run-off | Fast-acting wet film, penetrates deposits quickly |
| Scrubbing Needed | Medium (requires agitation) | Low–Medium (light agitation; rinses cleaner) |
| Safe On | Clear-coated wheels, painted wheels | Factory clear-coated wheels, uncoated rubber tires (use as directed) |
| Not For | Raw/polished aluminum without clear, delicate finishes | Raw/polished aluminum, chrome in poor condition—test spot first |
Our Test Method
- Two identical vehicles after 2 weeks of daily driving.
- Pre-rinse, then apply product per label.
- Agitate with soft wheel brush and barrel brush.
- 50/50 side-by-side photos and white towel swipe test after rinse.
Results
Cutting Power & Time to Clean
On heavy European brake dust, Pure Magic Cleaner broke down the iron-laden film faster. It needed fewer brush passes to lift bonded dust from the barrels and behind spokes.
Finish After Rinse
Both finished clean on light dust. On baked-on contamination, Diablo left light brown staining in corners that required a second pass. Pure Magic removed the film on the first round in most areas.
Tires & Browning
Pure Magic also pulled brown oxidation from the tire sidewall, giving a deeper “new rubber” look prior to dressing. Diablo required a separate APC/degreaser step for the same result.
Best Practices (Safety First)
- Work cool wheels in the shade; never on hot surfaces.
- Always test-spot specialty finishes (raw aluminum, anodized, matte).
- Use quality brushes and a dedicated wheel bucket to avoid paint scratches.
- After cleaning, dry with a Massive Drying Towel to prevent water spots.
Verdict
For routine light maintenance, Diablo works fine. For wheels with heavy brake dust, mineral buildup, or neglected barrels, Jimbo’s Pure Magic Cleaner wins for speed and thoroughness with less scrubbing.
Best Diablo Alternative: Pure Magic Cleaner
Cut baked-on brake dust faster with less scrubbing. Pure Magic Cleaner is the smarter choice for deep wheel cleaning.
