Something that looks like black soot forms on my wheels -- especially the front ones. I own a '96 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited with 16-inch polished aluminum gold-painted accent wheels. They are sort of "waffle-style," with lots of cracks and crevices for this stuff to stick between, which makes them a real challenge to clean. My wife has a '95 Honda Accord with fancy aluminum wheels, and it has the same problem. How come I don't remember seeing cars with this problem years ago? Is this because of the materials that they're making brakes out of now? -- Guan

Tom: It's brake dust, Guan. And it's not a new phenomenon. The reason you see more of it now is because of all those fancy "waffle style" wheels on the road.

Ray: Most cars used to have wheel covers, which kept the brake dust contained and out of sight. But wheel covers have fallen out of fashion. And now alloy wheels with slots and spokes and holes are all the rage, not only because people think they look nice, but because they weigh less and let more air in, which provides better cooling for the brakes. The downside is that those same holes which let air in, let brake dust out.

Tom: The stuff is harmless, Guan. At least to your car. I mean, I wouldn't sprinkle any on your corn flakes or anything. But aside from the all- important aesthetic considerations, it's nothing to worry about.

Don't get stuck with a lemon. Be an informed shopper. Read Tom and Ray's guide "How to Buy a Great Used Car: Secrets Only Your Mechanic Knows." To order, send (check or money order) to Ruin, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. You can also order online.

© 1997 by Tom and Ray Magliozzi and Doug Berman Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

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