Who can tell me what's going on here?
http://gallery.me.com/enggass#100016
Click on pix to make them bigger...

...and how can I stop/fix?

Thanks,
Steve

 

looks to me like something is etching into the clear coat on the wheels.

you could probably sand the affected areas down and re-clear them

 

What are you cleaning them with if it all?

I only use Meg's shampoo and Conditioner on my truck. The wheels are always waxed and cleaned with soap thoroughly. If you do use those wheel cleaners, I would cease from using them. Also, i see you are in NE as well. It might be salt damage if the wheels are not cleaned during the winter. The salt may eat away the finish.

 

True. Could be salt. The previous owner had the truck for 2 years even further north.
No cleaners used. Just wash truck and wheels with some Meg's Deep Crystal Car Wash (soap). I have had the truck for 1 winter. As you know, salt is responsible for all kinds of vehicle damage. What kind of wax do you use on your wheels?
Steve

 

Steve,

I use this


I have had great luck with this on my wheels and tips. I apply it every so often and have not had an issue. I will be applying NXT 2.0 on my wheels very soon to boost protection as it is a syntheic. I believe the Black Magic Titanium wax is as well, but extra protection never hurt. Something I have also used to get bits of tar off and grime after cleaning is NeverDull.

It removes all the crap off the wheels like the little black dots of road tar and cleans up the wheels. I apply the wax over it after and they look great. For winters in NE, even factory wheels need to be waxed periodically and a few coats now before the snow hits will most likely add protection and allow for easier cleaning and jsut remember to re apply the wax you choose every few weeks.

 

Looks like standard winter salt damage to me.

 

Very good. Do you think that with proper protection going forward that I can halt the 'decay'? Or is it going to spread under the clearcoat?
Steve

 

I would think so, but that damage there looks permanent. The wheels need to be protected thoroughly from now on to try to prevent spread. I can't say for sure, but I would try keeping them waxed all the time (possibly even taking them off the truck and cleaning both sides and waxing both sides multiple times) and then keep an eye on them.

 

Do you have the original tires?

 

It also depends if those areas are bubbled... can you peel the clear coat at all or does it appear to be blemished?

 

Now you understand why guys in "salt" country put expendable wheels on during the winter. I was born and raised in the Mid-west and salt is VERY destructive. The clear on the factory wheels is good clear, but any time you have penetration, it's going to continue to spread if they are run in salt in the winter, no matter how much wax you put on them. It may slow it a little but the salt is going to be victor in the end. Aluminum is very corrosion prone when there is nothing between it and the corrosive element and salt is for sure.

 

Sorry to disagree, but those products are made for uncoated aluminum. Your wheels have a clear coat on them - which has been compromised. That's why they're oxidizing. If you use a product like the ones shown, you'll just further remove / damage the clear coat and make the mess even worse.

 

If these spots really bother you, your best bet is to continue to run these wheels in the winter and get others to run the rest of the time. At least that way you will have pretty wheels 8 or 9 months out of the year.

 

I see... no worries man.

 

wheel weight balancers scratch rims like that