How To Fix This?

[Gebo]

Just doing some detailing and found a couple of my wheels look funny. It appears the clear coat is coming off but it's only on a couple
of spokes on 2 of my wheels. What should I do? I have a 2 year bumper to bumper warranty but I wanna check with you and possibly embarrass myself here first before I embark on a 3 hour drive to the dealership to get embarrassed. LOL

 

[eljefino]

They're going to say the warranty doesn't cover cosmetics.

 

[Speedy3861]

We have a place nearby in Mechanicsburg PA called WheelWorx that has re-done several curbed wheels for me, their work is literally flawless. Most local dealers use them too. Prices are very reasonable. Perhaps you have some place locally that also does wheel repairs/ refinishing.

 

[Gebo]

I use the guy the dealerships use. I got that covered. I just meet him at a dealership and he takes care of it.

It’s just weird how it is only happening on 3 spokes?? It’s not chemical damage, right?

 

[shortyb]

New car, used car? What is used to clean the wheels?

 

[Gebo]

New car, used car? What is used to clean the wheels?

'19 bought 3 months ago. Adams Tire and Wheel Cleaner is what I use. It's only on a couple of spokes so I am assuming it was not damaged by previous owner.

 

[shortyb]

Could have been, depending on what the previous owner used to clean the wheels. Clearcoated machine finish can be somewhat "delicate" and the clearcoat can be compromised by using harsh chemical cleaners really easily, especially those used in some automatic car washes. I'd monitor for additional peeling. If it does, a refinish is only way to correct it.

 

[Nukeman7]

If you look closely at the top photo, the reflection shows faint curved grooves on the damaged spoke. It almost looks like abrasive damage from a drive thru car wash or perhaps from lashing straps used to flatbed transport the Lexus. Maybe the previous owner tried a powered rotary scrub brush to clean the wheels?

 

[Gebo]

I have a good friend who is a Lexus service advisor. I sent him the pics. I’ll see what he says. If there is any way he can repair it, he will. If not, I’ll hook up with the wheel guy.

I’ve never had a car this expensive before. It’s gotta last me 20 years.

 

[CarLuver]

i think that may be from a previous curb fix repair . its pretty common for them to fix them before resale

 

[Gebo]

i think that may be from a previous curb fix repair . its pretty common for them to fix them before resale

So you think this is the result of crummy work? It was detailed by the dent guy prior to resale. Seems weird he would miss 3 spokes. But, who knows???

 

[02SE]

So you think this is the result of crummy work? It was detailed by the dent guy prior to resale. Seems weird he would miss 3 spokes. But, who knows???

I have a friend who fixed alloy wheels mainly on high-end cars for many years. He was very good. Now retired. I'd say those wheels were 'repaired' poorly.

 

[Gebo]

I have a friend who fixed alloy wheels mainly on high-end cars for many years. He was very good. Now retired. I'd say those wheels were 'repaired' poorly.

This makes sense. Thanks!

 

[50yr Street Mech]

I would try a ceramic coating like Cerakote over the bad spots to keep them from getting worse. Seals up the clearcoat. Worked on my aluminum wheels. As an added bonus, brake dust easily comes off now when I wash it or run thru a car wash. But, you're decision on how to proceed. Have to re-apply Cerakote every 6 months or so though.

 

[mikeduf]

Well no pics because I'm too lazy, but I did worse to my new car. While at a local Trader Joe's I turn tightly to give room for another Jughead and kissed my rear wheel on the curb.

Much worse than paint fluctuation. I was on the fence with the same decision. Should I fix it or replace it and then I realized I would just be preserving it for the next Jughead that comes along and chisels me down for thousands lower than what I paid for it.

Me personally I've kind of shifted from trying to preserve my cars

my two cents