HELP! What could stain a rim like this?

[TJPark01]

So I took my car 2009 Hyundai Genesis 4.6 to the same detail shop I always do, for a quick clean, yesterday and when I get home I noticed some discoloration on my rims. I try for about 30 minutes and it's not comming off. I go back to today they work on the car for about 30-45 minutes, NO LUCK. It's not acid because the blemishes are dark, almost black and the rims are still has smooth has they can be. The manager, the supervisor and the guy who cleans the cars said that this was there fault so we'll see what happens. I hope they are being honest here, if not I will probably have to get a lawyer.

By the way $450 per wheel, mounted and balanced. I'll keep you posted!! HELP! What could stain a rim like this?

[Markus Kleis]

Re: HELP! What could stain a rim like this?

Hi TJPark01!

A couple things to point out: the links you attempted to post were not quite correct and didn't work. If they would have been valid I would have attempted to embed the pictures for you since we have a forum rule that new members can not post click-able links before reaching 30 posts.

You are welcome to embed a picure with the IMG tags (using the button above the chat box), and it looked as if you tried, but the links themselves weren't quite right.

HERE is a link to help with hosting and posting pictures.

Secondly, I moved the thread from the Break Room (meant for non-detailing discussion) and into Detailing 101 where detailing questions belong. You will get a quicker and more thorough set of replies here.

Thanks!

Mark

[Murr1525]

Re: HELP! What could stain a rim like this?

Also, what sort of things have you been using on them?

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: HELP! What could stain a rim like this?

How about a pic or two. It would help us out.

[myaeger18]

Re: HELP! What could stain a rim like this?

I went through something very similar on my 06 350z. If the wheels were cleaned with something harsh it could hurt the clearcoat on the wheels. I took it to the dealership I bought it from and they told me that there is a known issue of the clearcoat being too thin on the wheels, so they refinished all 4 of them for free. It was some sort of oxidization that soaked through the thin clearcoat. All 4 of my wheels had some awful looking black stuff like that and it was smooth as glass still. Weird. I might ask the dealership about it especially if it's under warranty.

[CieraSL]

Re: HELP! What could stain a rim like this?

[TJPark01]

Re: HELP! What could stain a rim like this?

Also, what sort of things have you been using on them?

I have been using Mothers mag and aluminum polish, and Wheel Wax. Both applied with a powerball mini. The damage was done by the detail shop. I can't for the life of me think what this is. I've tried every compound and buffer to remove this in my garage, and none of it works. HELP! Pictures are posted on the gallery page under mystery rim damage

[Murr1525]

Re: HELP! What could stain a rim like this?

Looks like lots of liquid spots... could be a very strong cleaner that was left on too long.

[roushstage2]

Re: HELP! What could stain a rim like this?

I have been using Mothers mag and aluminum polish, and Wheel Wax. Both applied with a powerball mini. The damage was done by the detail shop. I can't for the life of me think what this is. I've tried every compound and buffer to remove this in my garage, and none of it works. HELP! Pictures are posted on the gallery page under mystery rim damage

In my opinion, you are using too strong a polish if these wheels are coated. Mag and Aluminum polish is for uncoated, raw metal wheels. Going to town with "every compound and buffer" probably didn't help either. Those little dots look like tire dressing overspray, but of course, that would come off. Must be some sort of strong, spray on product/cleaner left on too long. Have you asked the detail shop what product they believe caused this (brand and product name)? I'm curious.

[TJPark01]

Re: HELP! What could stain a rim like this?

roushstage2:
Yes they are coated aluminum. What meguiars or other product would you recommend to polish these puppies if you think the mothers mag and aluminum polish is too strong? Yeah, I thought it was tire overspray too, but it wont come off. The detailer has no idea, they can't figure it out which is why they are going to look at security tapes.

[CieraSL]

Re: HELP! What could stain a rim like this?

You might try Ultimate Compound or Swirl X.

[TJPark01]

Re: HELP! What could stain a rim like this?

You might try Ultimate Compound or Swirl X.

I tried both. Started with a microfiber towel, then white light cutting pad and a Porter cable 7424, then a medium orange cutting pad. Nothing, not even a slight improvement. They aren't scratches, the surface is smooth. The shop even went to town on it with a Makita polisher and heavy cut cleaner...nothing.

[Murr1525]

Re: HELP! What could stain a rim like this?

I would be starting to worry about the paint getting thin also, if that many strong products/machines, and people "went to town' on it.

[TJPark01]

Re: HELP! What could stain a rim like this?

I would be starting to worry about the paint getting thin also, if that many strong products/machines, and people "went to town' on it.

I hear you brother. But at this point it can't look any worse. If they screw it up more, they're still going to have to replace the rims in my mind. I just can't figure out what the heck would do that to rims. Rims are not dainty things, you would have to put something really bad on there for that to happen. It would have to be so egregious and careless that it's unfathomable to the average human. Like putting toothpaste instead of mustard on your hotdogs. It's that stupid.

[Murr1525]

Re: HELP! What could stain a rim like this?

It could actually be pretty easy, if a cleaner they used wasnt diluted properly.