Laser cut alloy wheel protecion

AndyRen · Post by **AndyRen** » Fri Mar 16, 2018 1:59 pm

What - if anything - does anyone here use to help protect the surface of their laser/diamond cut alloys? I don't mean rim protectors (That I've read on another - informative - thread here) but the actual surface of the alloy, my Golf's diamond cut alloys deteriorated quite badly over the years - mostly without any help from me scuffing them, but all I could do was watch the gradual decline unable to really stop it!

Anyone???

st3v3cx-3 · Post by **st3v3cx-3** » Fri Mar 16, 2018 7:39 pm

It seems the laser/diamond cut finish is prone to deterioration of some kind over time. Some owners here have reported stains or marks on their Sort Nav wheels and may have been successful in getting Mazda to replace them under warranty. Check out these threads :-

viewtopic.php?f=11&t=757

viewtopic.php?f=11&t=1094

Personally, I cant see the point of laser / diamond cut finishes and low profile tyres these days - especially with the state of our roads in the UK. If I had to stick with 18" size, I'd much rather have some old school alloys like these

$Wolfrace JDM Black Alloys 11336_600.jpg$

AndyRen · Post by **AndyRen** » Fri Mar 16, 2018 7:53 pm

Agreed St3v3cx-3!

I've found several treatments that can be used on The Chemical Guy's web pages - I may be tempted?
I also know several people who got VW to replace their alloys under warranty.

Post by **jtonline** » Sat Mar 17, 2018 12:31 am

I purchased alloy wheel protection insurance when I bought my car. The diamond cut portion of the wheel will be lacquered, so not sure that an aftermarket coating will add much protection, other than helping to shrug off road and brake muck build-up. Car body wax will do that. Avoid car washes that have wheel cleaning brushes.

AndyRen · Post by **AndyRen** » Sat Mar 17, 2018 9:26 pm

Understand what you say jtonline, I'm just a bit paranoid having seen the deterioration on my previous car even after taking care of them! I may well take out an insurance... Does yours cover a refurb if a SMART fix won't suffice?

Post by **jtonline** » Sat Mar 17, 2018 9:53 pm

Yes, but it's a wheel and tyre policy that's only available at the time of vehicle purchase and lasts three years. I've only had to claim for tyre replacement due to punctures so far. Knowing my luck, I'll kerb one of the wheels a few days after the policy expires later this year

The policy has a proviso that laser/diamond cut repairs may need to be done by a specialist repairer which can take up to 10 days, but I've got a spare wheel so that wouldn't cause me an issue should the need arise.

My experience of Mazda warranty has been very favourable so far, so if you did get a problem with the alloys in the first three years, that doesn't look like external wear and tear, then I'm sure your dealer would be successful with a warranty claim on your behalf.

AndyRen · Post by **AndyRen** » Sat Mar 17, 2018 10:03 pm

jtonline wrote: ↑Sat Mar 17, 2018 9:53 pm My experience of Mazda warranty has been very favourable so far, so if you did get a problem with the alloys in the first three years, that doesn't look like external wear and tear, then I'm sure your dealer would be successful with a warranty claim on your behalf.

That's good to hear, there's just over a year left on ours.... I had noticed that the NSF had already been kerbed and mentioned it to the sales person - they changed it for one from another vehicle no problem..... I suppose once they run out of 'other vehicles' they'll have to refurb it

Laser cut alloy wheel protecion

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