Stains on alloy wheels

Faults and Technical chat for the Mazda CX-3
stew.pan
Posts: 14
Joined: Wed May 04, 2016 8:54 pm

Post by stew.pan »

Hi chaps, I noticed white marks on the alloy wheels (Diamond cut ones,black and alloy) on my JULY 2015 cx-3. i went to my main dealer as i thought that it was corrosion under the laquer. They took photos and submitted it as a warrenty claim. Today i was told that the claim had been turned down. Mazda claimed that it was water stains under the Laquer. This was caused by stone chips cracking the laquer and that allowed water to enter.
There are no ''chips' or cracks on the wheels especially where the stains are. They are perfectly smooth to the touch, a chip or crack/scratch would surely be felt with a finger or finger nail?
Not happy with this i phoned Mazda customer care, although the person i spoke to was very polite there was nothing she could do.
I am 99.9% certain that these are not caused by stone chips. If they are, then i am sure other owners would have found the same thing on thier alloys so can any one verify that they have the same problem.
If it was down to stone chips and i had them repaired it would surely happen again and again? If i bought new alloys (£587+) and they are succeptable to stone chips then again the fault/stains would appear again. Needless to say, i am not happy.
I am going to a wheel repair specialist for a second opinion, Iwill keep you all posted.

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anchorman
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Joined: Tue Jul 07, 2015 4:23 pm

Post by anchorman »

Can you post photos? I would write back and complain that they are not fit for purpose.
CX-5 Sportnav diesel auto. AWD
Deleted User 155

Post by Deleted User 155 »

yep, photos would be good then we can all check ours...
stew.pan
Posts: 14
Joined: Wed May 04, 2016 8:54 pm

Post by stew.pan »

Hi. I will try and add photos as soon as I can.

Thanks for replying.
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anchorman
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Joined: Tue Jul 07, 2015 4:23 pm

Post by anchorman »

anchorman wrote:Can you post photos? I would write back and complain that they are not fit for purpose.
Sorry - merchantable quality. If your bonnet isn’t covered in stone chips, why should your wheels be? The coating isn’t suitable if it chips that easily. They chose it.
CX-5 Sportnav diesel auto. AWD
stew.pan
Posts: 14
Joined: Wed May 04, 2016 8:54 pm

Post by stew.pan »

Alloys 2.jpg

Alloys 1.jpg

Hello again,
I think i have loaded two photos! They do not look much, but they should not be there and will only become worse.
I went to a chap who refurbishes/repairs alloys, he confirmed what i thought. This is corrosion on the alloy.
Back at the dealers, who appear to be genuinely concerned, I had them feel for a stone chip. They could not feel anything. This put a different slant on things, they said that they will talk with Mazda, however they could not not promise anything but will get back to me. I will keep you informed.
Thanks guys.
Rogermac
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Joined: Mon Apr 25, 2016 7:22 pm

Post by Rogermac »

Definitely a good thing it's happened now and not 3 yrs in. Hopefully they will get replaced under warranty. Keep us all informed Stew..
Deleted User 406

Post by Deleted User 406 »

Warranty replacement. The finish is not fit for purpose. You need to dig your heels in over this.
Hazrat
Posts: 37
Joined: Fri Apr 01, 2016 10:21 pm

Post by Hazrat »

rockposer wrote:Warranty replacement. The finish is not fit for purpose. You need to dig your heels in over this.
Absolutely...clearly corrosion under the lacquer which will only get worse over time...checked mine...I do use an alloy wax which helps protect and if a chip appears, apply a touch up pen lacquer before water seeps in!
Hope you get some progress on this and keep pushing.
mum@mazda
Posts: 126
Joined: Mon Aug 31, 2015 8:55 pm

Post by mum@mazda »

Not wanting to hijack this thread, there is a link honest.
Having washed the car and waxed etc, I noticed several areas on the wheels where brake dust was accumulating. Does anybody have a recommendation for a product to remove this? I have used autoglym wheel cleaner on another car, but have suffered lacquer peeling and expensive powder coating repairs, so am reluctant to use this cleaner again. Thanks.
CX-3, Sport Nav, Petrol, Soul Red Metallic, Half Stone Leather Aug 2015
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