Noticed yesterday that both front wheels have almost identical areas where the laquer is bubbling up, on the inside edge of the first spoke from the air valve. These are 17" crown spokes. Will be expecting the dealer to replace them on authority from mini uk
Alloy wheel laquer bubbling
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Out of interest Hat....what wheel cleaner do you use?
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That's not good are crown spokes diamond turned and lacquered? I cannot picture them. If they've been on over winter salt really gets email. Not had a yet with diamond turned wheels that withstood winter use. Another bonus of having winter tyre and wheel set.
No the crowns arent diamond turned, they're not that sharp on the edge so I'm surprised they've gone. I'm using autobrite direct very cherry cleaner at the moment, i dont think this is the reason though or i would expect it to be more widespread and on all four wheels
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No they def shouldn't have gone and I agree wheel cleaners can be harsh but the wheels should withstand that. They need replacing by mini hat imo.
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I think these are the crown wheels? (They're my winter set!)
Your product is the likely culprit! It's acid based - check the last line in the product description.....
http://www.autobritedirect.co.uk/in...ry/1/id/153/s/very-cherry-acid-wheel-cleaner/
Bubbling can affect odd wheels as it depends if you've had the slightest nick to the lacquer from a stone chip etc. A common place for corrosion is found round the wheel nuts where tyre fitters scrape the wheels when using wrenches/guns. That's why you'll find not all wheels are affected to the same degree - unless there has been a production problem with spraying etc.
I'd recommend Valet Pro Bilberry as it's non-acid based and won't remove any protective coatings.
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/valet-pro-bilberry-wheel-cleaner/prod_499.html
Your product is the likely culprit! It's acid based - check the last line in the product description.....
http://www.autobritedirect.co.uk/in...ry/1/id/153/s/very-cherry-acid-wheel-cleaner/
Bubbling can affect odd wheels as it depends if you've had the slightest nick to the lacquer from a stone chip etc. A common place for corrosion is found round the wheel nuts where tyre fitters scrape the wheels when using wrenches/guns. That's why you'll find not all wheels are affected to the same degree - unless there has been a production problem with spraying etc.
I'd recommend Valet Pro Bilberry as it's non-acid based and won't remove any protective coatings.
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/valet-pro-bilberry-wheel-cleaner/prod_499.html
Had this problem on all our BMW,s and last R56 s got new set from BMW/Mini with no issue providing no damage on wheels has allowed corrosion to start.
we always seal the wheels and I have used mainly just Citrus wash or shampoo to clean once sealed so can just be a bad batch or in my case the salt air gets to them usually start round valve stem.
Just had a new set fitted to our two year old BMW no quibble at all one was worse than others whole new set fitted
we always seal the wheels and I have used mainly just Citrus wash or shampoo to clean once sealed so can just be a bad batch or in my case the salt air gets to them usually start round valve stem.
Just had a new set fitted to our two year old BMW no quibble at all one was worse than others whole new set fitted
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Oh aye, so they are!!! Oops! :redface:
I will also add to what Donna has said it ain't good using acid based wheel cleaner week in week out will slowly effect wheel coatings and if any chips etc won't help.
I use Auto Smart ,smart wheels 4 parts water to 1 part cleaner on Un Sealed wheels it's cheap at between £15 to £20 from local AS reps usually and that would give 20ltr at 4 to 1 so should keep most going and not so harsh at 4 to 1 but still works well and something like Car Pro iron x after to get the left over ingrained break dust or BH Wheel cleaner dironizer
I use Auto Smart ,smart wheels 4 parts water to 1 part cleaner on Un Sealed wheels it's cheap at between £15 to £20 from local AS reps usually and that would give 20ltr at 4 to 1 so should keep most going and not so harsh at 4 to 1 but still works well and something like Car Pro iron x after to get the left over ingrained break dust or BH Wheel cleaner dironizer
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I have to say most of the time I don't need or use any alloy wheel cleaner. Occasional wax polish and the dust with a weekly wash comes off fine. I try and avoid it. Donna confirms my worries !
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Very cherry can be acid based or non acidic there are two versions so check which one you are using. if it's diluted properly, as much as 15:1 you will be fine but if not then reckon that's the issue but would affect all 4 wheels. Garage should replace them as long as you don't tell them you've used acidic cleaners.
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That's great news hat.
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