Scabballoys

Please can you tell me why alloy wheel paints and lacquers seem not to last nowadays? I've always handwashed mine, never used a power hose or those dreadful wheel cleaner products and after 5 years on my Mercedes they are peeling and starting to corrode. I'm sure I never had this problem in the old days when I could buy Minilite magnesium alloy wheels.

Asked on 12 March 2010 by S.L., via e-mail

Answered by Honest John

The metallic content of brake dust coupled with stone chip damage to the lacquer on the alloys and salt in the slush on winter roads. These create a very effective corrosion battery.

Tags: wheels and tyres technical issues owning

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