Acid damage to my Sidewalk alloys :(

[bensidewalker]

Hi all,

I have a lovely Sidewalk (which has its own 'special edition' alloys) and I have noticed acid damage on my alloys. I'm guessing it's from the hand car wash place I go to, as I use Maguiar's Hot Wheels which is acid-free (and very good) but I have no idea what they use in my local hand car wash. The alloys are meant to be black but they're looking washed out (grayish) and they have what can only be described as white water marks on them.

What can I do to get this sorted? I was thinking about going to Scotthall (where I got the car) and asking for a quote, but they are very expensive on anything I've gone to them for.

Any ideas/suggestions?

[PK5]

have you tried chips away?

[bensidewalker]

No I haven't, would you recommend them?

[bensidewalker]

I think my wheels need re-lacquering too, can they do it?

[PK5]

Well I know some people like them I havent used them, but see what they say and at least you will have a figure to work with.

[rellik666]

Hi Ben,

I think it may be something to do with the black stuff, both my sets have a similar greyish appearance and I use nothing on them other than water.

I too have been wondering what is the best thing to brighten them up, so if you find something please let me know!

Cheers

Roo

[M.O.S]

Have you tred a car polish such as Auto Glym Super Resin Polish? May help, then a sealant on top to maintain the protection... May work!

[Sooper Rob]

Meguiar's Hot Rims Wheel Cleaner isn't acid free. I think I'm right in saying the black area is a matt black finish which will show marks very easily. Sounds like the wheels will need a refurb if you want them perfect again.

[Electric Sheep]

A very good non-acidic wheel cleaner is Bilberry. Not only does it work brilliantly, it smells nice too!