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Alloyed invasion
I bought my 2007 Ford Focus Cabriolet 2 two years ago (yes, the roof was leaking and Ford repaired it before I took it home) and I am very happy with it. But the two-tone alloy wheels are starting to blister. White bubbles have appeared on two of the wheels, under what appears to be a lacquer. The wheels were very pretty but now spoil the look of the car. I talked to my local Ford service department but they say it's nothing to do with them as the alloys aren't guaranteed. My local tyre service station tells me I will need to send them away to be resurfaced but that they will bubble again because of the technique used to decorate them. They suggest I buy a new set of different alloys. Can this be right? I've never had any problems with alloys on other makes of cars I've had. Should I go back to Ford again and argue the case?
Asked on 31 July 2010 by KS, via email
Answered by
Honest John
Plain polished alloys covered with lacquer are very vulnerable to road
salt oxidation through the slightest chip. Painted alloys (with several coats of paint over them, then lacquer) are far less vulnerable. You could, of course, have your alloys stripped and painted, then lacquered. But it was shabby of the supplying dealer not to get some goodwill help from Ford. I’d push harder.
salt oxidation through the slightest chip. Painted alloys (with several coats of paint over them, then lacquer) are far less vulnerable. You could, of course, have your alloys stripped and painted, then lacquered. But it was shabby of the supplying dealer not to get some goodwill help from Ford. I’d push harder.
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