I have been trying to figure out what is on the silver S lites on Black Tie when I go to clean the wheels. There is this weird black substance, small, isolated blobs of what seems like an adhesive of some sort. Regular cleaning and washing does not get rid of it, and I had to resort to GooGone to get it off the last time. It is back, and I have no idea what it is or where it is coming from.

Anyone else have this problem and know what this crap is?

TJM

 

the gunk they seem to somehow protect the rims when shipping across the atlantic... I had to use BMW (or MINI) dealer wheel cleaner and some strength but it is gone from my rims finally and not returned.... it seems to be clear in color, and only gets black and funky from road dirt....

 

I have the same problem. I've used GooGone, those ArmorAll Orange Wipes, Autoglym Wheel Cleaner. Nothing seems to be getting rid of it. At least it's only on 1 of my rims now.

 

These little spots occur often on the wheels. try a little WD-40 on a rag - works like magic with no rubbing !!!

 

I used a little bit of paint-safe citrus degreaser to get it off, and then re-waxed the rims.

 

If the car is fairly new, it is probably, as sugested above, Cosmoline. Cosmoline is a wax-like substance that auto manufactureres use to protect the finish from salt and minor dings during shipping. They try to wash it off at the VPC, but many people report finding it in the nooks and cranies of their boot lid, engine bay and wheels.

A mild degreaser (remove as soon as you can and still do the job), Dawn or WD-40 should help remove it fairly quickly. Fortunately, there is a finite amount of the stuff on the car... unfortunately, you will simply have to keep removing it until it all comes off over time.

 

Thanks for the answers guys...I knew someone would know the details!

Some Goo Gone after the last wash on all the wheels seems to have spearheaded the problem.

TJM

 

Almost sounds like road tar.... i get it all the time and have to either scrape it off with a peice of plastic or you googone and lots of rubbing.

 

I simply used my fingernail for a few minutes while I was waiting for the polish to cure. No big deal.

 

Is this brake dust? They say that brake dust eats away the finish on wheels.

 

No, it's just a little adhesive residue from a label or something on the wheels when delivered.

 

Is it? Cause I have some black crud where the spokes of the wheels come together.

 

I used to work at a mini dealership and they come this way. The fastest way remove it is with thinner or solvent. Then wash off the solvent with soapy water.