I'm hoping someone can help me. I recently purchased a 2007 G35x and noticed there were spots on my wheels. I thought they would wash off with a wheel cleaner, but here I am 2 months later and they are still there. Does anyone know what this is and/or how to make them look new?

 

That looks like Acidic wheel cleaner ate through your wheels.

 

have you tried polishing them?

 

I have not tried to polish them as of yet. I'm waiting for a warmer weekend to really try and bring them back.

 

Is the wheel clean in the photo?

It might be helpful to know what wheel cleaner you used.

Keep in mind that these are clearcoated, and it looks like the clearcoat may have some staining. If that's the case, a paint polish might be helpful.

 

The wheel is clean in the photo. Unfortunately, the wheels came like this when I bought the car so I do not know what was used.

 

As others have suggested, it looks like the clearcoat is stained from a strong wheel cleaner. Sometimes a strong multipurpose cleaner used undiluted can also cause this type of whitish look. Sometimes it can be permanent.

If you have a Scratch Remover or a Plastic Polish or a Pre-Wax Cleaner, that might help. Try in an area and see if it removes some of the haze -- especially if while wet the haze seems to not be so noticeable. Using a PowerBall Mini may make the job easier if you find it works in a spot, I'd continue to try with the rest of the wheel.

What have you been using on them, by the way?


When I use a wheel cleaner, I rinse thoroughly, and I always try to do the tires and wheels before I wash the rest of the car -- and I use a mitt just for the wheels and toss some suds on there. I then start with a fresh bucket and mitt for the body of the car and finish with a quick wipe of the wheels again before a final rinse. Wheel cleaners can linger behind spokes and center caps, inside lug holes and the like.

The double rinse really helps prevent any potential for staining like this. It's unfortunate.