I have just had our VRS washed by a hand wash crew in the local Homebase car park. I have noticed that all the wheel nut (covers?) have turned white. There are spray marks down the shaft so I assume it is due to the wheel cleaner they were using. Does anyone have any experience of this? If so how do I get rid of the white? If not, does anyone know where I can get a replacement set (standard VRS 18" alloys) and how much is my £5 car wash likely to set me back???

Thanks. G

If you take the caps off they will probably just clean up with some rubbing.

I can't believe anyone lets those people anywhere near their car with a sponge!

I know, I know ...... It was a random moment of madness !!!!!!!!!! Never again !!!!!!!!

Replacement sets freely available; see here (bought from them before);- New Genuine VAG Wheel Lug Nut Caps / Bolt Covers for VW on eBay, also, Volkswagen, Car Parts, Cars, Parts Vehicles (end time 06-Mar-09 20:03:12 GMT)

about 30% cheaper than the same from Skoda dealer.

Mind you, if the Homebase wheel cleaner did this to your nut covers, think what it has done to your wheels. :eek:

Replacement sets freely available; see here (bought from them before);- New Genuine VAG Wheel Lug Nut Caps / Bolt Covers for VW on eBay, also, Volkswagen, Car Parts, Cars, Parts Vehicles (end time 06-Mar-09 20:03:12 GMT)

about 30% cheaper than the same from Skoda dealer.

Mind you, if the Homebase wheel cleaner did this to your nut covers, think what it has done to your wheels. :eek:

That's assuming it was actually wheel cleaner and not something else :eek:

I've used some fairly potent wheel cleaners and they have never done that to the caps.

Incidentally my car was missing a couple when I got it so need to go and acquire some.

I've used some fairly potent wheel cleaners and they have never done that to the caps.

It actually looks like it has left a layer of white laquer on the caps but hasn't actually melted them or anything like that.

Give them a rub with some wire wool or brillo pad and I'm sure they'll come up fine.

Mine came back like that once, after the Dealer had done a courtesy valet! They changed them for me FOC & said they had changed some of the products they used. Despite that I've never let them wash it since!

Edited 1 March, 200917 yr by uncle bulgaria

I rubbed mine down (on my octy 1) with some 800 wet & dry, primed & sprayed graphite grey to match my wheels, no problem any more.

I rubbed mine down (on my octy 1) with some 800 wet & dry, primed & sprayed graphite grey to match my wheels, no problem any more.

Wouldn't it be quick and more cost effective just to buy a new set?

I have recently purchased my VRS estate with 8000 miles on the clock. All the covers were white.

I was given a new set of covers without asking, maybe it was a known manufacturing fault or low grade paint.

Possibly a TFR reacting with the plastics.