On Friday 21st May I took delivery of my new Skoda Yeti.

By coincidence the car was seen later that day by a VW trained mechanic who pointed out to me a problem with the paint work, initially in the boot area, which he described as "fallout" possibly from industrial or railway contamination whilst the car was transported across Europe.

I took the car back to the dealer today when the effect on the Red non metallic paint work appeared to be patchy but on all body panels including the roof.

The car has been in strong sunlight for all three days and garaged over night but the problem appears to have grown today.

It is noticeably affecting all surfaces and now showing this afternoon as "sparkly spots", which can just be felt, over virtually the whole car. We assume that it is surface contamination - oxidation/rust - but could it be deeper?

The dealer is being helpful and has yet to confirm what treatment will be carried out to the paint work but appears to be suggesting the use of Traffic Film Remover by an approved VW body shop.

My concern is

1. whether this will cure the problem and not just in the short term

2. whether there is a better treatment and if so what

3. whether the paint will by now be so badly damaged that the problem cannot be cured --- I intend to keep the car for up to 10 years so I have long term concerns.

Finally, has anyone else experienced similar problems on a new Yeti or other Skoda and would Skoda's involvement help?

Any suggestions anyone? Thanks

I hesitate to suggest this, but, depending on the severity of the problem and bearing in mind your intention to keep for a long time, you may be getting close to "reject the vehicle" territory.

I think you need to let them try, at least once, but I'd take advice on even that. Very soory to hear about your problem, it is absolutely gutting when something like this happens.

On Friday 21st May I took delivery of my new Skoda Yeti.

By coincidence the car was seen later that day by a VW trained mechanic who pointed out to me a problem with the paint work, initially in the boot area, which he described as "fallout" possibly from industrial or railway contamination whilst the car was transported across Europe.

I took the car back to the dealer today when the effect on the Red non metallic paint work appeared to be patchy but on all body panels including the roof.

The car has been in strong sunlight for all three days and garaged over night but the problem appears to have grown today.

It is noticeably affecting all surfaces and now showing this afternoon as "sparkly spots", which can just be felt, over virtually the whole car. We assume that it is surface contamination - oxidation/rust - but could it be deeper?

The dealer is being helpful and has yet to confirm what treatment will be carried out to the paint work but appears to be suggesting the use of Traffic Film Remover by an approved VW body shop.

My concern is

1. whether this will cure the problem and not just in the short term

2. whether there is a better treatment and if so what

3. whether the paint will by now be so badly damaged that the problem cannot be cured --- I intend to keep the car for up to 10 years so I have long term concerns.

Finally, has anyone else experienced similar problems on a new Yeti or other Skoda and would Skoda's involvement help?

Any suggestions anyone? Thanks

Hi Lancastrian, Know how you feel, had a similar problem on a new VW in 1979. It was dirt inclusion IN the paint. VW tried to fob me off saying it was industrial pollution but the problem was also under the rubbers where the paint had never been exposed to the air. After 10 months of tooing and froing I eventually got a new car out of them.. What did I learn from the experience which might help you? ....

Log all communication ,names, times,what was discussed etc.

Write down your understanding of dialogue, send and keep a copy as proof

Find out how you stand re rejecting the car CAB or google for how to do it and know time is against you if you go down that route

Be firm, polite and determined

Good luck and lets hope the problem is resolved sooner rather than later. Nobody deserves to suffer after spending so much ,expecting perfection and having this to deal with.

Hi Lancastrian,

also have a Pat-Monster (built WK42/09) and this sparkling effect you mention I've noticed very slightly with mine; along the tops of the doors and on the rear bumper. Put this down to possible either the Autoglym Lifesine treatment or residue from the white plastic film that had protected her on the way over. Not tried to clean off the doors as yet as it's hardly noticeable in most light conditions but the bumper appears to have responded to a coat of back to black.

Hope whatever it is that you can get it resolved to your satisfaction.

Regards,

TP

On Friday 21st May I took delivery of my new Skoda Yeti.

By coincidence the car was seen later that day by a VW trained mechanic who pointed out to me a problem with the paint work, initially in the boot area, which he described as "fallout" possibly from industrial or railway contamination whilst the car was transported across Europe.

I took the car back to the dealer today when the effect on the Red non metallic paint work appeared to be patchy but on all body panels including the roof.

The car has been in strong sunlight for all three days and garaged over night but the problem appears to have grown today.

It is noticeably affecting all surfaces and now showing this afternoon as "sparkly spots", which can just be felt, over virtually the whole car. We assume that it is surface contamination - oxidation/rust - but could it be deeper?

The dealer is being helpful and has yet to confirm what treatment will be carried out to the paint work but appears to be suggesting the use of Traffic Film Remover by an approved VW body shop.

My concern is

1. whether this will cure the problem and not just in the short term

2. whether there is a better treatment and if so what

3. whether the paint will by now be so badly damaged that the problem cannot be cured --- I intend to keep the car for up to 10 years so I have long term concerns.

Finally, has anyone else experienced similar problems on a new Yeti or other Skoda and would Skoda's involvement help?

Any suggestions anyone? Thanks

Hey sorry to hear that, especially since you've spent so much on a monster of your choice.

bear in mind that if you agree to works being done on the car it might be more difficult to reject it at a later stage in the events.

Please keep us all updated as I'm off to Fareham Wednesday lunchtime with my wife so we can do OUR deal.

Once we take delivery, we will FULLY inspect the vehicle inside and out...............I will also want to inspect it on the service ramp and I expect to take about 4 or 5 hours doing this.

Hi Lancastrian,

also have a Pat-Monster (built WK42/09) and this sparkling effect you mention I've noticed very slightly with mine; along the tops of the doors and on the rear bumper. Put this down to possible either the Autoglym Lifesine treatment or residue from the white plastic film that had protected her on the way over. Not tried to clean off the doors as yet as it's hardly noticeable in most light conditions but the bumper appears to have responded to a coat of back to black.

Hope whatever it is that you can get it resolved to your satisfaction.

Regards,

TP

I doubt very much that this effect is in any way down to the Autoglym Lifeshine treatment. I applied this myself at vastly reduced cost incidentally - although consquently without their guarantee. The treatment is very similar to a normal car waxing and the liguid is similar in appearance to regular Autoglym polish = therefore very unlikely to result in sparkly spots.

I would suggest that a paintwork expert be approached if the contamination cannot readily be removed using a very mild cutting polish. An approved body repair specialist will either employ their own expert or know who to speak to. If the contaminant can be removed, then perhaps get the dealer to provide the Lifeshine treatment FOC afterwards. If they do it, you will then have the benefit of not only the Skoda paintwork guarantee but that from Autoglym as well.

Sadly I reckon that 4 Wheel Driver could be right if the problem seems to be getting worse. That does sound like either badly prepared bare metal or contaminant in the painting process. Others have provided very sensible advice about rejecting the car - hopefully it won't come to that.

Edited 24 May, 201016 yr by Trevorminor

There have been reports in the past about "contamination" of vehicles caused by the brake dust of the trains that transport them across Europe. This has affect makes across the board, not just VAG. Modern trains use steel brake pads and this can get into the paint because it is so hot.

I can add to Llanigraham's post.

A few years ago all of the vehicles (over 50 in total) in the company car park developed similar symptoms to what you describe. In my case I had an almost brand new white Vauxhall Carlton and the marks were quite obvious. As they were all company cars the fleet manager was soon on the case and the culprit was eventually identified. It turned out to be oxidation caused by building work at the next door site. They were building a multi storey office block and had been grinding some of the steel framework of the building onone of the top storeys for one reason or another. The dust was spread by the wind and settled on the cars in our car park where it then started to attack the paintwork. It was fixed by some sort of wash being applied to the paint to neutralise the oxidation (I cannot remember what it was after all this time) and then being professionally polished. I had no problem with paint work after that.

My personal opinion is that you reject the car PDQ in the first instance. I would avoid going down the road of remedial wotrk unless Skoda can prove how the damage has been caused and how the remedy will fix the problem. I you do choose to go down that route I would seek (but probably may not get) a corrosion indemnity from Skoda. The standard corrosion warranty would not be any help in your case.

http://www.autoclay.com/2.htm

Might help.

My sister has recently had cause to attempt rejection of a new vehicle.

She was advised that you have to be reasonable with your complaint and allow them an attempt to resolve the issue. If this is something that will polish out, it should be fairly simple for them to rectify. If it can't, proceed with rejection. Keep the pressure on them and it will happen quickly.

Good luck. The issue with my Sister's car ended up being very simple, it was resolved and she is now happy with the car.

Theres alot of over reaction in here, it seems by the sounds of it (Since you can actually feel the contamination) that removing it wont be an issue. I have dealt with many cars like this, iron filings from grinder works etc and as long as care and attention is taken when removing it, and a good coat of protection is put back on after then you will have no adverse long term effects.

Thanks for the advice and information.

What I should add is that there appears to be wax contamination of the glass which earlier appeared okay and there are some water? marks on the paint BUT what concerns me most is that whatever is the problem with the paint work the problem has spread rapidly today.

I wonder if the hot sun has accelerated some reaction in the paint rather than the cause being "fall out" on the surface.

Any views?

I'd suggest having a quick chat to Traiding Standards - I'm hoping that the dealer will resolve the problem, but by accpeting the "repair" you may be limiting your rights to reject the car in the future.

I had a car problem a few years ago and Trading Standards provided some good guidance and a template letter to give to the car dealer.

I had what looked like rust spots on the bumbper of the Fabia..It easily polished off.

My concern was that it was lifeshined..the guy that did it just applied it straight over the contamination!!!

Just goes to show what a crap set up and con these dealers are running!!

I used AGSRP and all traces of it have gone.

We had a fair amount of discussion about this on the following thread (hope I linked this correctly). Mine has fallout too but I have minimsed the effect with a clay bar, polish and gloss guard. It is common on VWs and Skodas (not to mention other makes).

http://briskoda.net/forums/topic/160024-muscovado-yeti-collected-today-my-initial-thoughts/

Well today I decided to de-tar PAT's sides and tailgate using Autoglym tar remover, a side effect of this was highlighting random patches of this metal dust in the paint work.

Not come across this before as such and the puzzling thing is that a good percentage of it was in areas that on delivery to the dealer were covered in that white protective film (hence my earlier comment).

No clay bar and never used one (not to sure how too either ), so I just gave her a polish anyway. Probably the Pro Detailers are pulling their hair out at this point

TP

Hi Plumber

I'd encourage you to try a clay bar - easy to use after a bit of practice. You'd be amazed what dirt it lifts from what on initial inspection seems to be clean paintwork.

Leaves the surface really smooth and clean ready for polish (if you decide to do that) and a coat of wax.

I'd reckon it would make a red monster look fabulous.

Not intending to do it with mine as its days are numbered but reckon the results would be great of you did it.

Hi Plumber

I'd encourage you to try a clay bar - easy to use after a bit of practice. You'd be amazed what dirt it lifts from what on initial inspection seems to be clean paintwork.

Leaves the surface really smooth and clean ready for polish (if you decide to do that) and a coat of wax.

I'd reckon it would make a red monster look fabulous.

Not intending to do it with mine as its days are numbered but reckon the results would be great of you did it.

Thanks octy888,

will have to try one out then, I take it they are available from most motor factors?

From your post I get the feeling your not happy with your Monster then? as by the sound of it you are planning to move her on

Regards,

TP

Im in exactly the same situation!

Car has 'rust like' spots all over it and they appear to be getting worse.

Did try a small area using 'clay ' technique which did remove 99% of contamination but it would take an awfaul long time to do entire vehicle.

Have emailed dealer(car 25 days old) and await response

Good luck !

Thanks octy888,

will have to try one out then, I take it they are available from most motor factors?

From your post I get the feeling your not happy with your Monster then? as by the sound of it you are planning to move her on

Regards,

TP

Yes, you can get clay bars from most places. Meguiars "Quik Clay Starter Kit" is a good one as it comes with a spray you can use to lube the clay bar.

http://www.meguiars.co.uk/product/194

Hope link works.

As for my 'lovely' monster.......see the "Shes a Rattler" thread.

I used a Meguiars quick clay kit (clay bar and lubricant detailing spray) on mine. Makes the paintwork feel like glass and removes a lot of nasties that polish won't touch. You can then add your polish and sealant. Looks great on my red SM (sorry, didn't take any pictures, will try to remember next time).

Yes, you can get clay bars from most places. Meguiars "Quik Clay Starter Kit" is a good one as it comes with a spray you can use to lube the clay bar.

http://www.meguiars.co.uk/product/194

Hope link works.

As for my 'lovely' monster.......see the "Shes a Rattler" thread.

Thanks again,

will try and track this product down and give it a go.

Shame your that disappointed with your Yeti that your not willing to perceiver with her. My dealers got mine down to just misbehaving in extreme cold or an occasional light tune on very poor surfaces; Fingers X

Anyway best of luck with the dealer visit and your preferred way forward from there.

Regards,

TP