Hi, take a look at this:

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd395/orafus/IMG_1194.jpg

This is after 600 miles on the clock from new on my VRS. Is damage like this a normal part of alloy ownership (i.e. I've just been unlucky to get it so early) or is it possibly a manufacturing defect. It wasn't like that when I got it so it's either been hit or it was defective and failed afterwards.

Sorry to be thick but not having had alloys before I had to ask. If you do think it's suspect I'll pop over to a dealer and see what they say.

Secondly, given that it is now like this - what's the best thing to do to stop it getting worse (as I'd imagine it'll be open to corrosion now)

thanks

Chris.

Just my opinion of course - but it looks like it has been damaged rather than it being a defect.

Possibly getting a little too close to a curb or similar.

There are reports of some wheels "buckling", but that isn't what has appeared to happen with yours.

Couple of options really.

There are companies out there that will repair your alloy.

They will do an excellent job and it will look as good as new - I've always been impressed by their work.

I think you're looking at around £40 per wheel, but don't quote me on that.

Alternatively you can buy "wheel repair kits" - somewhere like Halfords will sell them and you can give it a go yourself for around the £15 mark.

But results will vary.

I agree that it looks like damage rather than a manufacturing defect, but it's not typical kerbing damage, which makes scratches concentric with the edge rather than taking a radial bite out of the rim like that. Maybe if you hit a rock with the edge of the tyre, and the car then fell off the rock?

Edited 26 May, 201115 yr by KenONeill

ok guys,

thanks for the info. That's all I needed to know.

Since the car has been left with the missus on a few occasions now I can't really comment on what may or may not have happened as she wouldn't admit to it even if it had

I might just apply some sealant to it for now and see how we go. I'm sure it wont be the last dink it gets over the next few years

cheers

Chris.

if you don't want a refurb job, try a little VW Diamond Silver paint on a very small (artist's) paint brush. I use a drop of aerosol spayed into a clean small glass jar, let it thicken for a minute, then apply with tip of small paint brush NOT the brush you get in touch-up paint tubes.

Do several coats with half an hour or so between them, and it looks reasonable. Can finish off with a light dab of clear if you want but it doesn't make much difference.

thanks ednmra, I'll give that a go

cheers

Chris.

Had a chip appear on the rim of one of mine recently.... I KNOW that I have never kerbed it... unlucky stone strike possibly.. important to protect it from corrosion though and silver paint up suggestion works pretty well, lots of thin coats with soft artists type brush and try to just fill the chip, a gentle wipe with t.cut after paint is all done and dry helps blend it in...

if you don't want a refurb job, try a little VW Diamond Silver paint on a very small (artist's) paint brush. I use a drop of aerosol spayed into a clean small glass jar, let it thicken for a minute, then apply with tip of small paint brush NOT the brush you get in touch-up paint tubes.

Do several coats with half an hour or so between them, and it looks reasonable. Can finish off with a light dab of clear if you want but it doesn't make much difference.

+1

Used this method for many years! VW Reflex/Diamond Silver has been a real find! Seems to match well on other makes too :yes: