Decided to clean the car for the first time today using turtle zip wax shampoo and it left the roof rails looking bad afterwards- no shine, blotchy etc (possible it could have been like this before and just didn't notice). Got some autosol metal polish expecting it to sort them out but it's only improved things a small amount.

Took a photo best I could in the light. Any better ideas to get rid of the blotchy spots?

Edited 7 July, 20196 yr by Tom34

 Mine where like that from day one. It did bother me for a few days.... I did have a browse round the net and it appeared that people with similar  rails were accused by the dealers of using caustic cleaning agents.

 

This was definitely not the case on my car so I can only assume that they left the factory like that or the dealer caused it during the pdi.

 

Judging by the state of my car that would not have surprised me in the least.

 

Cant say I even notice it now. 

Thanks for the reply. Yes I imagine after having the car for a while it won't be something I really notice either, it's just as the rails on our Karoq are fine it's slightly annoying.

Searched a bit further on here last night and found an old thread about chrome trim turning "milky", some dealers it was covered under warranty, others not (seems they make it up as they go along). Will mention it and hope to get lucky. 

I'll mention it to my guys and see what they say. I still have extended warranty till October 2020. I'll check mine tonight and see what they are like ...

They are likely watermarks. I used to get these on my Leon ST roofrails if I washed the car when it was remotely warm.   Try claying them, it should help. 

14 minutes ago, penguin17 said:

They are likely watermarks. I used to get these on my Leon ST roofrails if I washed the car when it was remotely warm.   Try claying them, it should help. 

 

Will give it go. Have a few rough patches on the paintwork anyway so be good to get some clay. 

44 minutes ago, penguin17 said:

They are likely watermarks. I used to get these on my Leon ST roofrails if I washed the car when it was remotely warm.   Try claying them, it should help. 

 

Think I tried that but its a long time ago lol ! I'll have a go tonight.

I have taken my 15 month old Karoq to the dealers with the same problem, all the chrome is going milky and they have said it is down to strong detergent. We paid extra to have an Autoglym finish on the car (covered for life) and they supplied us with all the Autoglym products to clean the car with which we have used. I have been told by the Dealers today, Marshalls of Northampton, that Skoda will not cover it under warranty.

After reading through this and other online posts it looks like it is a common problem and Skoda need to step and deal with it. 

Has anyone had this resolved under warranty?

Be very careful with abrasive cleaners on the roofbar finish, such as Autosol. Same with claying. You could end up with them looking worse.

 

At the very least, test on an inner section that you won't see first!

I doo not have metal roofbarson my Octavia but are they actually metal finish or are they some sort of metallic plastic covered with a thin layer of clear plastic?

I had some metallic looking trim on another car around the doors where water got in between the clear plastic and the "metal" and caused corrosion.

Sorry not had a chance to look at mine yet. Seems to be a common thing with the dealers saying owners have caused. Interesting as problem has existed from day one and I’m as obsessive as the next detailing nerd with the stuff I buy.

 

Also interesting how the silver roof bars on my old Scout never had this problem.

 

So it’s either ...

 

1) Inherent problem with bar material

2) Caused by dealer pdi

 

Either way with dealers saying it’s caused by the cleaning agents  the owner has used I can’t see anyone getting anywhere without spending loads of time and maybe money.

 

They won’t admit to anything just look at the debacle with the 1.8 and 2.0 Petrol engines using oil and snapping timing chains. Only reason I sold my Scout.

Doesn't affect the function of the vehicle, any warranty replacement would only be for goodwill reasons.

 

And if the new ones are just as likely to go the same way then they will have a doubly ****ed off customer despite their best efforts.

Hi Jr, it may not effect the vehicles function, but it does have a commercial effect on the resale value of the vehicle, and if people have the car on a PCP deal it effect them when they try to exchange or handback. The dealers will knock loads off. In my case we paid to have an Auto Glym lifetime polish, a lot of good that did and I don't expect to pay approx £33k for a car to defective chrome that can't with stand day to day wear and tear. Skoda should sort it and use better quality chrome. 

1 hour ago, J.R. said:

Doesn't affect the function of the vehicle, any warranty replacement would only be for goodwill reasons.

 

And if the new ones are just as likely to go the same way then they will have a doubly ****ed off customer despite their best efforts.

 

Oh that's ok then cheers ! Doesn't affect the function of the vehicle. Glad that's cleared up !

 

The best way to try and solve this solve this is using a heavy grade clay bar and a detailing spray or clay lubricant but , unlike on paint don't use a vast amount of spray as you want the clay drier than usual 

 

My roof bars and chrome trim were like this and I removed 75-80% of it with a clay bar after normal cleaning products wouldn't budge it 

 

The chrome around the windows is probably the worst for it ....

 

It May or may not work but it's worth a shot for little expense 

 

 

 

Hi,

This milky look on stainless steel parts is an oooold known issue from VAG Group.

It already affected rear side windows on many Audi A4 Mk2 / Mk3 years ago.

I had the same problem on both rear side windows on my ex Superb Combi Mk2, (around 2012-2013). 

 

 

 

Skoda never accepted to replace them under warranty. They argued that I had been using a too aggressive cleaning agent. 😧🤬

I don't think they could even beleive what they were saying. How could they explain that the problem did not occur on chrom trims on other windows !?! I used exactly the same cleaning agent on all chrom trims, of course. Why did I face that only on rear windows then ?!?... Bullsh...t

 

To me it may come from a wrong varnish application on stainless steel parts. Not the correct thickness / Not the correct mix / Too porous... I don't know...

Anyway, it happens but VAG doesn't want to solve the problem... Even years later👿

Edited 10 July, 20196 yr by Bap33

Another idea /thought would be to use brasso as it's not that aggressive since it's used to clean well brass and gold which are soft metals 

 

Just tape off the areas under the bars to avoid any drips and test on a small area first??

 

I am not sure if the roof bars are coated in plastic like the window trim is (well it is plastic , right ??)

No. Stainless steel, not plastic. In winter it can be really cold. Plastic parts would not give such cold sensation when you put your hands/fingers on.

I used ACF-50 anti-corrosion spray on the window trim of my Mk2 Superb.  It leaves it looking nice but it's only temporary.

I have taken my 15 month old Karoq to the dealers with the same problem, all the chrome is going milky and they have said it is down to strong detergent. We paid extra to have an Autoglym finish on the car (covered for life) and they supplied us with all the Autoglym products to clean the car with which we have used. I have been told by the Dealers today, Marshalls of Northampton, that Skoda will not cover it under warranty.

After reading through this and other online posts it looks like it is a common problem and Skoda need to step and deal with it. 

Has anyone had this resolved under warranty?

 

By the sound of it this has been going on for many years. I will give them another chance to rectify it and if I get no joy, oh dear they haven't dealt with this woman before!!

2 hours ago, Bap33 said:

No. Stainless steel, not plastic. In winter it can be really cold. Plastic parts would not give such cold sensation when you put your hands/fingers on.

Good point and that's me corrected ☺️, I'll get my coat 

 

Is it a plastic coating on the window trim or just a kinda clear coat ? Always wondered , milkyness suggest moisture ingress this I believe its thr fact it's a  plastic coatinf that doesn't adhear to the edges correctly and over washing moisture get in  which works it's devilish charms and would cause it to lift under hot sun light as evaporation happena and then the damage is done  the milkyness you see if the residue from cleaning products  and water salts/minerals stuck to the underneath the coating .....or I am just taking absolute nonsense and need to be told to sit in a corner .....

Edited 10 July, 20196 yr by Zenbasses

I had been told, this milkyness are due to porous varnish and limestone going though it, if the car is not washed and rinsed with distilled water.

True or Flase, I can't say... 🙁🤔

Just had half an hour playing with mine.

 

Tried in this order :

 

Meguirs clay bar and autoglyn quick detailer as lube - No effect

Autoglyn resin polish - No effect

T-Cut for metallic - No effect

Solvol autosol - No effect

 

Was reaching for the orbital grinder but was shouted in for dinner 🙂

6 hours ago, Bap33 said:

I had been told, this milkyness are due to porous varnish and limestone going though it, if the car is not washed and rinsed with distilled water.

True or Flase, I can't say... 🙁🤔

 

Damn it !! Must have happened on the one occasion I used standard tap water !!!

If it has gone thru the varnish, it may be hard to remove. Di you try white alcohol vinegar? Not sure, it will work, but usually it's very efficient against limestone deposit! ;)

9 minutes ago, Bap33 said:

If it has gone thru the varnish, it may be hard to remove. Di you try white alcohol vinegar? Not sure, it will work, but usually it's very efficient against limestone deposit!

 

I don't have any but to be honest i'm not that bothered. You can only really notice if you look carefully and I've lived with it for nearly 4 years 🙂