My fault or Fiats?

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My fault or Fiats?

Jamito

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Apr 30, 2014
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Hi Everyone,


Sorry for the dramatics, but I'm really annoyed! I've noticed over the last 2-3 weeks that my alloys are wearing and changing colour, and now parts are turning black. I bought my Punto Twinair new a year and a half ago. I'm extremely careful when driving it and it's washed twice a month.


The pictures are of the rear off side alloy, though the other three are similar. Not as bad; but getting there. The second close up is of the marks on every part of the other alloys. It's a dis-colouration, there is no textural difference when you run your finger over it. The large black bits do feel like there is water underneath, which is covered by a thin layer.


Any idea how this could happen? I've never hit a curb and it's my pride and joy so I look after it. I was going to go straight to the dealer and demand new alloys, but thought I better check here first just in case it's something I don't know.


Thanks for your help,
Jamito


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As long as you've not been using any acidic wheel cleaners I think you'll have a pretty good case with Fiat tbh, poorly laid lacquer IMO.

I avoid anything like that, elbow grease is often enough to get most stuff off! I'll see if anyone else has an input, but if not I'll head to Fiat tomorrow.


Thanks for your help!
 
i wouldnt go all guns firing into fiat because that does indeed look like acid attack self inflicted
see what they say
 
That's corrosion you have on your alloys. Water has got under the clear coat some how and because it's trapped is rotting the wheel. Do something about it soon other wise is will spread and the whole when will look like that and the paint will eventually peel. This is a very common problem with these type of alloys.

One question, is there an edge where the diamond cut surface meets the black part of the alloy. My reason for asking is that the wheel could have been painted in two stages from the factory. If there is an edge that would explain why the corrosion is always starting where the diamond cut spokes meet the black part of the wheel.

One word of warning, if you do proceed to prove Fiat are to blame but you proven wrong you could end up with you alloys being ruined. I've heard of them being taken away and cut in half to see what's causing the rot and if it's not their fault they just send them back in pieces!
 
Just a quick update:


Went to my dealer today. They took pictures of all 4 tyres and said in most cases it would be covered under the warranty. Think they will be refurbished rather than replaced.


I'm waiting to hear back from the warranty people.. so I'll keep this thread updated as and when.
 
Just a quick update:


Went to my dealer today. They took pictures of all 4 tyres and said in most cases it would be covered under the warranty. Think they will be refurbished rather than replaced.


I'm waiting to hear back from the warranty people.. so I'll keep this thread updated as and when.



thanks for the decent quality pics..,


thankfully mine don't appear to have anything like that..,
glad you got it sorted..,


charlie
 
If you live near the Midlands or don't mind the drive, Midlands Car Care, who are based in Walsall (just off the M6), offer a fantastic service of paint protection and wheel protection. Very competitive and professional.

http://www.midlandscarcare.co.uk/

Might be worth protecting those lovely alloys now to avoid a repeat performance later.
 
Update for everyone;

Fiat replaced all four alloys under the warranty, didn't even ask about it just changed them after the pictures were sent off. Perhaps this is a common problem!?



I spoke too soon,
mine are now in a similar state,
and my Local FIAT place were far from helpful.., : - (


so It looks like I'll be getting in touch with slough..,
charlie
 
I spoke too soon,
mine are now in a similar state,
and my Local FIAT place were far from helpful.., : - (


so It looks like I'll be getting in touch with slough..,
charlie


Any luck Charlie? I've now seen a few people have the same problem with these alloys.
 
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