I had to avoid a motorcyclist trying to back up as I was turning a corner. Net result was that the back wheel scraped the curb and now is a bit scratched up on the edge and one of the "spokes". Is there anything I could do to clean it up and keep it in good shape or would I be better off leaving it as is? If I sanded it down smooth, would I need to paint and coat it too? The car is a 2005 Mazda 3 5-door, standard 17" wheel.

Thanks.
-Bruno

 

This may be a little unorthodox? here in the UK we have had some problems with mazda3 alloys (wheels) there has been some visable corosion on the centre of the alloy around the mazda logo. Took my maz to the dealer and the dealer ordered a fresh set? under warranty, that's how i got rid of my kerbside scuff?

As for removing scuffs and scratches there are people who can remove them, try some fine glass paper or fine wet'n'dry paper and then polish it out?

 

my wheels has some rust residue on it as well (on the edge of the logo). i brought it back to my dealership and they said it's just some build up from the seal, so they took my wheels out and clean them. well i intially think that it's corrosion from sitting at the lot since i got my car end of april. should i fight to get a new set of rims?

 

yes, take it back to your dealer, where are you in the world, if you are in the UK then mazda UK know of this problem.

 

......sorry just seen your info and you are in San Francisco... explain that you have been on a web forum and mazda UK are aware and replacing sets of alloys under warranty.

 

what would be causing this problem? i can bring my car to any mazda dealership. do you have a picture of how yours look? i can maybe go out there and take a picture and i'll show it to you. what else should i say?

 

No idea what causes the problem, maybee something with the manufacturing process, maybee a reaction to the adhesive on the mazda logo in the centre of the wheel.

I don't have any photo's of my corrosion problem, http://www.mazda3forums.co.uk/index.php?topic=241.0is a link to a UK forum, there is some info on there and some photo's.

You could just email a UK dealer and say you have a uk mazda3 with corrosion on the wheels, see what they say.

Mike

 

thanks for the fast respond, I will get on that since my car is still under warranty. so is your car stock? or you gave a little mods here and there?

 

I was looking on the pictures from the link taht you post and it doesn't look like mine. i wll take some pics of mine.. i dink it's early stages of rust build up that can lead into something major later on.

 

my car is stock it's a mazda3 1.4 ts : Have a good look around the UK mazda forum there are lots of things that are dfferent between the North American & European mazda3, our engine sizes are the main difference although the interior is virtualy identical, i found some info adout TSB's on one American forum relating to worldwide safety reports, so try them out, if youre stuck come back and post a message or send am email to mikehorne@dsl.pipex.com

Mike