I purchased a set of brand new Sevas S22s back in June or so of 2007. I wash my car probably 2-3 times a month. I noticed over time that little pits were forming, and that the chrome on the inside of the spokes almost seems to be fading. Is this typical after only 1/2 a year? Has anyone had similiar problems, and if so, did the manufacturer warranty the wheels? I have not used ANY chemicals on these wheels... soap and water only. I will be contacting Sevas this week. Take a look at the pics. Any advice is appreciated. Also, I live in Florida so these wheels have never seen road salt. Thank you

 

From the Sevas website:
WHEEL MAINTENANCE AND CARE

WARNING! All warrant claims will be voided if improper maintenance or improper cleaning agents are used. Your new wheels do require care to maintain their factory appearance.

Road tar, salt and grime can trap moisture that can cause corrosion over a period of time if the wheels are not cleaned on a regular basis.

Brake dust, caused by the friction of your car’s braking system, is corrosive and can cause pitting of the wheel finish. To avoid marring of your wheels, any soils deposited on your wheels must be removed regularly- weekly is recommended- depending on your driving habits.

Under normal driving conditions, heat is absorbed by the wheels from the braking system. After driving, always allow your wheels to cool down before spraying water on them. This avoids two serious hazards to your wheels’ finish: 1) Rapid cooling and contraction of the wheel degrades the adhesion of the surface finish and 2) Evaporation occurs much more quickly from a warm or hot wheel, leaving hard water deposits that can mar the wheel’s finish. Never allow water spots to dry on your wheels- always towel them dry.

Use a soft non-abrasive cloth, NEVER scouring pads or steel wool to clean your wheels.

We recommend that you clean your wheels with a mild dishwashing soap and water. There are commercially available wheel cleaners, but we urge extreme caution regarding their use, since they tend to be acid or lye based.

If you use automatic car washers, ask the caretakers not use to steam cleaners or strong chemicals to clean your wheels. WARNING! These types of cleaners and chemicals can cause permanent staining or corrosion.

WARNING! Use of steel wool, bristle brush, abrasive materials, strong chemicals, scouring pads, steam cleaner, or any other similar type of products will VOID the manufactures warranty.

 

thats from break dust. really nothing you can do about it unless you clean em every other day. thats why i dont buy chrome anymore it happened to all my wheels

 

You have to clean them every time you wash your car and just soap and water will not do the trick. I use wax once they get really bad and ammonia free windex (foam) in between.

 

That suck I feel your pain

 

I clean them everytime I wash my car. These are pits, so wax will not remove them. I cannot scratch them off with my fingernail. Just suprised that they are this bad after only 6 months

 

I assume the other poster talking about waxing when the wheel is still new. Wax the surface just like you would car paint. This will provide a protective barrier to slow the corrosion. Put a new layer of wax on every few weeks to keep that protective layer on.

As for the damaged wheel. If sevas won't warranty it...I believe most wheel places charge around $250-300 to rechrome a wheel. You might be able to find it cheaper if you shop around.

 

The pits are actually on all 4 wheels . Thanks for the advice. It would be nice if Sevas hooked me up with 4 new wheels, but I don't see it happening.

 

wow that sucks...sevas won't warranty that... no chrome rims for me.

 

Yeah chrome is a mission,after it bubbles it will soon brake of and you will see the actual rim color but just hope the chrome doesn't break off into the tire or you can start loosing are out of there from the tire.My recommendation sell them while you can or you are going to have to redip them in chrome.

 

^^ I'd have to agree, either sell them asap. Or have them repainted in chrome.

But no its not typical...