This morning I drove from Brooklyn to NJ. When I arrived home, I looked at my passenger side rear wheel and noticed all of these black spots. They are only on this rim and not on any of the other rims or the car. I tried cleaning it off with wheel cleaner and it did not come off. I looks like it's paint or ink. I also tried to rub it with my finger nail and it doesn't have any noticable edges (like tar). My question: WTF is this ? Did someone vandalize my rim last night?

 

The pictures aren't very clear. But have you tried claying the wheels to see if that works. I think that could be something you picked up from the road. Were you driving through any areas with construction?

 

Well I drove down Canal Street to the Holland Tunnel and then route 1 and 9. It was raining this morning and yes they are doing road construction on route 1 and 9. (good point).
Thanks for the reply.

 

Looks like tar or road oil.

You will either need to clay, or use some polish to remove the marks. I would not be surprised if it's on the lowers of the car also.

 

Yes, I think its Road Oil...I already tried wheel cleaner and tar removal....didn't work....I'm going to try polish....it looks like its in the alloy finish of the wheel and not on the surface of the wheel....

 

Try some 3M Adhesive Remover or Goo Gone.

If that doesn't work I don't know what will.....

Josh

 

Thanks for the suggestions. I tried goo gone and also had 2 body shops look at the wheel. The black marks basically ate through the clear coat and stained the wheels. My body shop guy says it looks like brake fluid ate through the finish. After he said that I remembered that I had the car at the dealer two weeks ago and had the rear brakes done and aligned. I'm now trying to get them to refinish the wheel.

 

wd-40

 

If the car is leaking brake fluid, and is still under warranty, they should cover the wheels under residual damage.


John