Nothing you can apply to complete prevent it. Keeping the wheels waxed/coated so that road grime can't stick may delay the process. Being careful about how you clean the wheels- no abrasives, stiff brushes, etc. - will help protect the coating. Unfortunately, the problem likely starts from the metal side of the coating and works outwards. Any knicks, etc. (a piece of gravel, a careless lug wrench, etc.) are going to allow the process to start. UNLESS... Ford has improved their process or changed suppliers.
The sad truth seems to be that Ford has lost a lot of experienced production engineers or they have "gone cheap" on their production specs. Either way, the long-term durability of their products, at least those the '11-?? Explorer, has decreased. In light of the extended life-span of modern vehicles, perhaps this is an intentional effort to generate future revenue. "Make it last 6 years, long enough for the consumer to think they received a fair amount of use but not so long that it is still on the road in 12 years." Just a guess, obviously.
Question-I have a brand new 2016 Ex Limited with polished alum wheels. Is there anything that can be done/applied to the wheels to help prevent this corrosion from happening?
- or even better don't use any.
^ This ^
Zero reason to use wheel cleaner or anything on clear coated wheels. Zero.
How about the clowns using 1930 style weights to balance tires. Not only are they ugly but they ruin the clear coat everytime.
How about the clowns using 1930 style weights to balance tires. Not only are they ugly but they ruin the clear coat everytime.
stop going to those stores.
I mean if the appearance of your wheels - the things that get dirty anway - is that important to you. then you should watch the people at the tire store like a hawk.
some are well trained - most aren't. also more and more use the stick-on weights today - because it's more often repeat business. (they come off)
I've never lost a stick on but I have lost old clamp ons.
Problem is Ford "engineers" you did not clear coat the inside of the rims. Now corrosion is coming under the clearcoat from the back.