[murdy]

Does anybody have any thoughts on the quality of the F Sport wheels that have the black painted spokes? They look to be manufactured by the same company that makes similar wheels for other auto companies. Take a look at these pictures of my Kia Sportage wheels. They look identical to the NX wheels and have started to seriously corrode.

 

[TheLex]

I wasn't able to find anything about the rim suppliers for both Kia and Lexus so I'm not sure if corrosion will be an issue with the stock tires. Maybe check to see if the wheels are covered by the corrosion warranty?

 

[mister]

OK they look similar, sure. But have we seen this type of corrosion on the Lexus wheels yet? I'm not willing to get worried or upset until we see that the issue actually exists.

 

[iride4u]

My original RX400h had factory chrome wheels that started leaking because the chrome separated from the wheel. Lexus replaced them under warranty and required that the tires only be filled with nitrogen. I was told that moisture was causing the problem.
Looking the pictures it looks like the wheels are suffering from salt or mag chloride. The best way to prevent this type of problem is to wash the vehicle as soon as possible after a snow storm.
I would guess that the wheels in question did not have a good protective coating or it was damaged.

 

[mister]

If you live in a place where they salt the roads a lot (like I do in Toronto) then there can be quite a bit of damage to the car if you don't put on protector or wash it regularly.

 

[TheLex]

If salt corrosion was the cause then washing your car once per week in the winter time should prevent it. If you have a heated garage maybe a quick hosing will help too.

 

[David]

I know that OptiCoat is a protector for paint that acts as a clear coat, something i've hear people also using on wheels. While your wheels are still good, it's a product you may want to consider using.

 

[Kennedy]

I know that OptiCoat is a protector for paint that acts as a clear coat, something i've hear people also using on wheels. While your wheels are still good, it's a product you may want to consider using.

Didn't realize people were also putting these on wheels... results are impressive:

 

[TheLex]

I think the wheel just turned a shade lighter after the wash. How well does OptiCoat protect cars against salt corrosion?

 

[Kennedy]

I think the wheel just turned a shade lighter after the wash. How well does OptiCoat protect cars against salt corrosion?

It'll protect anywhere it can be applied. Just not sure if there's special care needed due to the things that salt can do. Either way you're still ahead of most and it buys you more time to wash your vehicle. And ultimately washing your vehicle is the best way to prevent salt from damaging your vehicle.