Wheels Covered With Plastic Film From Factory?

[mraub1]

I gave my '16 GT its first good cleaning yesterday. It looked like one of the wheels had a clear plastic film on it, which is starting to peel away. Is that the case and, if so, should I remove it? My car got a very cursory pre-delivery prep. I checked the tire pressure and all tires were 10+ pounds overinflated, which I understand is how they ship them from the factory, to avoid flat spotting during the ocean transit.

While I wouldn't mind having the wheels covered with Xpel, I doubt this covering is that tough.

Thanks.

 

[yrwei52]

We special ordered our CX-5 and picked it up right off the truck. I saw all the white plastic film protection been tore off from body panels. But I didn't see any clear plastic film protecting the wheels. Are you sure that is not the clear coat been peeling off? It only happens on one of your four wheels, is it possible the defect on clear coat of this particular wheel?

Our tire pressures were 32~36 psi when cold after delivery. I was sure dealer didn't do anything during the new car prep. I pumped up to 38 psi all around.

 

[GP 2004]

That is the clearcoat. If it is peeling you should report it to the dealer.

 

[Sekmor]

I guess it could be clearcoat, but they all come with plastic covered wheels. Ours still had tidbits around the edge where the rubber meets the rims. It's sort of a pain to clean/pull off.

 

[mraub1]

That's exactly where I saw what looked like plastic film. It really does not look like peeling clear coat. Based on past experience removing plastic film like this, it will be a PITA to remove.

I guess it could be clearcoat, but they all come with plastic covered wheels. Ours still had tidbits around the edge where the rubber meets the rims. It's sort of a pain to clean/pull off.

 

[GP 2004]

I looked at another Mazda and I did see what you are talking about. I agree that is probably the left over bits of plastic film that covered the wheels during shipping. As far as being a PITA to remove, you could just leave it alone for the summer and let it weather a bit. By fall it should be much easier to remove after the elements ( sunlight and dirt and detergent ) degrade the plastic.