Cracking lacquer/paint on alloy

[Peteb1951]

I usually have my car cleaned so I never get up close but yesterday I cleaned it myself as I wanted to apply wheel wax. I was shocked to find these cracks in the wheels finish. As you can see it's not been subjected to kerbing or damage and so far it's only one wheel. Has anyone else come across this?

[Magnet]

Hello Peter,

Are you sure what you are seeing are indeed cracks in the lacquer, as opposed to stains?

From what you tell us, it wouldn’t surprise me if they are lacquer cracks though. 
‘I usually have my car cleaned…’ That statement maybe all the explanatory evidence that is needed. Do you mean at a local car wash facility where they have jet washers and spray-on chemicals. 
If so, they will be spraying your wheels with acid, prior to blasting water at high pressure onto your lacquer. Outcome ? what you are experiencing. 
If this is the cleaning regime you normally follow, the next issue you will have is that the lacquer on the vehicle starts to get milky patches. 
All of this is akin to sticking you in the shower, spraying you with acid, then turning the shower pressure to maximum. Yes, you will come out clean - but good for you? Do not try this at home! (In caps). 
Apologies if all the above is wrong Peter. 
Perhaps you would be kind enough to let us know. 
Kind regards,

Gareth. 

[cliffcoggin]

Peter.

What I see in the pictures are places where the lacquer has peeled off, not cracks. Are the wheels the original factory fitted set or have you changed them?

[Magnet]

Any answers or comments for us Peter? 

[Peteb1951]

The cracking is only on one wheel. It's definitely cracking as you can feel the raised edge with your fingernail. They're the OE alloys.

Audi are of the opinion that the wheel in question could have been poorly  refurbished.

[Magnet]

Thanks Peter,

Feeling a raised edge with your nail, really isn’t proof that the paint has cracked. Equally a local layer of lacquer has been removed - as Cliff suggests. 
Normal car washing regime Peter? 
Kind regards,

Gareth. 

[Magnet]

Any update for us yet Peter? 

[Peteb1951]

My Audi dealer thinks the wheel was refurbished prior to my ownership. They have no record of it been done by them.

A local alloy wheel specialist has advised the cracking is probably a result of poor preparation prior to the paint/ laquer application. I'll have get the wheel refurbished properly. 

 

[cliffcoggin]

Check the fifth wheel, if you have one. If it is in good condition it may have been swapped with the poor quality spare after a puncture.

[Peteb1951]

The UK 9.5 doesn't come either a spare,it doesn't even have a jack☹️