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Cupra & VZ lettering corroding

slapheed

Active Member
Jun 25, 2022
33
7
The lettering on the back of of my VZ3 has started to discolour in places and looks to have corrosion spots. Has anyone else had issues like this?
 

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BigJase88

Jase
Apr 20, 2008
3,765
1,074
Do you take your car to car washes where you drive along and they pressure wash it by any chance
 

SRGTD

Active Member
May 26, 2014
2,613
1,461
It looks like some sort of reaction to a cleaning washing product that’s been used. Do you wash your car yourself or entrust it to one of the many £xx’s hand wash type places? If the latter, be aware they often use very harsh cleaning products to remove dirt quickly, as that means greater throughput of customer cars which means more income for them. If you wash your car yourself, then check the cleaning products you use to ensure they’re ph neutral.

You could try a polishing compound to see if that’ll remove the marks. If it is a reaction between the badge material and a cleaning product that can’t be rectified by gentle polishing, the a replacement badge would be the solution.

If you do need a new badge and fit it yourself, be sure to measure the position of the existing badge before removing it so the new badge can be attached in the same place.
 

BigJase88

Jase
Apr 20, 2008
3,765
1,074
Some cars are okay at those car washing places some aren't.

The gloss black trims on my car were corroded on one side [anodized black]. I can only assume the previous owner took it to one of those said places and the sun was beating down on that side of the car that day.

Avoid these places at all costs unless you driving an old dinger
 

SRGTD

Active Member
May 26, 2014
2,613
1,461
Avoid these places at all costs unless you driving an old dinger

100% agree. The only person who cleans my car is me.

I also always decline the offer of the complementary service wash at the dealers when my car go back for servicing or warranty work, as I don’t want my car’s paintwork to be given a free ‘scratch and swirl’ treatment.
 

slapheed

Active Member
Jun 25, 2022
33
7
I use a professional detailer to clean my car when I cant be bothered to do it. Otherwise I do it myself. Never would I take my car to a normal car wash. My paint is matte anyway so most wouldn't want to touch it. Only PH neutral products are used by both parties. I wondered whether it might have been caused by salt from the road?
 
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BigJase88

Jase
Apr 20, 2008
3,765
1,074
I use a professional detailer to clean my car when I cant be bothered to do it. Otherwise I do it myself. Never would I take my car to a normal car wash. My paint is matte anyway so most wouldn't want to touch it. Only PH neutral products are used by both parties. I wondered whether it might have been caused by salt from the road?
Salt mixed with rain this time of year or maybe even a spell of acid rain

Unless you are seeing what said "detailer" is actually putting in the wash then how can you possibly say. He could even be using TFR without you knowing to make his life a bit easier
 

slapheed

Active Member
Jun 25, 2022
33
7
Salt mixed with rain this time of year or maybe even a spell of acid rain

Unless you are seeing what said "detailer" is actually putting in the wash then how can you possibly say. He could even be using TFR without you knowing to make his life a bit easier
I think that's a bit cynical. Wrecking peoples paintwork is not good for business.
 

BigJase88

Jase
Apr 20, 2008
3,765
1,074
I think that's a bit cynical. Wrecking peoples paintwork is not good for business.
Just adopting a questioning attitude.

Unless you do something yourself how can you ever be 100% certain.

Something has corroded it. You will never get to the root cause.

You asked what happened to it just giving you possible theories. You can choose whatever scenario you would like to believe or whatever sounds the most plausible. Thats your call
 

EdwinV

Active Member
Feb 7, 2022
34
12
Do all characters have the same problem? Are they all turning black from left to right?
Looks like some sort of reaction with the copper paint. Or maybe with the primer?

My letters are already black.... haven't noticed any change in colour or strange spots after washing it several times. I only wash it by hand with a special matt shampoo. I also use a pre-wash shampoo.

1676302370656.png
 
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slapheed

Active Member
Jun 25, 2022
33
7
Do all characters have the same problem? Are they all turning black from left to right?
Looks like some sort of reaction with the copper paint. Or maybe with the primer?

My letters are already black.... haven't noticed any change in colour or strange spots after washing it several times. I only wash it by hand with a special matt shampoo. I also use a pre-wash shampoo.

View attachment 35551
yeah all the letters are going the same way. I'm gonna take it in to them to have a look.
 

SRGTD

Active Member
May 26, 2014
2,613
1,461
yeah all the letters are going the same way. I'm gonna take it in to them to have a look.
Don’t be surprised if the dealer says the damage has been caused by an ‘external influence’ rather than a manufacturing defect. If they do, then replacing the letters won’t be covered under warranty. There’s an outside chance the dealer may replace them at their expense as a goodwill gesture, but if I were you, I wouldn‘t hold my breath waiting.

Please update this thread once you’ve got a response from the dealer.
 

slapheed

Active Member
Jun 25, 2022
33
7
I took it to a dealership (not where I bought it as they have since closed) initially he said, it was caused by chemicals. When I pointed out that the VZ letters was clear and the marks were only on the CUPRA letters, he stopped talking. He said he would make some enquiries and get back to me. That was Thursday. Will chase tomorrow. Not gonna hold my breath tho
 
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slapheed

Active Member
Jun 25, 2022
33
7
I finally received a reply from the dealer. Apparently they lost my details..... 🧐 Anyway, they have agreed to replace the letters under warranty 👍
 
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