Rusting?

[millster]

OK, here's a new one. At least, I haven't seen it so far.I went to wash my Vibe today, nothing out of the ordinary, just a little hose down to get rid of the dust and mud (construction on local streets). When I got to the front end, I noticed something looked weird. The little rubber (or whatever) strip between the cladding and the metal fender is a dull orange, and rusty looking. I tried to wash it, but to no avail. It's still orange and looks horrid!!!So my question is, does anyone else have this affliction and what do you suppose I should do about it? It's only on the front end, the back appeared to be fine. I'm not sure if it's the body of my car rusting and doing this or if the rubber is rotting, but either way, it looks dreadful on a 1 year old car. As usual, any help or advice is appreciated.

[millster]

Well, so I titled the post wrong. It appears that this rubber strip is indeed sun-rotted, orange in hue, and quite cracked. I'd really like to know if anyone else has noticed this on their car. I assume this wouldn't be an issue on the monotones since it's probably painted.

[pmh013]

I read your post last night & it definitely got me thinking. So, I just went out to take pictures of mine. No sign of sun-rot (thank goodness for me!). I'm gonna put this one in the "not normal wear & tear" column, & suggest that you demand compensation.For comparison, here's my car. That's the edge of my front end cover on the left, and the yellow-ish square on the right is the reflection of a sign. It's really bright & sunny out, so my car is kinda off in colour ... the sky is reflecting too!

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[millster]

Yes, that's kind of what I was thinking. Doesn't seem like something I should be seeing already. Thanks for the photo, it's definitely better than what mine looks like. I'll get a shot of mine soon and post it so you can see what I'm talking about. Ughh, another battle with the dealership...

[pmh013]

I feel for ya... I still haven't gotten the shifter-lock cap because I just dread talking to any dealership. I did ask once for it to be ordered in, but was kinda ignored (or it came in, & nobody knows who it belongs to). Blah!!! You'd think that the dealerships could make this easier. I know that in my line of work, we bend over backwards for our customers, because word of mouth is the best advertising.

[millster]

Well, I'm hoping that this time they won't give me a hard time. Last time might have been a fluke. That and they did resolve it fairly quick. My major concern here is why I have this problem and it seems nobody else does. What have I done differently? My car is not garaged, so maybe that has a lot to do with it, but that doesn't explain why it's only the front fenders. The back is still fine.

[millster]

It looks like the seal is rotting. In the spots where it's discolored, it's cracked and hardened.

[Sub-Vibe-R]

quote:I assume this wouldn't be an issue on the monotones since it's probably painted. Nope, this rubber is not painted on a monotone Vibe.

[millster]

quote:Hmm. UV Rays? Wonder if Mothers Back to Black would help keep it conditioned...Only thing I can think of, just like sun-rot on a tire. I would imagine that would keep it conditioned, but I'm thinking it's already too late for mine. I'll try to get photos so you can see what it looks like.

[millster]

I'm guessing it would have to come off. I think I'll leave that one to the dealer.

[millster]

Hopefully it's warranty. I guess we'll see. Yes, it's a two-tone.