How can I remove writing on my rims?

[Merrigan]

When I bought my Focus on Friday I noticed there was some lettering on the rims. Actually I noticed it on the test drive a week before. But that's not the point. The point of the matter is, today I washed my Focus with a lot of due care and attention and the writing stayed. Even with my wash liquid, hot water, an specific rim cleaner the writing stayed strong. The issue is this lettering bugs the hell out of me. I want my car to be clean, black, and shiny. The lettering just throws it off to me. My girlfriend says no one will ever notice, but I do every time.

So my question is. Can anyone out there in the Focus community help a new Focus owner out?

Here are some pics!

Left center spoke:


Notice the 9170:

[duc450]

I wouldn't use any traditional solvent on it at all. You could try taking some water proofer or silicone spray and spray it heavy on a towel then lightly rub the area and see if it will remove the writing.

[billand]

I would use some paint thinner if a degreeser wont work then wash the wheel and put wax on the wheel for protection

[Now534]

Use your fingers and rub over it that is how i removed mine.

[02fordsvt]

Take it back to the dealer and see if they can remove it on warranty. That writing should not be on a new car that has left the lot and they probably have the correct stuff to remove it. Plus, if the wheel is damaged in process, it will be the dealer to blame, not you (translation: any further damage will hopefully be covered by the dealer or Ford).

[RonMaiden]

It's just a grease pen which is easily removed with your finger or a soft cloth and nothing to fret about and definetly no need to take it to the dealership which would be a waste of your time and their's.

[jdetzel]

It does look like a grease pen. It would bug me as well.
I would try some brand of orange citrus cleaner or there is another product called "Goo Gone". Be sure to read the instructions about paint damage before and rub lightly.
I agree with 02fordsvt, really the dealer is not a bad idea if it is not too much trouble. If they mess it up they are responsible for it.

[Now534]

Free way..... just rub it off..

Sent from my SCH-I535 using FF Mobile

[Merrigan]

I've tried rubbing. I also tried a dry cloth, and even my wash mit while I was cleaning. No luck so far. I have a can of Citrol degreaser, and some industrial solvent spray in my work truck. Other than that maybe some spray 9 will work.

[peridigm]

Try goo gone. I had the same lettering on my wheels but it came right off with soap and water. I may have used my finger nail a bit too.