$$$frumnuttin'

I have the extended warranty, but am not sure if the factory wheels are covered by it. Anyone know, or have had success getting the wheels replaced out of factory warranty?

rmorin1249

Unfortunately I think you are screwed. This will likely be considered "normal wear and tear". Sad to say.

dork

I bought my z51 used. I had all four of mine replaced with OEMs at no charge by the local dealer with about 2 weeks left on the warranty. The dealer told me that they wouldn't honor another claim against the wheels since I was sooo picky about the blemishes (and I was--I would have drop-kicked me out the door if I was the Service Manager--but as a customer, I wanted the four wheels to start "brand new". I didn't even have to argue for the more "superficial" exchanges. ). I dunno why they were adamant about that with less than 30 days left on my OEM warranty. So maybe there's 'room' to argue as a drivetrain component(?).

If you don't have a GMEPP bumper-to-bumper extended warranty, maybe it'd be worth your time to see if buying one for a minimal amount of time would be cost effective vs. just paying for new wheels. The benefit is that of course, you'd still have a b-to-b warranty after the wheels were replaced.

lennykoll

I did the same thing but they had to order a total of 8 wheels before they got four in hand that were without problems! That was 2-3 months ago....

I just discovered that one of the "new OEM" wheels also has bubbles forming, and I am just out of the 36 month B to B warranty.... have GMEPP (which probably would NOT cover the problem) but went by my dealer yesterday and they agreed to replace the defective wheel..... on order. Geez..... quality just isn't what it used to be huh!? The ones that GM sent were all either Taiwan or Mainland China plated, according to markings on the boxes.... guess they gave up on US plating!!??...LK

Walt White Coupe

One practical reason why I'd never buy another chrome wheel. Polished aluminum -yes.

$$$frumnuttin'

the wheels came on the car when I bought it new off the lot...I had no choice at the time, many of us have to take what we get when avoiding the 'ordering nightmare'.

Avanti

Simple, find out what YOUR extended warranty does and doesn't cover. Then, you'll KNOW, not simply have opinions. Best of luck.

$$$frumnuttin'

...much simpler to just ask...that's what this forum is about....also, if claim is rejected I want to know about it...that kind of info can only come from anecdotal accounts

Mike Campbell

Actually it all depends on the dealer. Some won't give you a hard time and some will. I doubt that anyone on this forum really knows. All I can say is good luck. BTW with every Vette I've owned I've always done the wheel exchange and the reason is, the chrome plating is better than the factory's plus I saved $1000.00 but I ordered all of my cars.

madrob2020

Avanti is simply saying this is like guys who come on here asking "how much will ins. on my Z06, GS, etc. cost? Way too many variables such as age, locations, company, etc. Your plan coverage depends on what tier of coverage you bought. He's right, every extended warranty I've had or read has a list "what's not covered". Much quicker to peruse your particular policy. You will get plenty of opinions here but not necessarily what your policy/dealer will cover. The proof is in trying to get it covered.The company may or may not cover it but the dealer may out of customer appreciation. Not all warranties are from GM or their affiliates, some are totally 3rd party. Good luck tho!

Soonere39

I had some nice 22" Chrome wheels on my Avalanche. Turns out Chrome was the biggest PITA to keep in good shape and keep it from pitting. I wiped them off constantly, especially after a rain, but they were quickly pittinng. In the winter I even plasti dipped them to protect them from road grime. I will never buy chrome again, but I would consider polished aluminum.

Soonere39

Due to EPA regulation, most of the chrome shops in the US have closed up. There are very few left. Most chrome, especially chrome used by major auto and motorcycle manufacturers, is done in China and other parts of SE Asia.
Harly owners in particular have a tuff time accepting that a lot of their 'all american' bike has chinese chrome parts.

I can remember in the early 1990s when we had a Chrome shop in OKC and I toured it, but at that time they were facing regulatons they could not meet and planned on closing.

LT1 Z51

It's why most "chrome wheels" are now actually PVD. I think all Ford "chrome wheels" are PVD, most of GM's are, the Corvette is one of the few left with real Chrome.

Protecting Chrome that isn't driven in the winter is easy though. You just gotta polish it, then seal it with a "clear coat" ceramic type coating. My wheels are OptiCoat Pro Plus'd and they look great after 2 years.

alamo1974

have a 2016 with 8,000 miles - no problems yet.

AORoads

Very true, a lot of variables incl. the dealers themselves, and what they will and will not do especially if it's up to their discretion.

Absolutely correct! Again, variables but what is in the policy/warranty is very very clear as to what will not be honored. Anything else is "good will" or pure conjecture, and is above and beyond what is written. Someone may get it, but you and anyone else may not.

mschuyler

So it's much simpler to ask a group of people who have no idea what your extended warranty covers or doesn't cover than to actually read your warranty? Would you rather have a simple answer or an accurate one? The fact is all warranties are not the same and you've given us ZERO information about yours other than it exists. Anecdotal answers are by nature confined to a single person's experience with THEIR warranty and have nothing to do with what your warranty covers.

bearphoto

My C6 Z06 which was a 2009 also had pitting in the chrome wheels. After that I said no more chrome. Its black wheels all the way which may also pit from debris but it will be harder to see. Besides chrome is for the old fogies (LOL).

Maxie2U

“bright metal chrome” is listed on the GMEPP exclusion list. So unfortunately it’s not covered under the extended warranty but as others said earlier your dealer may be flexible. Give it a shot.

Vetteman Jack

See what your policy says and try to work with your selling dealer. I hope it works out for you.

$$$frumnuttin'

I have the forum's Fitchner policy, just a certificate to show the dealer when I have service done. No other documents.