What is wrong with these alloys and how to to fix?

[OpenToSuggestions]

Hey all,

First of all, I know very little about alloy wheels.

The parent's car is a 2007 Focus and the wheels looks like this:
(Not my wheels, just ones nabbed from Google)

They are considering getting them refurbished, as what looks like 'white rust' is under the paint. The centre caps would need replacing. Despite looking a real mess none of the wheels or caps have been kerbed in any way.

Just looking for advice on how to sort them.
Thanks .

 

[CocoPops]

Commonly known as white worm.

Nothing a decent refurb can't fix.

Basically, a stone chips the lacquer and water gets in and starts corroding. It's only surface deep, not structural.

 

[OpenToSuggestions]

Commonly known as white worm.

Nothing a decent refurb can't fix.

Basically, a stone chips the lacquer and water gets in and starts corroding. It's only surface deep, not structural.

Thanks for the quick reply .
Would the refurbished ones be just as vulnerable?
All four wheels have the same issue and look such a mess. The car has done about 76,000 miles though despite being a fairly young car.

 

[Conanius]

As above, absolutely chronic problem on 2002-2004 s2000's, a refurb is all that is needed.

 

[teaboy5]

It won't happen again depending on the finish.

If it's get a lacquered finish it will happen again, but if it hasn't got a lacquered finish it will be fine.

All ford wheels do this as they do a lacquered finish to get the wheels that shiny look.

 

[rustynuts]

Had this happen on an old set of wheels i had, found a place that referbed them and they was good as new. Has them for 2 years before selling them on, they was still like new when i sold them. If the place does a good job and you take care not to curb them they will last a life time.