On my 03 Titanium Edition SE, there are small white markings on the rims perpendicular to a small red dot on the tires. The markings are on all four rims, and appear to be either paint or wax. Anybody know a) what the white markings are made of, b) what they are for, and c) how to remove it without scratching up the rim? Service guys at the local dealer didn't know, and said they had never noticed it before.

 

These are likely balancing marks. In theory you could remove the tire and then put it on again and as long as the marks line up the wheel should still be balanced. In theory at least.

I had this done when I had my valve stem replaced on my civic. They marked the tire and rim before they pulled the tire so they could replace it without having to rebalance the wheel. Worked pretty good but then again the cars over ten years old ...

Of course I could be completely wrong.

Oh, as for removing them. I don't have a clue.

 

I also believe they are balancing marks. I had little white paint spots on my rims. I took a sharp knife and just carefully got in under the paint and it chipped it right off with no scratches on the rim.

 

Get the dealer to remove it, obviously the car wasn't fully prepped before you took posession. That way if someone does screw up and scratches your wheel, you aren't to blame!

 

I was able to get mine off with a fingernail

 

Yup that will do it. I took all of mine off with the fingernail