Was washing my car yesterday and i've noticed these black streaks on my rims ... from afar i just assumed it was brake dust + moisture etc ..

when i got in closer to clean them i noticed that the black marks were dirty water that had collected under some type of clear VERY thin layer of something ..

its like the "clear coat" is peeling off or something. under the coating looks fine .. normal color .. i mean the film IS clear and all ..

but i'm curious as to what this is ... i'm sure i could take some type of abrasive nylon brush and scrub the wheels to get the rest of it off and finally get a good cleaning done to the wheels ...but i'm curious as to what this was

i've searched a little and noticed another thread where someone stated that there was some type of paint that the plant uses to balance the wheels and then the dealership is supposed to strip it off or something ?

i'll get pictures tonight or tomorrow and show more ...

heres the whip though


02 approx 88k on the clock ..
pretty much stock 'cept for a berk type intake ...