Exterior Window Moulding Problem

[Nate1]

I have a problem with my 2003 Taurus. I have noticed strange blotches and spots on the mouldings around the outside of my windows. I have not treated them with any chemicals. I just wash the car an a regular basis. Its still under warranty, so I took it to my local dealership to have them look at it. First they said they would replace them. Then a day later I was told that the manager said they could not replace them because Ford does not cover mildew. The service guy who originally helped me said that it was probably due to acid rain. I am very frustrated because they are now refusing to help me.

Has anyone had a similar problem? I have owned many vehicles and have never had this problem with exterior rubber mouldings. Most vehicles' mouldings don't have a problem with acid rain or mildew. Is there any kind of chemical that would safely clean these mouldings up?

[shorod]

Welcome to the forum.

Do you believe the blotches are caused by mildew? Are you able to post photos of the mouldings for us to see? I've seen hard water cause waterspots on the rubber mouldings, so I could understand acid rain discoloring them too.

Unfortunately I'm not sure what to tell you to try on them. I've had good luck with Mother's Back-to-Black to clean similar trim, but I'm not sure it would remove milder.

-Rod

[Nate1]

I will take some pictures this evening and post them as soon as possible.

I have a hard time believing that acid rain would do this. If it does cause this, a lot of people would be having similar problems. I'm just frustrated because I take good care of my car, wash it regularly, and keep it in the garage every night. I don't get it. The dealership really frustrated me because they won't give me a good explination of what caused it and why they won't fix it.