What I initially thought was a spoke failure turned out to be a nipple failure. The nipple was corroded so badly that the head separated from the shaft of the nipple. Upon further inspection, another 18 nipples on the same wheel had significant corrosion and were doomed. All of the corrosion was below the rim tape and not visible on the hub side of the rim. The wheels were replaced under warrantee. My question is how to proceed from here.

It turns out that the nipples are made of aluminum, and not anodized. I'd prefer not to deal with more nipples failing so my inquiry is about prevention. In particular, I'm wondering what product to use and how to apply it to protect the nipples from corroding.

So far I've been told to use chain lube on the nipples at the tire side and the hub side of the nipples. I've also been told to use a penetrating oil followed by spoke freeze. I'm wondering what you all think.

Thanks for any help.