Chrome Wheels - Polishing Question
03-11-2019, 01:53 PM
#1
Instructor
Thread Starter
Chrome Wheels - Polishing Question
Happy spring in the northeast - I have a base 2008 vert with factory chrome wheels ... and use chrome polish like many of us ... what actually creates the grey splotches on the wheels. I originally thought it was road grime - but wonder if it is some type of corrosion coming through the surface of the chrome. Mine seems to polish off completely - but always returns. Would re-chroming the the wheels stop this ... or I could go black ... :-)
Last edited by gliderdriver; 03-11-2019 at 01:54 PM.
03-11-2019, 02:02 PM
#2
Melting Slicks
Member Since: Mar 2016
Location: the island of misfit toys
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Hopefully just brake dust and road grime.
From another forum, suggestions were to be careful what type of wheel cleaner you use -- some can be very harsh. Also, the chrome plating could be wearing through, if you polish a lot.
Personally, I like Turtle Wax Chrome Polish, but I only use it a few times a year. Usually I clean my chrome wheels with Windex and a soft cloth.
From another forum, suggestions were to be careful what type of wheel cleaner you use -- some can be very harsh. Also, the chrome plating could be wearing through, if you polish a lot.
Personally, I like Turtle Wax Chrome Polish, but I only use it a few times a year. Usually I clean my chrome wheels with Windex and a soft cloth.
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03-11-2019, 02:12 PM
#3
Burning Brakes
Funny you mentioned this today. I was thinking of asking something about this subject as well. My wheels have very faint.... hmmmm... fingers of discoloration in a couple spots. I have washed them thoroughly and used some Chrome wheel cleaner on them. The type you just spray on and then hose off shortly later. Was going to see if my chrome polish I use for the exhaust tips will take it off. Didn't think it could be something coming from underneath and assumed it was on the surface. I guess that may not be the case. It isn't noticeable unless you get real close and only seems to be on one or two of the wheels in one or two sections.
03-11-2019, 02:31 PM
#4
Le Mans Master
Are you sure the wheels are chrome and not polished with a clear coat paint applied over the polished aluminum?
Try paint polish instead of metal polish.
Brake dust can be your enemy...clean the wheel (soap water) before any polishing.
Good luck.
Try paint polish instead of metal polish.
Brake dust can be your enemy...clean the wheel (soap water) before any polishing.
Good luck.
03-11-2019, 03:18 PM
#5
Melting Slicks
Member Since: Mar 2016
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Another tip (that I have not tried myself, so ymmv), is to use wax on the wheels once you have them cleaned.
SPSandman, I had the same issue, and I think I tried five or six different products before discovering the Turtle Wax -- it was the only product that actually worked on those weird spots.
SPSandman, I had the same issue, and I think I tried five or six different products before discovering the Turtle Wax -- it was the only product that actually worked on those weird spots.
03-11-2019, 04:59 PM
#6
Melting Slicks
Whatever you do under no circumstances no matter what..... do not put on black wheels! 
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03-11-2019, 07:31 PM
#7
Melting Slicks
03-11-2019, 09:40 PM
#9
Race Director
There is absolutely no need for chrome polish. Wash and wax or a sealant of your choice. If to in fact have true chrome and not polished wheels and you’ve driven in road salt you could have pitting.
03-11-2019, 09:44 PM
#10
Safety Car
I use Rejex on my polished chrome wheels. I used it on my polished chrome wheels on my 2003 C5. The wheels shine just as bright as the torch red paint. Rejex is great because these is less brake dust on my wheels. I have used Rejex on my vettes since 2003 and it is the absolute best product!
03-11-2019, 10:21 PM
#11
Burning Brakes
Yeah that is what I use on my exhaust tips. Have to try them on the wheels.. Not sure why I haven't tried that already. Well. I do need to get another can. Definitely have to remember to polish them when done!
03-11-2019, 10:35 PM
#13
Race Director
Exhaust tips and wheels aren’t in the same category. Tips have gasses that darken them and constantly need polishing. Chrome wheels of today aren’t the same wheels from 20+ years ago. Properly cleaning wheels every time you wash the vehicle eliminates the need for any polishing. If you have to polish yours they haven’t been cleaned properly.
03-11-2019, 11:01 PM
#14
Burning Brakes
Exhaust tips and wheels aren’t in the same category. Tips have gasses that darken them and constantly need polishing. Chrome wheels of today aren’t the same wheels from 20+ years ago. Properly cleaning wheels every time you wash the vehicle eliminates the need for any polishing. If you have to polish yours they haven’t been cleaned properly.
03-12-2019, 12:21 AM
#15
Le Mans Master
Exhaust tips and wheels aren’t in the same category. Tips have gasses that darken them and constantly need polishing. Chrome wheels of today aren’t the same wheels from 20+ years ago. Properly cleaning wheels every time you wash the vehicle eliminates the need for any polishing. If you have to polish yours they haven’t been cleaned properly.
Edit: I see you have Black rims....No polishing needed.
Last edited by Cherokee Nation; 03-12-2019 at 12:24 AM. Reason: add
03-12-2019, 01:45 AM
#16
Race Director
Do you use any wax or ect on your paint for protection?....Chrome needs a coat of protection as well....The best that I have used on my rims and tips is Simi chrome, just soap and water will not protect the expensive and beautiful chrome...... Edit: I see you have Black rims....No polishing needed.
Edit: I see you have Black rims....No polishing needed.Last edited by saplumr; 03-12-2019 at 02:19 AM.
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