Another Chrome Wheel question

AutoCadillac · 03-27-06, 01:34

Is my neighbor a nut? He doesnt' seem too crazy but I wonder. Yesterday as I was finishing washing and drying my car, he came over with a couple of beers. Well, that's a good sign..

As we were sitting there, chatting and drinking the beers, he noticed my chrome wheels and told me his father used to own chrome plating business. His suggestions for chrome care were as follows:

Wash weekly with diluted dishwasing detergent.

After cleaning, wipe the wheels with a cloth dampened with kerosene.

Never polish or wax the chrome as it can polish can wear down the chrome plating and the wax can seal in moisture which could cause the plating to peel.

So, what do you think of this? This kind of stunned me because I love the shine a carnuba wax puts on these wheels.

SpoiledMan · 03-27-06, 01:39

I say your neighbor is a nut. Chrome, done right, is pretty tough stuff and will stand up to some of the strongest of wheel cleaners when used properly. If the light polishing that you can do by hand will wear away the plating then I'd lean towards the plating not being done properly.

Bill D · 03-27-06, 01:42

I think the damp cloth with kerosene is an antiquated technique.

You have to be very careful with polishing, yes, there is some risk it can wear through. Use a real light, more chemical than mechanical based polish.

As for the wax, I don't see that happening. For protection on wheels, a synthetic sealant will last longer than a carnauba. You can always top with a carnauba like you would with paint.

SpoiledMan · 03-27-06, 02:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill D

You have to be very careful with polishing, yes, there is some risk it can wear through. Use a real light, more chemical than mechanical based polish.

Bill, I should have been more clear. I was thinking along the lines of the "chrome" polishes that are available on the shelf as they are mostly chemical and very slightly abrasive. My error.

Bill D · 03-27-06, 02:50

Yep, most products marked chrome polish ought to be mild enough. I'd polish them to satisfaction and make it a habit to regularly seal them to keep oxidation at bay.

BradUF · 03-27-06, 06:07

I used Mothers Chrome Polish. Is that any good?

VroomVroom · 03-28-06, 07:11

I think so. I often forget how good it is after trying other brands. I've been partial to Master Formula and Adam's, but plan to try Clearkote metal polish next. As mentioned, if you seal them after polishing, you'll be amazed at how rarely you have to bring out the polish. I spot-polished my 22's back in January to get rid of some stubborn water spots, but haven't had to touch it since, even with the lousy weather.

JDookie · 03-28-06, 08:43

I've used AIO on my chrome with great success but have switched to P21S Polishing Soap out of pure ease of use. As far as washing, I use whatever carwash shampoo I'm already using on the paint. If you keep them protected, they will clean up very easily.