Chrome clad wheels maintenance during winter

**dcxguy** · 10-19-2008, 07:27 PM

I`ve got a 2009 Charge with 20-inch chrome clad wheels. This will be the 1st winter for these wheels and I`d like to know what I can do to protect or maintain them so they still look spotless and shiny in the spring. Will PBWS (assuming this is Poor Boy Wheel Sealant) work on chrome clad wheels?

I`ve read two ways of cleaning them - Nevr Dull and using a clay bar. My Charger Forum members swear by Nevr Dull.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

**black bart** · 10-20-2008, 08:34 AM

Unless you have a place to wash them regularly the best would be to remove them and run another wheel.
Michigan winter requires constant washing and waxing.
I would park it and drive a beater that is what I do in northern Indiana when it is snowing I drive a 4x4 beater

**9D4E420** · 10-20-2008, 08:45 AM

Yes the PB WS would work great. I would remove the wheels to entire clean the faces and the inside and then put 3 coats on.

**Poorboy** · 10-20-2008, 08:49 AM

Originally Posted by 9D4E420

Yes the PB WS would work great. I would remove the wheels to entire clean the faces and the inside and then put 3 coats on.

..and to add to that... be very careful with Never Dull as it is an abrasive and once you scratch chrome plating, it never comes back ....

ps ..I also agree with Black Bart... if you can get a set of steel rims for the worst part of the winter ( salt and sand time) then get them

**CharlesW** · 10-20-2008, 10:45 AM

Originally Posted by Poorboy

..and to add to that... be very careful with Never Dull as it is an abrasive and once you scratch chrome plating, it never comes back ....

ps ..I also agree with Black Bart... if you can get a set of steel rims for the worst part of the winter ( salt and sand time) then get them

Nevr-Dull does say it is safe for chrome, but I don`t think it would provide any protection since it is a cleaner/polish only.
It wouldn`t be my first choice for chrome wheels.

I have only used it on bare aluminum and have no idea how it works on any other material.

**tguil** · 10-22-2008, 01:41 PM

The chrome clad wheels on Chrysler products are really a regular wheels with chromed plastic covers "glued" to the wheels. They don`t rust but they seem to chip and peel more easily than they should. It is the abrasive nature of the "stuff" they spread on northern highways during the winter that causes the problem. How do you avoid this? Different wheels, different car, move south or just "suck it up". Sorry this is not they answer you want.

The best that you can do is to keep your car as clean as possible.

Tom

**tguil** · 10-22-2008, 04:20 PM

Specifically about the wheels -- I`d wash them regularly and use a good auto wax a couple times a month.

Tom

**dcxguy** · 10-23-2008, 09:28 AM

I`m trying out this product called Wheel Wax which someone highly recommended to me. He uses it for his aluminum wheels to lessen brake dust. Got it at my local Discount Tire store for $7.50. I already applied 1 coating yesterday. I emailed the company and they said to apply 2 coats every 4-6 weeks.

Wheel Wax

Thanks for all the advice. I will try to stay away from Nevr Dull. I can`t stand dirty wheels even for a day. Lol.