Metal wheel question. How do know what material you are dealing with?

[Spilchy]

1) How can you tell if you have a polished aluminum wheel?



2) How can you tell if you have an unpolished aluminum wheel?



3) How can you tell if you have a chrome plated wheel?



4) How can you tell if you have an as-cast mag wheel?



I know something about using a metal polish but forgot what I am looking for! What metal polish would you use to test? Can this harm the wheel?

 

[JasonD]

Polished aluminum is smooth, shiny, and looks like chrome but with a more muted finish. Unless polished alum. is clearcoated it will oxidize and need to be repolished on a regular basis.



Unpolished aluminum basically looks like cast aluminum with a rough finish.



Chrome plated, mirror finish.



The term "mag" wheel was originally for wheels made of magnesium but is now used a lot for cast aluminum wheels and real magnesium wheels alike.

 

[togwt]

I would add-

Uncoated ? To test apply a mild polish, if the applicator turns black there is no clear coat or paint finish

JonM