Polished vs Chrome Wheel Care?

[GstnNole]

What are the appropriate methods to maintain and care for both types of wheels? I'm currently searching for the perfect wheels for my ride and have wondered what the major differences in care for the two wheel types. Thanks!

[Sci-Fi]

It depends. Usually for polished wheels, you would use a product like Mother's Mag&Aluminum or Billet Polish to maintain the looks. As an alternative, you can use Rolite (one of the best), Nuvite, and/or Jeweler's Rouge if you are looking for something on the high end. Any of the above will contain a protective wax or sealant, so no additional protection is needed. A regular wax or sealant MAY stain the wheel, so you you need to take off a wheel and test a spot inside to see if its safe to use on your polished wheels. Just FYI, some have their polished wheels clearcoated or powder coated with clear to cut down on maintenance, but some wheels are porous and will outgas and the clearcoat may separate over time.

Chrome wheels on the other hand can be protected by a non-abrasive wax or sealant. A sealant is usually preferred since it will handle the heat transferred from the brakes better than a carnuaba wax. Any brake dust can be washed off when you wash or use a "for wheels only" dedicated claybar and/or a wheel brush to remove any remaining embedded brake dust. If you have wire wheels, use Luster Lace for polishing and protection of the spokes.

As I mentioned before, one should remove their wheels at least once a year to clean the insides. Any brake dust inside the wheel will eventually migrate to the outside increasing your maintenence.

Some people have asked about wheel cleaners. The best and safest I've used is P21S Wheel Cleaner or S100 Wheel Cleaner (actually the same product) and is recommended by many european car manufacturers. Eagle One A2Z All Wheel Cleaner is also popular and locally available at most auto parts stores. Just make sure your wheels are COOL, your car is NOT baking out in the sun or the air temp is too high (wait until sunset or early in the morning if its summer), and don't let the product sit more then a minute or 2 (read the directions and you can use a wheel brush or a sponge) before throughly rinsing it off. Otherwise it may stain your wheels, especially polished ones.

Hope this helps.

[quicksilverdon]

My $.02. I find chromed aluminum better than just polished aluminum to care for. The polished take a beating from salt in winter, and can pit, which is tough to remove.

[IRPT]

quote:Originally posted by quicksilverdon

My $.02. I find chromed aluminum better than just polished aluminum to care for. The polished take a beating from salt in winter, and can pit, which is tough to remove.

Chrome can take the same beating, at least with polished aluminum you can remove the pits and re-polish easier than re-chroming.

[turbomangt]

If you live in the snow belt and they salt the street, its best to have a second set of tires/wheels. Let one take the beating till summer comes. Thats my plan when I need new tires. Thanks to Sci-Fi, he reminded me to take my wheels off and clean them. even painted the wells. My back is killing me.

[quicksilverdon]

quote:Originally posted by IRPT

Chrome can take the same beating, at least with polished aluminum you can remove the pits and re-polish easier than re-chroming.

Point well taken - you are right. If chrome plating begins to flake, you are screwed.

There's also polished aluminum with like a clear-coat on them - that might be the way to go. [:I]