Rust on factory Chrome/Aluminum Rims

[EJIII]

I just noticed some rust developing around the edges of the chromed plastic covers on my '04 PT Touring. Do the wheels have to be removed to get to the backside of these covers? Also, is steel wool or SOS acceptable for removing existing rust before waxing?

[turbomangt]

I believe the steel wheels are just painted under the wheel covers. I have the GT so mine are alloy. When you take the covers off what do they look like? Let us know, More than likely that is just surface rust from the water getting trapped behind the covers. Since they are covered, I would use an SOS pad to clean the wheels really well.