Protecting chrome in winter?

GrayB83 · 01-09-2009, 09:18 AM

Well I still have my wheels on right now because I really would rather run my BFG's in the snow than my stockers. My concern is damaging the chrome finish due to the salt on the roads. I put a coat of wax on them at the beginning of winter to try and protect them, is that enough? I've also been cleaning the truck and wheels any chance I get when the weather cooperates. Is there anything else I could do to ensure wheels continue to look good? Thanks.

skyjac · 01-09-2009, 10:42 AM

Wax will work great to keep them in good shape. However, if you are constantly washing them, you need to make sure you are re-applying wax periodically. I have chrome rims, and wax is what I use as well.

You have a sharp Titan!

Skyboi · 01-10-2009, 04:24 PM

Skyjac is correct in that one way to protect them is to keep them clean and waxed.

Another way is to clean them, degrease them, strip them of any contaminants and then clear them(spray them with clear paint)

There are also sprays that go on as a liquid and dry to a rubberized film. it can then be peeled off like a sheet of thin rubber(it's clear kinda)

Check it here: Chemsearch

*adamdude04* · 01-10-2009, 06:38 PM

I got the chemical stuff and salt on my truck..didnt' wash for two weeks. Now I have what looks like snow flakes all over the front chrome and on my mirrors. ..**** wont come off and I used many stuff

Skyboi · 01-11-2009, 07:15 AM

Try a claybar first.....Sounds like either mineral deposits(calcium) that won't let go , OR the beginnings of pitting and may require a variable speed buffer.

Galaxyblack · 01-11-2009, 09:11 AM

I tried keeping my chrome stockers on for one winter. I am a fanatic about keeping my truck clean whenever possible. No matter what I did, (wheel sealant, wax, chrome polish) they were still showing signs of pitting. I bought a set of charcoal stockers (from a member here) and mounted dedicated snow tires with siping. The chrome wheels are in storage until spring.

Sftail1990 · 01-11-2009, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Galaxyblack

I tried keeping my chrome stockers on for one winter. I am a fanatic about keeping my truck clean whenever possible. No matter what I did, (wheel sealant, wax, chrome polish) they were still showing signs of pitting. I bought a set of charcoal stockers (from a member here) and mounted dedicated snow tires with siping. The chrome wheels are in storage until spring.

Yep that is the only way to do it and safely save your chrome. Mine weren't even on the road hardly last year and got some damage. I have a set of painted stockers on there now. Bought a set of TPMS off a member and will have the chromies mounted with new Michelins and the TPMS set up and ready to go next spring. There really is nothing you can do with the chrome, it will get some damage, especially the inner wheel, stuff you don't get to all the time and have to take off to clean correctly. Buy a set of stockers for the winter, or just buy new chrome wheels every spring, no matter how much you clean and care for them they will take damage from the salt.