Letter 30697

Why do chrome wheels become pitted?  

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I have read your helpful explanation re:peeling chrome. Does the same theory apply to chrome wheels that are pitting? I also have experienced the same song and dance from the dealership on an Infinity FX45 that is only 6 mos. old. Their excuse was that I live too close to the beach and cannot expect the wheels to maintain a perfect appearance. They suggest that I chrome polish and wax the wheels on a regular basis to mitigate any further pitting and dulling. What is your expert opinion on this matter?

Thank you,

Shary Nassimi
hobbyist - Malibu, CA, USA

An 'expert opinion' is something your attorney gets from a qualified professional who has examined the items and all the facts of the case and has spent sufficient time on the matter to be able to make a statement with an absolute minimum of a "reasonable degree of certainty". Because I and other potential responders have offered 'expert opinion' on other matters, it is quite important that you realize that just because someone has some experience in a field doesn't make their casual statements 'expert opinions' :-)

Pitting is a more difficult issue than peeling. As I said in that other response, peeling almost absolutely always comes from improper preparation and plating, not from environmental exposure. Pitting can come from either. But if you have done nothing abusive to the wheels beyond living near the beach, the dealer should be ashamed to sell something with an Infinity name on it that is ugly within 6 months. I would suggest that you contact an Infinity regional representative who may determine that the plating was a dealer added option that is making Infinity look bad and who may pressure the dealer to fix it without the need for small claims court.

Ted Mooney, P.E.  finishing.com Brick, New Jersey

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