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-----Chrome wheels rusting
Q. What is the best way to stop Chrome wheels from rusting?
1) Is rusting a normal process for chrome finishes?
2) How much of a role does road salt play in rusting of chrome wheels?
3) what the best product to use to prevent chrome wheels from rusting and pitting?
- Springdale, Maryland
2003
A. Herb, certainly the salt will attack the plating, particularly in corners and nooks and crannies. Chrome plate is actually porous (microcracked) -- the salt, sodium chloride, passes through the chrome layer to the underlaying nickel, dissolving the nickel into nickel chloride. The base metal, now exposed, rusts. Must now be stripped polished and replated. In such corrosive environments, and generally, rub every week with a good wax, like Turtlewax liquid car polish [affil link]. Pay special attention to corners and low current density areas.
Mark GunnCMF - NSW, Australia
2003
A. Thanks for the reply, Mark. While I agree with much of it, it seems to imply that the answer to Herbert's first question is that, yes, rusting is normal for chrome finishes. But, no, that is not the case!
Top quality chrome plating can last decades in severe weather, whereas poor quality chrome isn't worth applying. Readers may be interested in our "Introduction to Chrome Plating".
Ted Mooney, P.E.
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