Summary for chrome wheels pitting Discussion
chrome wheels pitting is discussed as a different problem from peeling chrome. The questioner, Shary Nassimi of Malibu, says her 6-month-old Infiniti FX45 wheels are pitting and the dealer blames the nearby beach, recommending regular chrome polish and wax. The reply says pitting can result from either environmental exposure or poor plating, unlike peeling, which always points to improper preparation and plating. However, if the wheels have only been exposed to normal coastal conditions, the dealer should not dismiss the problem so quickly. The answerer advises contacting an Infiniti regional representative, since the wheels may have been a dealer-added option and the manufacturer may pressure the dealer to correct the issue without resorting to small claims court.
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 ⇦ huh? on this matter?
Thank you,
Shary Nassimi
hobbyist – Malibu, California, USA
2004
A. Hi Shary. Pitting is a more difficult issue than peeling. As I said in that other response, peeling 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 tell the dealer to fix it without the need for small claims court.
Best of luck.
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com – Pine Beach, New Jersey
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