Most car lovers like chrome wheels as they are shiny and make a car look fantastic. But chrome wheels can get little scratches and not be as shiny after a while. This happens because the shiny layer on the wheels gets tiny scratches, and the air makes the metal underneath look weird. Fixing this isn’t too hard if you put in some effort and use the proper methods. This guide will show you how to fix pitted chrome wheels and make them shiny again.
Key Takeaways
- Chrome wheels get pitted from minor scratches that let air damage the metal underneath.
- First, thoroughly clean the wheels and assess the damage to fix the pitting.
- Gently sand pitted areas with grit sandpaper, then polish with aluminum foil.
- Reapply a protective clear coat to prevent future pitting.
- Maintain and care for wheels properly to keep the chrome shiny long-term.
Assessing the Damage
The first step is examining your wheels closely to determine the extent of the pitting. Look at each wheel and identify areas with small spots or pockmarks in the chrome finish. Also, check for areas where pitting is more advanced, with visible bubbling or flaking of the chrome plating.
Use your fingernail to feel the depth of the worst pitting – if it quickly catches on the imperfections, that indicates more profound damage.
Make notes on which areas need attention so you can target your repair efforts efficiently. Also, assess whether the whole wheel needs restoration or if you can just spot-fix the pitted sections. Knowing the scope of damage will inform the tools and techniques required.
Cleaning and Prepping
Before any pitting repair, properly cleaning the wheels is a must. Road grime, brake dust, and other contaminants must be removed to prevent scratches or chemical reactions that could worsen pitting.
Use a microfiber cloth and warm, soapy water to clean the chrome wheels still on the car. Quality wheel cleaners can help cut through stubborn brake dust. Soft cotton cloths also work. Clean the entire wheel surface with tight circular motions. For filthy wheels, consider removing them from the car for more access.
Once the wheels are clean, dry them thoroughly with a microfiber towel. Your work area should also be clean and well-lit. Have all your materials and tools lined up and ready to go. Proper preparation prevents mistakes and allows you to work efficiently. This is especially important if you’re dealing with curb rush on your chrome wheels.
Sanding and Polishing Out Pitting
With wheels prepped, it’s time to sand away pitting imperfections using wet sandpaper. Start with 800-grit sandpaper if the fingernail test shows deeper scratches. For lighter damage, begin with a fine 0000 steel wool pad. Keeping the sandpaper wet prevents deep scratches and reduces dust.
Gently sand affected areas using small circular motions. Check your progress frequently and work thoroughly until pitting disappears. Rinse off the wheels and dry with a microfiber towel between the sanding steps. Be patient and systematic to ensure even results.
After sanding, polish the wheel with aluminum foil. The foil’s coarse texture provides a mild abrasive effect that restores shine. You can also use a quality metal polish. Work in straight lines using moderate pressure. Frequently rinse and dry wheels while polishing. Continue alternating sanding and polishing until all pitting, oxidation, and dull spots are eliminated.
Re-Clear Coating for Protection
The final vital step is applying a fresh, clear coat to seal and protect the restored chrome finish. Pitting originally started because the protective clear coat got damaged. Carefully apply spray-on clear coats in light, even coats, following manufacturer directions. Multiple thin coats are more pleasing than one thick one.
Allow proper drying time between applications. A three-coat application is ideal for maximizing protection. The new clear coat prevents oxygen from contacting the chrome, keeping your freshly-polished wheels pit-free. And that’s how to remove pitting from chrome wheels.
Maintenance and Prevention
Maintaining and protecting wheels should become part of your regular car care regimen to get the longest-lasting results from your pitting repair job. Here are some tips for keeping chrome wheels pit-free:
- Wash wheels frequently using quality wheel cleaner to prevent brake dust buildup
- Avoid harsh cleaners or brushes that can damage the clear coat
- Apply wax or sealant to boost protection from road grime and salt
- Use a UV-inhibitor spray to prevent sun damage
- Check wheels regularly for any new pitting and address it quickly
- Consider wheel covers or bags when storing wheels long-term
Proper maintenance and care allow your freshly restored chrome wheels to stay bright and pit-free for years.
Fixing Advanced Pitting and Peeling
For wheels where the pitting has advanced to start causing peeling and flaking of the chrome plating, a more thorough repair is needed to fix the chrome rim. The wheel must be stripped to the bare metal to remove all damaged chrome. Next, the wheel gets re-chromed by a professional shop using a high-quality chroming process.
This re-chroming can restore even severely pitted wheels but is more complex and expensive. Shop around for the best deal from reputable chroming shops.
Know When To Call In A Pro
While many do-it-yourselfers can successfully tackle minor to moderate pitting, don’t be afraid to hand off wheels with severe damage to a professional. Experienced detailers have specialized tools and materials for tackling badly pitted chrome. For very sentimental or valuable wheels, the cost of a pro may be worth the guarantee of proper care.
Crazy Facts
- Some very early car wheels were not round but square or octagonal since carriage wheels were often that shape. Round wheels became standard as car suspension improved.
- Early rubber tires were solid, not pneumatic. This made for an extremely bumpy ride on early cars before inflatable tires were invented.
- Race car engineers introduced aluminum alloy wheels in the 1960s. They are popular today for being lightweight yet strong.
- At 600 mph, F1 car wheels can spin up to 9,000 rpm, generating forces strong enough to crush a human hand if caught while moving.
Conclusion
Seeing pits and damage on your nice chrome wheels can be disappointing. But you can make them look great again by following this guide. Even badly pitted ones can shine like new with hard work sanding, polishing, and sealing the wheels. Just take your time, work carefully, and keep up with prevention maintenance. That way, your wheels will stay looking their best.
Driving on beautiful, gleaming chrome wheels that you restored yourself feels wonderful. This process for how to fix pitted chrome wheels allows you to revive the look of your prized rims.
FAQs about How to Fix Pitted Chrome Wheels
How often should I wash my wheels to prevent future pitting?
Aim to wash chrome wheels with quality wheel cleaner every few weeks. This prevents brake dust and grime buildup that damages the finish when left on too long. More frequent washing is better.
Will car wax help protect my chrome wheels from pitting?
Yes, applying wax or sealant will provide an added layer of protection by repelling contaminants. Use a wax formulated explicitly for wheels/rims about once a month to maintain the shine and prevent pitting.
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