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  for Metal Finishing since 1989
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Chrome wheels resistance to salt?

My roommate has "chrome plated" American Racing rims on his truck. He says that his truck has to stay in the garage, or his rims will corrode. I don't believe him, because chrome is supposed to be corrosion resistant to salt, right? I just want an answer from someone with some real knowledge so I can call him on it and get him to share the garage.

Thanks

Jarod Moris
student - Duluth, Minnesota
2004

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First of three simultaneous responses --

I hate to rain on your parade, but he is correct in stating that his wheels will corrode; particularly in a state like Minneesoooootah! I used to live in Milwaukee and I was amazed at how much damage the salt did to my car. You guys get as much snow as Wisconsin so if he wants his wheels to remain relatively corrosion free, he should not drive the car on salt encrusted streets. But then again, why have a car if you can't drive it?  My advice is to have him move down south where we don't have a bunch of snow and salt. Consequently, he can take his rod out on the streets and attract the many foxy babes that live down here. Good luck with the roomie!

Daryl Spindler, CEF
decorative nickel-chrome plating - Greenbrier, Tennessee
2004

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Second of three simultaneous responses -- 2004

It's never gonna scan if you claim "and attract the many foxy babes that live down there", Daryl. It's gotta go "and the southern girls, with the way they talk, they knock me out when I'm down there" :-)

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey

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Third of three simultaneous responses --

Properly done chrome plating will stand up to harsh environments like salt for a long time. Just look at all those chrome bumpers on cars out there. That said, a poor plating job can fail and rust faster than you can say jacksprat. So the answer is: nobody can tell you whether you pal's wheels are going to rust or not. Maybe the manufacturer can, but nobody here can.

Jeffrey Holmes, CEF
Spartanburg, South Carolina
2004

Jarod,

Your friend is right .. mainly because he's keeping his wheels in a garage ... ie. a heated/warm area ... and corrosion accelerates, doesn't it, in the warmth.

Having driven for years in Montreal and around Toronto, rust damage is prolific compared to, say, California. Another tip is to wash down the undersides of the wheel wells and any chrome work after venturing in salty-snow conditions. ... or keep the truck OUTDOORS in the cold except to occasionally wash down. ... My old 123 GT Volvo lasted 11 years in these conditions ... but then, if I needed some chroming done, ah, a friendly customer would look after me.... but the rims were just aluminum painted.

Freeman Newton [deceased]
(It is our sad duty to advise that Freeman passed away
April 21, 2012. R.I.P. old friend).
2004

I coat my chrome rims with bear fat before winter and have never had pitting, flaking or fading.they are 4 years old and still look new..

Joebob St.Germain
- Lac Flambeu, WI
2006