Torque and Chrome

Whats the difference between chromed steel and chromed aluminum?

Im looking to replace the stock steering wheel in my Freightliner Commercial tractor truck to a wood and chrome very beautyfull aftermarket steering wheel. I found 2 identical, made by the same manufacturer, but one has chrome steel and the other(more expensive deluxe model) has chrome aluminum. What would be the benefit of buying the more expensive aluminum over the steel? It is a wooden steering wheel with chrome spoked center and horn button. Would a $50 difference be worth it when both steering wheels are identical looking?

Public Comments

1. You mean besides the underlying metal? With steel once a chip occurs it is subject to corrosion more easily than aluminum. Also chromed steel will weigh more than the chromed aluminum.
2. Chrome is just a thin outer layer. Think of it like clear-coat on a car's paint job, except it's chrome rather than clear. 1. Aluminum is lighter than steel. 2. Aluminum also has the ability to flex since it's a softer metal. 3. Aluminum doesn't rust and that is what I think would be the only benefit of a aluminum steering wheel over a steel one. Over a long time, it would simply outlast a steel steering wheel.
3. the chrome is a protectant and is more appealing to the the eye,the steel will rust as the chrome over time will pit,also it will hold the heat longer from the sun.but by the time any of this happens you will be in a new truck, so beside the heat save your money and get the cheaper
4. You can't chrome aluminum. You can polish it,. You can annadise it. But not chrome it.
5. you can't chrome aluminium. you have to anodise it