Torque and Chrome

Chrome rims and car paint in winter?

This one's a two-parter: I live in eastern Pennsylvania, so we obviously get snow, but usually never as bad as New England, Wisconsin, etc, so... Is it safe to keep the chrome rims on my car during the winter? If so, is there a certain product I should put on the wheels to protect them? Also, how often should the wheels be cleaned, and should I just use soap and water or is there a really good wheel cleaner out there that can be used often? Also, I found out that my car (which I bought used) has a really expensive aftermarket paint job (its a beautiful shade of white- looks great with the tinted windows!) but now I'm wondering if there's anything I can use to coat the paint to protect it. I love the brightness of the white and I'm afraid that it'll fade or the salt will eat away at it...

Public Comments

1. no do not use your chrome rims in the winter. the salt will eat them and corrode them and make them look like crap. if i were u use the stock wheels or buy a pair of steel wheels with some tires for the winter
2. don't do it***the mag chloride ruins the paint
3. Your chrome wheels should be fine as long as they are not pitted or rusting already. I suggest cleaning them with a mild cleaner unless they need something more. If you put a fresh coat of wax on before winter your paint should also be fine. The only time you should use extreme measures for protection is when you have begun to see problems. If the paint is not chipped and the chrome is not peeling, just treat it like normal. Harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners typically remove a layer of finish with the dirt that you are trying to remove. Too many aplications and you will be looking for new rims and a fresh paint job. Do not put wax on your paint and leave it on as a protectant!!!!!!!!
4. Use a wheel cleaner that is specially made for chrome rims, Mothers, Eagle One and Meguiar's have them. Clean as weather permits and use a soft brush or sponge to wipe heavy buildup or buy cheap steel rims in place of chrome ones for winter use (you may also have to buy new tires if you opt for this). Second question I would say to give the car a good coat or two of a premium wax before the weather get cold and wet, this will protect the clear coat stage of the paint. Cover the car if possible when not in use because if you have to remove any ice buildup you may damage the paint. Finally DO NOT! go through a car wash unless it's a brush-less car wash. Car washes with brushes will have dirt and sand form previous cars and over time it can scratch your paint.