Ok so I was wondering how long peoples chrome wheels have lasted. I have had mine for about 2 years (7000 miles) I noticed on my rear wheel the chrome is peeling on the inside of the rim. On the other rims it looks like it is getting fish eye bubbles kind of.

I really don't think this should be happening although the chrome looks real thin on the wheel. I try and clean them atleast 2 times a month. Drove it in the snow one time which is bad but still chrome shouldn't wear off this fast.

 

There are two types of chrome wheels. Cheap chrome and crappy chrome.

The problem lies in the fact that the majority of wheels today are aluminum. Aluminum expands and contract with temperature at a different rate the chrome plating does. Over time this will result in the exact conditions you described. Older steel wheels didn't have as severe a problem because the expansion and contraction was much more in line to what the chrome plating does.

And yes, even the best of wheels will do this over time. Yup, even high end forged wheels that costs thousands of dollars A PIECE! It is the nature of the two materials.

If you want the same look without the hassle get yourself a set of high quality forged or billet wheels. And spend the time to keep them polished. Most companies also have an option now to have their wheels clear coated. That means you get the same high polish look with much less maintenance.

And if you think that billet or forged wheels are too expensive, ask yourself this...

How many more times am I willing to buy a replacement set of chrome wheels? How many times do I have to buy replacement chrome wheels before I could have afforded forged or billet wheels?

 

Interesting. Yea because its just peeling off. It doesn't bother me to much at the moment but I know I will either have to replace them in the future or take them to a shop by my house and get them re-chromed which I am unsure how much costs at the moment. Just seems they should last longer than that and I try to clean them often. Grrrrrr If its not one thing its another

 

Mine are almost 3 years old, And if I clean them, they look like new.

 

Mine too. Although they are no longer on my Xb anymore.

 

I am trying to find a mfg. that makes chrome smoothies with baby moons for a '06 xb... any ideas where I can find them??

still researching the sidepipes..down to matching up cat's for them

 

twice ayear whether they need it or not




j/k