Clean Your Rims

Make a schedule for washing your rims during salt season and stick to it. When the weather gets cold and the roads get snowy and icy, wash your rims at least every 10 days. When the temperature rises, such as above 40 degrees Fahrenheit, you should also take time to wash your rims.

2

Let your rims cool down after driving before you get the salt off. Trying to clean them when they're still hot could stain the tires.

3

Fill a bucket with warm water and add several drops of high-quality car wash soap or the amount the manufacturer recommends. Avoid using cleaners with harsh or abrasive chemicals because these can damage your rims more than the salt.

4

Use a scrubbing brush and the cleaning solution to remove the majority of the salt from your rims. You will most likely have to scrub pretty hard to remove the salt.

5

Use an old toothbrush to scrub the more intricate areas of your rims. This ensures that you remove all the salt from the crevices.

6

Rinse the rims thoroughly and dry them with a large towel. Check out your work to make sure you didn't miss any salt before calling it a day.

About Chrome Wheels

History

1. In early automotive history, tires were made of steel and sometimes coated with nickel to increase strength and durability. These steel wheels were often painted or covered with decorative hubcaps to hide their generally dull appearance. Starting in the mid-20th century, manufacturers began to produce alloy wheels in lieu of steel. Alloy wheels are more expensive, but also lighter and allow drivers to better control the vehicle. Because they offer a better look than steel, no hubcap is required with alloy wheels. Chrome wheels are a type of alloy wheel and are a high-end aftermarket option available to car owners.




Types




Chrome Wheels come in a large variety of shapes, sizes and weight. The spoke designs and patterns are endless and can even be custom-created to your specifications. Beyond these items, chrome wheels are available in three basic looks, including matte, polished and black chrome. While all three of these options offer the same basic features, they differ in appearance and the plating can be modified to any level of shine.




Benefits

2. The benefits of chrome plating are impressive when it comes to automotive options. First, chrome wheels are highly resistant to corrosion and rust and are able to withstand extreme weather and temperatures. Second, this material is much harder and more durable than other options, such as steel or aluminum. Finally, chrome offers a shiny, mirrored finish that can't be matched by any other material. It is highly bright and reflective and prized by car lovers.




Maintenance

3. While chrome wheels are known for their durability and strength, regular maintenance is required to keep them in good condition. Dirt and grease must be cleaned off monthly to avoid damage to the shiny surface. Use a professional chrome polish and a polishing cloth to maintain your wheels, making sure to do so only when they are cool so that the chrome doesn't flake.




Misconceptions

4. The most common misconception associated with chrome wheels comes from the term "rims." Many people mistakenly refer to chrome wheels as rims, believing that the wheel itself is made from a different material. In fact, the entire wheel, including the rim itself, is made from solid steel or aluminum, then coated with nickel and chromium to give it a solid, durable finish.

Types of Rims

1. Before 2010, standard wheel rims where made of steel. Car wheels today come in a variety of materials and sizes from alloy, gold plated and chrome in sizes from 15 to 28 inches in diameter. Consider the vehicle you drive when purchasing rims, as the rims can alter the car's performance and handling.

Steel

2. Steel wheel rims are the cheapest option and one of the most durable options. However, steel rims are heavier than their alloy counterparts, weighing three times the amount of aluminum, the primary metal in alloy wheels, according to Smart Cycles. The weight has caused these rims to be replaced by alloy wheels on modern cars.

Alloy

3. The alloy wheel is a combination of various metal types, with the primary metal being aluminum. Aluminum used in alloy rims allows them to be lightweight and thus best for performance. On some vehicles for show, gold and silver plating can be applied for an opulent finish.

Chrome

4. Chrome wheels are not solid chrome but an applied finish over your choice of wheel. The chrome wheel rim is used for show cars and sports cars for a fancy finish. Chrome adds nothing to increase performance, but gives the wheel a shinier finish. Chrome wheels can scratch easily, so use chrome wheels in sunny and dry weather, and have a back-up set of rims for snow and rain.

Colors and Spinners

5. To make rims more eye catching, a colored finish can be added or the rims can be made to spin. Colors such as white, black and red are commonly used to match the wheel to the car's color. Spinning wheels will spin while the car is moving and for a short period once the vehicle has stopped.

Keeping Your Chrome Wheels Looking New

If your chrome wheels look dull or discolored, it may be time to polish them to bring them back to their original shine. Your wheels need to be cleaned and polished regularly to prevent damage caused by brake dust, road salt, and other corrosive materials that come into contact with the chrome finish. Proper care and maintenance of your chrome wheels will keep them looking new and prevent costly repairs in the future.

Things You'll Need:

* Chrome wheel cleaner
* Soft bristled brush
* Sponge or polishing pad
* Chrome wheel polish
* Terrycloth towels
* Sealant or wheel wax

1.

Clean the wheels thoroughly before attempting to polish them. Pull your car into a shaded area and allow the rims to cool completely to prevent brake dust from bonding with the chrome finish. Spray the rims with cool water to wash away any sand, salt, or brake dust and apply wheel cleaner according to the directions on the packaging. Allow the cleaner to remain on the wheel for up to three minutes and gently scrub the rim with a soft bristled brush. Be sure to rinse the chrome finish well to remove cleaner residue and corrosives from hard-to-reach areas of the wheel.

2.

Dry the chrome wheels with a soft cloth to prevent water spots that can make your rims look dirty and old.

3.

Apply a thin layer of chrome wheel polish. Choose a wheel polish that’s specially formulated for chrome wheels to achieve maximum shine and protection. While stronger chrome polishing products are available for rust removal, they are not recommended for chrome wheel finishes. Instead opt for a polish that is labeled “all chrome” to polish your chrome wheels. Apply the polish evenly over the entire wheel using a soft sponge or a plush polishing applicator. Pay close attention to nooks and crevices along the rim where corrosives may build up.

4.

Allow the chrome wheel polish to dry to a haze and gently buff it away using a clean, soft, terrycloth towel and gentle pressure. The wheels should sparkle and shine like new after just one application.

5.

Think about applying sealant or wheel wax to your wheels after you polish them to reduce static and minimize brake dust buildup. Simply apply the sealer, allow it to dry, and use a soft cloth to buff the wheel. This added protection will help make it easier to clean and polish your wheels next time.


Disclaimer: We are not responsible for any damage that may be caused to your wheels as a result of the process provided for in this blog. Ask a professional about the correct products to use on your wheels and follow the instructions contained on the products carefully.

What Size Rims Do I Need?

Vehicle tires and rims come in all shapes and sizes. From standard 15-inch wheels to spoked 24-inch monsters, vehicle rims are as diverse as the cars themselves. Selecting the proper rims for your car can be a challenge if you do not know what you are looking for. Your vehicle's manufacturer sets a certain size as the correct size for your car, and you need to take that into consideration when purchasing new rims for your vehicle.


Consult your owner's manual for recommended wheel size. Most vehicles are built to take a specific size and style of wheel, so make sure you know what your vehicle calls for before shopping for new rims.


Measure the size of your current rims. You will need to measure from the edge of the metal on the wheel itself to the opposite side, taking care to measure in a straight line. You should get an even number, such as 15 inches, 16 inches and so on.


Check your vehicle specifications if you plan on purchasing rims that are a different size than the ones currently on your car. Many vehicles are equipped to handle larger rims that what they leave the factory with, but look up the specifics on your vehicle before changing rim sizes.


Review your rim choices. Vehicle rims come in countless styles and designs, so decide what's best for your vehicle. If you want a nice looking rim, then a polished aluminum rim with a unique design is for you. If you'll be using for vehicle for heavy work or off road driving, a heavy steel wheel with a study interior structure is appropriate.


Choose your rims carefully. You want to make sure that the ones you have selected will fit the tires of your choice and that they will fit your vehicle. Be sure you buy rims that have the same number of lug nut holes as your hubs, and that you have the correct lug nuts.


Try your new rims on your car once you receive them. You want to take care in aligning them and fitting them to your vehicle so you do not damage them. Speak with the store you purchased them from to review their return policy in case there is an issue with your new rims.

Wheels and Tires - Sizing

There are many rims and tires on the market, but not all tires are designed to fit all rims, since the sizes of each vary. Pairing tires and rims can seem like a daunting task, but once you know how to measure their size, you'll be able to decode the numbers and get rims and tires that work together.

Rim Size
1. Rims are measured in inches, and the size of the rim is usually stamped into it on the back of the hub. The measurement is made from the top of the rim straight across to the bottom. Common rim sizes include 15, 16 and 17 inches. Rim size will vary depending on the make and model of the car and manufacturers may release different models of the same car with different rim size options.

Tire Size
2. Each of the numbers on a tire's sizing stamp is important.
Tire sizing is measured in three ways with three separate numbers. The first is the width of the tire from one outer edge to the other. The second is the ratio of the height of the tire to its width. The third refers to the rim diameter that the tire is designed to fit.

What to Look For on Your Tire
3. The measurements on a tire are marked consecutively on the sidewall and are separated by forward slashes. Measurements usually appear in raised black lettering, but they may also appear in white lettering. A tire marked 225/65/16 will have a diameter of 225 mm from the outer edges of the tire. The sidewall of the tire will be 65 percent the total width of the tire. Finally, the tire will fit a 16 inch rim.

Variability
4. Tires designed to fit a specific rim size may be able to fit other rim sizes. However, not all tires will fit all rim sizes. A specialist can help you make sure your rims fit the tires and vice versa.