When you see a good-looking car or truck passing by, often the first thing that catches your eye is the chrome detailing. Most car manufacturers, including Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram, use it on their models to one extent or another. It shines in contrast to the paintwork and adds a touch of class to any vehicle.
However, if chrome is not cared for, it can become dull and pitted with grime and road contaminants. Before cleaning your chrome, it is best to know what type it is.
Types of Chrome
The chrome parts and detailing on your car could be either metal or plastic that has undergone a chromium-electroplating process. Going back to the 1970s and before, the chrome parts would all have been metal. However, as the process for plating chrome on plastic was developed, more manufacturers switched to this lighter and more cost-effective option.
While looking great, plastic chrome is not as hard-wearing as metal and should be cleaned with care. Too much or too vigorous polishing and buffing can reveal the underlying material.
Cleaning Chrome
To start cleaning your chrome, you should hose down the areas you are working on. Remove as much as possible of the physical dirt, mud, and contaminants. Then, if you are cleaning the grille, for example, apply a good quality chrome cleaner to its surface and use a soft brush to help work it in and get rid of the more persistent bits. A good chrome cleaner will contain lubricants that allow you to clean the chrome without scratching the surface.
Work on small areas at a time and don’t allow the cleaner to dry on the chrome. If you find stubborn stains that you can’t shift, you can use a fine synthetic steel wool to help you remove them.
Once the area is clean, rinse it off with water. Then, using a clean microfiber cloth, carefully dry the chrome. You don’t want stains from the cleaner or any water spots.
Polishing
For polishing metal chrome parts, your car’s manual usually contains advice about the best materials to use to clean and polish them. Alternatively, you could ask at your local auto-detailing shop. They will suggest the right types of compounds, polishes, and tools to use for the type of chrome on your vehicle.
For metal, an electric rotary buffer might be the best tool for bringing out a high-quality and long-lasting shine. Plastic chrome needs a gentler approach, so using a mild sealant and polishing by hand will give you the best results.
Apply the polish to the surface and slowly work the product into one small area at a time. Gradually polish each area until there is no longer any of the product visible and your chrome is gleaming. The protective wax in the polish seals the surface, making it more resistant to staining and oxidation, reducing the need for frequent cleaning.
Regularly cleaning your 4×4, especially after you’ve been off-roading, will help to keep it in pristine condition, particularly the shining chrome.
Image via Flickr by Mike Babcock /Under use by CC BY 2.0
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