Polished & CHrome wheels? whats the differences? how do you tell?

[Slam32]

Polished & CHrome wheels? whats the differences? how do you tell? I know that polished is better because they are lighter

[Brian Dieckman]

"Polished" refers to aluminium wheels that have been buffed to a chrome-like finish.

Chrome wheels are usually aluminium (sometimes steel) wheels with a plating of chrome on them. They are only lighter than polished wheels by virtue of that coating. (which ammounts to next to nothing)

I've seen polished wheels that are nearly as shiny as chrome, but I've heard they are high maintenance. Chrome wheels will always be shinier when polished, and they're easy to take care of.

Hope it helped.

-Brian

[Firebrd9783]

Chrome is just better anyways! [img]graemlins/thumbsup.gif[/img] :D

[91Firebird]

Yeah, the polished aluminum wheels do require a little more maintanance. It isn't a big deal though. I just spray on some Eagle One Wheel Cleaner when I wash my car and then spray it off with a hose. The cleaner keeps it looking very shiny. I don't think it is worth it to spend the extra money on chrome. Even the guy at the wheel shop I went to suggested polished aluminum over chrome.

Here's a picture of one of my polished aluminum wheels. I think it looks very shiny. People always mistake it for being chrome. By the way the picture was taken after my car had been driven in the rain that morning.

[AZ3.8Camaro]

Chrome is HEAVY and it peals after a few year (maybe longer if you maintain them) around the insided where the tires are mounted then spreads like a disease. Polished aren't harder to keep clean, you just can't use harsh cleaners. Just water. It works fine though. I recommend clear coated. I love it! I have a polished lip though.

[Cale]

Buy a chromed wheel from a respectable company and you'll be fine. MAKE SURE IT's A ONE PIECE WHEEL!! The only reason chrome will flake is due to hazardous pollutants not being washed off and if the WHEEL IS TWO PIECE! Two piece causes too much flex and results in flaking finish. Other than that, chrome is better! SO MUCH EASIER TO TAKE care of, looks alot prettier (in most cases), and the WEIGHT IT ADDS IS F'NING NEGLIAGABLE. Don't let anyone tell you that a chrome finish adds weight. That's RETARDED. The only reason one may be heavier is due to if it's steel instead of aluminum.

Polish is very high maintence. Expect to get down and dirty with them at least once every one-2 months to keep them looking new