Getting the Most from Your Chrome Wheels in the Northwest
You’ve bought your shiny chrome wheels and mounted them on your vehicle. You know the Northwest can be a chrome killer – so you’d like to know what are the most common issues, and what can you do to prevent damage?
A problem common to all vehicle wheels is exposure to microscopic metal particles from brakes and brake dust. When you apply the brakes, friction causes them to heat up and throw off tiny particles of hot metal that stick to your wheels. Over time, these metal particles can cause pitting, followed by peeling chrome as the problem worsens. Though it is not possible to prevent this problem from happening, regular cleaning of your chrome wheels will prevent build-up and extend the life of your wheels.
If you live in the Pacific Northwest, the relatively high humidity can cause chromed aluminum wheels to peel or corrode and chromed steel wheels to rust. De-icing chemicals and road salt used in winter can drastically accelerate the damage to your wheels. Wheel care professionals in the Northwest generally recommend that owners take off their chrome wheels during the winter months to prevent damage.
From the Makers of Koenig Wheels: YOUR MAINTENANCE IS REQUIRED “The presence of salt on the road during winter, the salty atmosphere of coastal areas and the presence of impurities in the grime found in muddy areas could cause the alloy wheels to loose it’s shine and subject it to corrosion if the rim is nor cleaned of such impurities. Please Clean the wheels after every trip using only mild (non-abrasive) soap and water. Always keep them free of brake dust and road salts. Please read carefully the attached instructions for use of any commercially available wheel and car body cleaning compounds. We are not responsible for change in alloy wheel color, clear coat peeling, and other defects caused by the use of such cleaning compounds. Pressurized water is not allowed to be sprayed directly onto the surface of alloy wheels as excessive pressure may damage the paints and it’s clear coat or chrome plating”
All the major Alloy Wheel manufacturers have similar warnings on the informational literature placed in the box with your new wheels. Unfortunately, most tire stores do not convey this information to you the consumer. We see wheels every day that have been affected by weather, road maintenance chemicals, brake dust and improper cleaning solutions.
We use and recommend Eagle 1 tire and wheel care products at WheelKraft NW. Ask your technician.
The industry standard for chrome wheels is triple-plating—wheels are aluminum, plated with copper, then plated with nickel, then chromed. Driving a car heats and cools the wheels repeatedly. Each of the metals used in chrome wheels heat and cool at a different rate, causing uneven expansion and contraction which can then lead to peeling chrome. Less expensive (non-triple-plated) chrome is even more susceptible to peeling due to temperature fluctuations.
Caring for your chrome wheels
Here are some steps you can take to keep your chrome wheels in the best shape possible:
1. Wash frequently with soap and water to prevent build-up.
2. Occasionally wipe the rims down with chrome polish or baby oil, then apply sealant or wheel wax to minimize brake dust build-up.
3. If build-up occurs, use a high-quality chrome cleaner such as Mothers Chrome Polish.
4. Leave the chrome in the garage during the winter to prevent exposure to salt and de-icing chemicals that are used on the roads.
If your chrome wheels become pitted or start peeling re-chroming can be an option, however the cost is often too high relative to replacement. Re-chroming costs between $200-250 per wheel – so damage prevention is extremely cost effective. Curb damage to chrome wheels can rarely be smoothed over either, unfortunately. However, in the situation where your chrome wheel isn’t holding air WheelKraftNW can often repair that situation for around $80-90 per wheel, and this generally resolves the situation permanently.
WheelKraftNW offers mobile alloy wheel refinishing in the Portland, Oregon and Vancouver, Washington metro area. Their experienced wheel repair technicians will come to your home or work and restore your wheels to premium condition, for far less than the cost of wheel replacement.
Common sense is key when buying used wheels.
Buying used wheels instead of new can potentially save you a lot of money—if you know what to look (and look out) for. Here are some things you can do to make sure you end up with good wheels and a good deal:
- 1. Measure—Make sure the wheels you are buying will work with your vehicle. If you are buying a larger wheel than your current size, make sure there will be enough clearance around the tire in the wheel well; if you’re buying a smaller wheel, check your vehicle’s ground clearance. If your wheels attach with five lug nuts and the ones you want to buy only use four, you’ve got a problem.
- 2. Perform a visual inspection—Even if you’re not a trained professional, you can still spot peeling chrome or clear coat that is flaking off. If only a small area of the wheel is affected, the problem will continue to get worse until it needs to be stripped down and recoated (at a cost of about $250 per wheel).
- 3. Test for straightness—Wheels may look straight, but a small imperfection can cause big problems at 65 m.p.h. If you have the option, take the wheel to a tire store where they can test for straightness by putting it on the wheel balancing machine. If you can’t take the wheels to a tire store, try rolling them on a flat surface such as a garage floor and see if they roll straight.
Before you buy, it’s a good idea to do your research and shop around. Get an idea of the average price for both new and used wheels of the type you are looking for. It’s always best to buy from a reputable dealer, especially if they offer a return policy. But if you just can’t pass up the price in that craigslist ad, these tips may help you get the great deal you’re hoping for.
Don’t have time to come in? We come to you!
At WheelKraft Northwest we know you don’t have time to bring your vehicle in to a shop to get your wheels and rims refinished. That’s why we come to you. With our specially designed prep station/paint booth inside our self-contained reconditioning service van we can do the job right on site!
Your damaged wheels are removed from the vehicle and placed on our service van. The wheels are then carefully repaired, prepped, primed, painted and finally clear-coated, giving the wheel a like new appearance. The wheels are allowed to cure under infrared lamps for a short time and placed back on your vehicle where it is ready to roll. The total time required to repair the average wheel is about one hour. How’s that for fast and easy!
Curb damage is an ugly sight on a luxury car. Keep it looking sleek and new with little to no hassle! For a free estimate or to schedule an appointment please visit our contact page and a representative will be in touch.
Wheel Rim Straightening
Nothing brings down the performance or the safety of a tire like a bent rim. That doesn’t mean you need to a buy a new wheel. Bring it to us and we can straighten that rim for you for a fraction of the cost of replacement.
If your rim is out-of-round your car may have the following problems:
- Vibration or a Steering Wheel Shake
- Premature and Uneven Tire Wear
- Unnecessary Wear and Tear on your Car’s Suspension.
Our qualified technicians can take your broken or bent rim and restore it to extend the life of your wheels. We could save you hundreds of dollars by simply repairing instead of replacing your rims. Advantages to straightening are:
- Existing wheel refinish is maintained
- Wheels still match age/finish of the rest of the car
- Most cost efficient
Is the rim too damaged to fix? ( Cracked or Broken) Not a problem, we can help you find a reasonable replacement that fits your car. No matter what the needs of our customers we are there to help get them back on the road quickly and safely. Call or fill out our contact form for more information on how WheelKraft NW can save you money.
“Recently I hit a giant pot hole going down a back alley. Sure enough I began to feel my vehicle vibrate as I went down the road. I called up WheelKraft and they gave me a free estimate for having my rim straightened. Now my car is running better than ever and you can’t even tell which wheel had the work. Thanks WheelKraft!”
John Waddel, loyal and satisfied customer
Please Note:
1) Wheel Straightening is one service we do not offer On Site. We will need your wheel at our shop for 24 to 48 hours.
2) Some Wheels will Break during the Straightening Process ***
3) WheelKraft NW does not employ the use of heat in our straightening process.
4) If WheelKraft NW cannot make your wheel roadworthy again, there is NO CHARGE for our service.
Call or contact us for an estimate and one of our well mannered staff will be happy to help you.
We will not Weld a Cracked or Broken Wheel. Here’s why. DISPOSITION OF ABNORMALITIES: ”In the event of distortions or cracks on the alloy wheels, please refrain from repairing them yourself or sending them to any repair shop. The strength of the alloy wheels can be greatly reduced by the heat generated by welding torches. Furthermore, those distortion curvatures are rarely discernible to the naked eye. To avoid such dangers, consult manufacturer.” Koenig Wheels Every Alloy Manufacturer has a similar warning and most void any existing warranty if the use of heat is evident on the wheel.
*** Wheelkraft NW is not liable for any damage that occurs during the wheel straightening process. Wheel straightening and wheel damage repair/refinishing are separate charges.
Wheel Repair and Refinishing: More Wheel for your Money!
High performance wheels are expensive and customized ones can cost even more. Ensure the life of your wheels and keep them looking like new with WheelKraftNW’s help! Our trained staff can refinish, straighten or customize your wheels all for less than dealership cost. Don’t spend a fortune on wheels, call us and save your money for Saturday night.
Curb damage is an ugly sight on a luxury car yet so simple to repair. Our team of wheel specialist will come to your home or office to do the job for you! Your damaged wheels are removed from the vehicle and placed on a specially designed prep station/paint booth inside our self-contained reconditioning service van. The wheels are carefully repaired, prepped, primed, painted and finally clear-coated, giving the wheel a like new appearance. The wheels are allowed to cure under infrared lamps for a short time and placed back on your vehicle where it is ready to roll. The total time required to repair the average wheel is about one hour. How’s that for fast and easy!
Hit a pothole? Bend a rim? Nothing brings down the performance or the safety of a tire like a bent rim. That doesn’t mean you need to a buy a new wheel. Bring it in and we can straighten that rim for you for a fraction of the cost (on site service is not available). Is the wheel too damaged to fix? Not a problem, we can remanufacture it or help you find a reasonable replacement that fits your car.
No other accessory on a vehicle gets more attention than the wheels. Add flash and individuality to your luxury vehicle with services like brake caliper painting and factory wheel customization. We can change the color or add machine finish and pin striping to your wheels to give them the accent you want. Make them as unique as you are and customize the look of your car.
Luxury vehicles can be expensive to maintain. Don’t throw away your money on over prices services. Give WheelKraftNW a call or simply fill out the contact form to have a qualified team member show you how to save today!
