How to Take Care of Black Chrome Rims

Black chrome rims are vulnerable to pits and scratches.

Although not as lustrous as traditional chrome rims, black chrome rims add a dramatic touch to any vehicle. These rims consist of nickel covered with black chrome plating, which is polished to provide an attractive appearance. Like all chrome rims, black chrome rims are susceptible to brake dust, sand particles, salt granules and other grime, which eventually damage the rims. Cleaning black chrome rims weekly removes harmful buildup to preserve their visual appeal and extend their lifespan. Properly care for black chrome rims using basic techniques.

Things You'll Need

• Garden hose
• 2 plastic 3-gallon buckets
• 2 oz. car wash soap
• Clean terrycloth rag
• Non-abrasive chrome polish
• Clean microfiber cloth

Instructions

1. Let the black chrome rims thoroughly cool before washing them. Parking the vehicle in the shade allows the chrome to cool down more quickly.

2. Spray the black chrome rims with a fine mist of water. Rinse off all loose grime such as bugs, soil and brake dust. Don't worry about stubborn grime right now.

3. Fill a 3-gallon plastic bucket halfway with cool water. As you fill the bucket, add about 2 oz. of liquid car wash soap to the water. Mix the soapy water until it forms suds.

4. Fill another 3-gallon plastic bucket with plain water.

5. Saturate a clean terrycloth rag in the sudsy water. Gently wipe the saturated terrycloth rag across one of the rims to remove buildup. Don't apply too much pressure -- you might accidentally scratch the rim.

6. Spray the rim with water to rinse off loosened gunk and soapsuds. Soak the terrycloth rag in the plain water as you rinse the rim.

7. Saturate the terrycloth rag in the sudsy solution again. Wipe the entire rim with the sudsy rag, using slightly firmer pressure to detach stuck-on gunk. Remove buildup from crevices in the rim, as well.

8. Rinse the rim thoroughly with water, blasting off all soap and grime. Let the black chrome rim air-dry thoroughly.

9. Wash the remaining dirty black chrome rims using the previous techniques. Replace the rinse water and refill the sudsy solution after washing each rim. Let each rim thoroughly air-dry.

10. Polish the black chrome rims monthly to protect them from abrasive road grime. Buff each rim with non-abrasive polish using a clean microfiber cloth. Rub the cloth over the black chrome until the polish dissolves.

Tips & Warnings

• Ammonia and acid-based cleaning solutions damage black chrome rims.

• Steel wool and other coarse supplies damage black chrome rims.

References

• National Metal Finishing Corporation: Chrome - Black Chrome Plating
• Used Tires and Rims: Learn How To Clean Rims Correctly
• California Chrome Wheel and Tire: Chrome Plated Alloy Wheel Care and Maintenance