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Nothing spruces up your Truck, Jeep, or SUV like a set of premium polished aluminum or chrome-plated wheels. But what are the differences between these two finishes?
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While often mistaken for one another, chrome and polished wheels are two entirely different finishes with different care methods, appearances, and lifespans.
Chrome wheels consist of an aluminum or steel base wheel with a high-quality, decorative chromium outer later. The finish layer is electro-plated onto a base metal through a multi-step process, creating a tough bond that can last for years with minimal maintenance besides routine cleanings.
Polished wheels, on the other hand, consist of a forged or cast aluminum base wheel that’s been sanded and polished to a mirror-like finish. Polished wheels are either left raw, which requires routine polishing to prevent corrosion, or they’re clear-coated, which can last for years with nothing more than routine cleanings.
We carry several top wheel brands producing chrome and polished wheels, check out some of our top sellers!
Fuel: An industry-leading wheel manufacturer specializing in cast and forged aluminum wheels. With a lifetime structural warranty, how can you go wrong? Â
Moto Metal: A long-time presence in the aftermarket wheel game, specializing in chrome-plated, deep-dish, cast-aluminum wheels. The company also features a line of polished forged aluminum wheels for exceptional strength and low weight!Â
American Force: The original polished, forged wheel provider. Specializing in large, deep-dish wheels with unmatched quality and unique face designs.Â
Ultra: An off-road icon! Ultra has produced everything from dedicated street wheels to signature wheels for Baja racers like the legend Robby Gordon!Â
OE: Sleek, OE-inspired designs for a factory-style appearance.
Raceline: From deep-dish to off-road, Raceline is a common name in the aftermarket wheel game. The company specializes in tough and lightweight cast aluminum wheels for pickups.
Besides brands and finishes, there are several face styles to consider when selecting a set of chrome or polished wheels! Check out some of our top styles below:Â
Alot, usually more than a new set of wheels! In most cases, wheels must be stripped and rechromed; a lengthy process that can easily add up to $300+ per wheel.Â
Trick question! Most chrome wheels are alloy, which is just a fancy word for aluminum when we’re discussing wheels. Are they better than bare aluminum? Maybe; while chrome is low maintenance, it’s costly to repair once the coating begins to fail.Â
Typically, no. A proper chrome coating doubles as corrosion protection, guarding steel wheels from rust and scaling. However, once the coating fails or gets a deep-enough scratch, rust can form under the chrome for an unsightly, bubbly appearance.