| Customising your ride may start with a new paint job | | | | performance. Aluminium is a lighter metal than steel |
| and modding the specs but it won't be complete | | | | and used as an alloy the lighter rims give improved |
| without a set of shiny chrome rims! Most rims are | | | | steering ability of the vehicle. It is possible to get a |
| made from an aluminium and magnesium alloy which is | | | | similar look for less cost by using a steel wheel |
| strong but light, but other alloys are also used. The | | | | painted to give a silvery finish but chrome plated rims |
| width of rims varies from very narrow for bikes and | | | | will keep their looks and last much longer. The |
| motorcycles to very wide for large trucks. The width | | | | electroplating process is much more involved and |
| of the rim influences the comfort of the ride as | | | | costly than simply painting a steel wheel hence the |
| wider rims, although more stable produce more | | | | higher cost of the finished chrome rim. |
| vibration. Less stable narrower rims lead to poorer | | | | Caring for Your Alloy Rims |
| handling. | | | | Chrome alloy rims can be easily cared for by |
| Chrome rims, although they have no practical purpose | | | | shampooing with a mild car shampoo and rinsing off |
| are still much sought after. They enhance the look of | | | | carefully. Dry with a soft cloth so as not to scratch |
| the vehicle in a way that no other part can. Some | | | | the chrome finish. If the rims are still dirty use a |
| people do prefer the look of rims painted to match | | | | specially made chrome cleaner. Other types of |
| the vehicle but the majority like the shiny, flashy look | | | | cleaners should not be used as they can easily cause |
| of chrome plated rims. Other parts of the vehicle also | | | | damage. Once dry it is a good idea to smear a very |
| benefit from the decorative effects of chrome | | | | thin layer of car wax on the chrome. This will collect |
| plating, bumpers, mirrors and exhausts for instance. | | | | dust and other debris which will be easily removed |
| as the shiny surface, especially when reflecting | | | | later without damage to the chrome. You should also |
| sunlight or other bright lights is indeed aesthetically | | | | use a protective coat of wax on other chrome car |
| pleasing. Chrome rims have been highly sought after | | | | parts too. |
| and made popular by celebrities and artists who can | | | | Try not to use automatic car washes as the harsh |
| afford the often hefty price tag that a full set of top | | | | detergents used will lead to damage to the chrome |
| of the range chrome rims comes with. Some chrome | | | | and the mechanical action can also lead to scratches. |
| rims have been sold for as much as $2000 per rim! | | | | Never use cleaners not specifically made for chrome |
| Steel and aluminium alloy is usually used for the best | | | | on your rims as they often contain acid which can |
| rims being superior to steel alone. This alloy is | | | | damage the finish and dull the chrome. |
| stronger and lighter which gives better vehicle | | | | |