07 Lincoln Mkz factory chrome rims? Proper wheel cleaner

[china423]

Hi, I have an 07 lincoln mkz with the factory optional chrome rims like in the picture below. I just wanna make sure that they're actually chrome instead of aluminum so I know which is the right wheel cleaner for them. Thanks

[Markus Kleis]

Re: 07 Lincoln Mkz factory chrome rims? Proper wheel cleaner

You can use the chrome wheel cleaner on the wheel faces. Just be careful not to over spray onto the brake caliper as that might discolor slightly.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: 07 Lincoln Mkz factory chrome rims? Proper wheel cleaner

Many factory wheels these days are not really chrome in the sense of a fully chromed (ie, dipped and chrome plated wheel) but rather a very tight fitting "chrome clad" set up which is essentially a chromed plastic cap that is bonded to a steel wheel of the same basic shape. It can be a bit tricky sometimes to tell the difference for sure, but if in doubt stick with our Hot Rims All Wheel Cleaner. It's going to be safe on all factory wheels whereas the Chrome Wheel Cleaner could potentially get under the "chrome cladding" and potentially cause an issue. Without knowing absolutely for certain which configuration your wheels are, we'd recommend erring on the side of caution - go with the All Wheel Cleaner.

Remember, work on one wheel at a time, start to finish (never spray all 4 wheels and then go back to the first one to agitate or rinse), and always work on a cool surface.

[weavers]

Re: 07 Lincoln Mkz factory chrome rims? Proper wheel cleaner

least agressive. I use optimum no rinse to wash my wheels. I wash the car first and use the "dirty" water to clean the wheels. You can also just use car soap. If theres tons of caked on brake dust then I use apc or purple power 1:4.

does your chrome have clear coat? if so treat it like any other car paint. keep it waxed so it cleans up easier. also use very soft brushes. chrome is so easy to scratch and you can't remove those scratches if its not clear coated

[Murr1525]

Re: 07 Lincoln Mkz factory chrome rims? Proper wheel cleaner

Well, if in doubt (or just to be gentle), go milder with the All Wheel Cleaner, or very mild with the Aluminum Wheel Cleaner that is safe for everything.

[china423]

After doing some research I think they're just Chrome clad wheels, so should I still stay with the all wheel cleaner? And I'm not really sure or how to tell if the wheels are clear coated. Thanks for the responses!

[Markus Kleis]

Re: 07 Lincoln Mkz factory chrome rims? Proper wheel cleaner

After doing some research I think they're just Chrome clad wheels, so should I still stay with the all wheel cleaner? And I'm not really sure or how to tell if the wheels are clear coated. Thanks for the responses!

The vast majority of new cars with "chrome" wheels right now are in fact chrome-clad by technicality. Some do a fairly poor job of hiding the cladding, while others make it virtually indiscernible.

If you want to stay on the safe side, like Mr. Stoops suggested All Wheel Cleaner should definitely be aggressive enough to do the job on new wheels. I do not believe those wheels have any type of coating on the chrome cladding.