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If you are the same as the editor of The Drive, you are actually driving your car outside and letting it experience the world-there is no garage closed here. It breathes the nearby air, feels the local road, and swallows gasoline at the gas station at the exit of the highway. It also gets wet and dirty and becomes chemically unstable.

Many metal parts on cars are susceptible to weather, road conditions and salt. The unsightly result may be rust spots. This looks particularly bad on chrome-plated parts, they become dull and pitted. Fortunately, similar to the method of correcting paint, you can also perform DIY chrome correction at home.

If your chrome is slightly corroded, instead of chips or scratches, you should be able to polish it with some simple products and quick steps. The Drive’s OCD editor is here to help guide your microfiber towels, let’s get started.

Chromium is a shiny hard metal coating mainly made of chromium. It is usually electroplated onto the surface of another metal (such as steel) for decoration and protection. In automobiles, it is most commonly found on wheels, bumpers, grilles and trim parts.

Over time, the metal encounters oxygen and water and begins to oxidize, causing rust. 

Some people like natural patina.

Estimated time required: 1 hour to 1 weekend

Working on your car can be dangerous and messy, so this is exactly what you need to make sure to leave the garage under the same conditions as when you entered.

We are not psychics and will not spy on your toolbox or garage, so this is exactly what you need to get your job done.

Organize your tools and equipment so that everything is within reach, which will save precious time, waiting for your handy child or four-legged assistant to bring you sandpaper or blowtorch. (You still don’t need a blowtorch to complete this job. Please don’t let your child pass you a blowtorch—Ed.)

You also need a flat work space, such as a garage floor, driveway, or a well-ventilated street parking lot. Check your local laws to make sure that you are not violating any regulations when using the street, because we will not let your riding out of trouble.

Not all chrome ageing is the same.

Let's start! 

Opinions on this topic seem to vary from person to person. Some people say that bronze wool, brass wool or 0000 (high quality) steel wool can be used with chrome polish to help remove any dirt, stains and rust, as long as it is real chrome. Others suggest that using steel wool will leave micro scratches and may darken the surface.

As for us, we will insist on using chrome-plated polishing agent, because after all, chrome-plated steel wool is still metal-to-metal. If you do choose this method, use very light pressure and first test in a small, inconspicuous place.

Chromium can be used in many car parts. 

A. WD-40 directly claims that it can remove the rust on the chrome, but we will stick to the chrome polishing machine for auto parts.

Answer: Vinegar has a certain degree of acidity and can slowly remove rust, but it may take longer, and there is no built-in sealant like commercial chrome polish.

A. The acid in Coca-Cola can break down things, but we prefer to use something specially formulated for this job.

Answer: Toothpaste is abrasive, so it may work, but we recommend using a chrome-plated polisher. They are abrasive for work and include built-in sealants.

3M chrome and metal polish

Mothers 05212 California Golden Chrome Polishing Agent

Is there a problem? Are there any professional tips? Leave us a message: guidesandgar@thedrive.com

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