How to Remove Small Pits in Chrome Wheels

Chrome wheels are shiny and reflective while new, but after a few years of being driven on the road, they can become dull and pitted. Salt and other grime and debris from the roadways can cause chrome to develop small pits, which can become filled with rust. Large pits may be impossible to repair without re-chroming the wheels, but small pits can sometimes be removed by a sanding process. If done correctly, the chrome wheels can look almost new again.

• 1

  Sand the chrome wheels with 400-grit sandpaper. Sand very lightly and just enough to remove the pits. Keep the sandpaper even and flat on the wheel. Don't sand deeply in one area and lightly in another.

• 2

  Use 800-grit sandpaper to lightly sand over the chrome surface again. This removes more of the visible pits and makes the wheel dull and even looking.

• 3

  Go over the wheel with 1000-grit sandpaper and water. This smooths the scratches made by the more harsh sandpaper and the water keeps the sanding buildup from digging into the wheel. Repeat this step with 1200-grit sandpaper and water.

• 4

  Rub the wheel with 000 fine steel wool using small circular motions. Go over the wheel again using 0000 very fine steel wool. These steps help smooth all of the scratches made by the sandpaper.

• 5

  Pour chrome polish on a cotton towel and rub it in circular motions over the entire surface of the wheel. Work the polish in small circles, going in both directions. Let the polish dry for five minutes and then use a clean cotton towel to buff the polish off of the wheel for a bright shine.