Trying to decide between the 22" Polished Aluminum Wheels or the Silver Painted Aluminum. I like the look of the Silver Painted Aluminum more, however I wasn't sure about durability. A quick google search says that the Polished Aluminum requires more of an upkeep vs regular car washes on the Silver Painted. I am curious to hear of any pros/cons to either of these options.
Polished Aluminum vs. Silver Painted Aluminum Wheels? Pro's/Con's
- Thread starter A320Guy
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WalleyeMikeIII
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The polished has a clear coat over it. The painted has paint then a clear coat, but there are areas of the painted that are poilshed too...so I think it is a wash...lol.
I am on year 3 of the 22" Denali Painted Wheels and they look like new. Caveat: I run snow tires in the winter w/ a different set of wheels...they are the Sierria 20" from the SLE..also painted AL/polished w/ clear..they too look like day one.
Key is, keep an eye on them, if you nick the clear coat at all, touch it up ASAP.
I am on year 3 of the 22" Denali Painted Wheels and they look like new. Caveat: I run snow tires in the winter w/ a different set of wheels...they are the Sierria 20" from the SLE..also painted AL/polished w/ clear..they too look like day one.
Key is, keep an eye on them, if you nick the clear coat at all, touch it up ASAP.
tom3
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Not a fan of fully painted wheels. Machine finished polished aluminum for me. Chromed wheels really look good but, generally, chrome on aluminum doesn't hold up well. But a lot depends on how they will be maintained.
They should both be as easy to clean. Like what's been said the polished ones aren't bare.
Usually chrome rims hold up better then the other ones but once they get damage the chrome starts peeling and looks horrible whereas the others you can usually clean up a bit and at least stop it from spreading.
Rims with sharp edges usually start getting the clear lifting and problems from that faster at those areas then rims that have more rounded edges.
Of course if you're in an area that doesn't get snow and humidity and no scorching heat to burn the clear finish they'll all look good for a long time!!
Usually chrome rims hold up better then the other ones but once they get damage the chrome starts peeling and looks horrible whereas the others you can usually clean up a bit and at least stop it from spreading.
Rims with sharp edges usually start getting the clear lifting and problems from that faster at those areas then rims that have more rounded edges.
Of course if you're in an area that doesn't get snow and humidity and no scorching heat to burn the clear finish they'll all look good for a long time!!
2024 White Tahoe
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Two weeks ago I bought a new 2024 Tahoe Premier 4WD with the 20-inch high polish wheels. I think they look great.
The Tahoe replaced a 2015 Ford Expedition Limited 4WD that I bought new, with the 20-inch high polish wheels.
I traded the Ford for the Chevrolet. I drove the Expedition for 119,500 accident-free miles in all sorts of weather. Heat, rain, snow, ice, etc. After almost 10-years of use, the wheels looked great (no scratches either).
I washed, waxed and maintained the Expedition and its wheels. I would apply a good car wax to the wheels once a year or so, usually in the fall. When I hand-washed the vehicle, I used a wash mitt on the wheels with car-wash shampoo.
I like the look of the high polish wheels and that is one of the many reasons I bought the Tahoe. Since the wheels held up so well on the Expedition, I did not hesitate to buy them again.
