Chrome Auto Accessories 101:
Everyone uses the phrase "chrome" as slang for anything that is ‘shiny’ when referring to auto accessories for their vehicle. Unfortunately, using this term can confuse consumers and at times be a bit misleading.
What is chrome?
 Chrome is slang for Chromium, one of the 91 naturally occurring chemical elements...and not useful as a solid, pure substance. Parts are not made of solid chrome. Rather, when you hear that something is chrome, what is really meant is that there is a thin layer of chrome (a plating of chrome) on the object. The body of the object is usually steel or plastic.
So what are my 'chrome' automtive accessories made from?
ABS plastic is a popular material that can be chrome plated, and millions upon millions of automobile grilles, headlight and taillight bezels are manufactured in chrome plated ABS plastic. It's a premium finish for rugged outdoor exposure, and produced in plastic makes it lighter in weight than metal parts without sacrificing appearance. A major advantage in using this material is that when scratched it does not degrade further with time and exposure to sun, weather, and salt. Even after some years the scratch will look the same as it did the first day. Conversely, chromed metal, steel, or alloy will react with oxygen and salt, and will rust, pit, scale, or flake after it has been scratched. Chrome plated ABS plastic materials are used throughout the automotive industry by OEM manufacturers such as GM, Ford, Mopar, Mercedes and BMW.
Some 'chrome' automotive accessories such as pillar posts, rocker panels and trim accents are manufactured in polished, mirror finished, 304-grade stainless steel, but nothing about it is actual chrome. It is important to appreciate that stainless steel is a solid material and not a special coating applied to ordinary steel to give it “stainless” properties. It is, of course, the rust-resisting characteristic that gives stainless steel its name. (I think they should have called it ‘rust-less steel’). This material is popular for exterior automotive accessories because it is highly resistant to rust and corrosion. I know it sounds silly, but stainless steel can stain when exposed to acid rain, hard water (from car washing), road and airborne elements. I suggest using a mild cleaner and wax specifically formulated to clean and protect stainless steel products.
Here at ShopSAR.com, we choose carefully manufacturers that build precision products to factory specifications. We sell these products online only after we have installed them ourselves in our installation shop. This is the first step to insuring your complete and overall satisfaction with the products you received. At ShopSAR.com, we want you to continue to enjoy your auto accessories long after the sale.
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