Identifying chrome?

[TrailRatedRN]

How do I tell if something is chrome, or if it's just painted? I've never really had chrome on anything. I need to polish it to maintain it if it is real chrome, right? And if I polish it, but it's just paint, then I could cause the paint to eventually peel, right? There is a bunch of chrome colored accents on this new vehicle of mine, but is it chrome???

 

[PoliceMonkey161]

With a few exceptions, chrome plating with be magnetic ( actually the base metal will be) and you'll see your reflection in it clearly.. Plastic can be painted or it can be chrome (like) plated too, but it's not magnetic.

 

[69jeepcj]

What new vehicle did you get.??

 

[TrailRatedRN]

A red one

 

[flatie46]

I wouldn't polish the chrome unless it has gotten in rough shape. The polish has abrasive in it. It will wear your chrome over time and make it dull. Wash it then a good paste wax will clean and protect it.