Anyone else noticing their chrome roof rails showing a copper color? I noticed mine looking like dookie a few days ago while washing the HHR. More warranty work I guess...

 

Are they bright chrome? Mine are satin chrome and I find it ridiculously hard to get rid of water spots after washing my HHR.

 

That is usually a sign of hard water or dirty water (not visible to the eye dirt I mean). Do you dry them? Do you polish them? I do not have roof rails but do have the satin finish chrome and I have no problems keeping them spot free by drying and polishing. But I also filter the water coming into my home so spotting is reduced greatly anyway.

Sorry I just hijacked this thread didn't I?

 

I was looking at TSB information today on the net and I noticed that there was a TSB released at some point about discoloration on the roof racks so this indicates that there must be a problem that some people have noticed. I have not seen anything on my rails.

 

i've waxed them with Ice Car Wax and make sure to dry them with a microfiber rag. Just the short time between washing the roof and drying the car causes the spots. Maybe I need some kind of special chrome cleaner for them.

I've noticed that the microfiber rag absorbs a ton of water but leaves streaks on the windows it you don't wipe them repeatedly. What have you guys found works the best for windows?

 

Hey Beach, I use one of those foaming window cleaning products. They work great and always leave a streak free finish. I don't know exactly which one I have but any will do.

When it comes to polishing the chrome pieces you can try using a cloth or paper towels and some vinegar. It works great but it might leave your hands a little stinky for a while.

 

My admin spam link edit roof rails are also chromed but i used mild detergent to clean the stains and i also filter the water that i used in washing my car,Because i think there are other particles that may affect the color of the car and loss its luster.

 

We have some of the hardest water on earth in Florida. I just figure the daily rains (whenever they start) will cause more spots so I'm not going to lose sleep over them.