Cuz I did today. I used Mothers brand chrome polish. The rims look really good, but will it hurt them in the long run. Do I need to buy actual aluminum polish or keep what I have? I also tried it on the chrome tailpipe and it could have done a better job, but I did not work to hard at it.

 

I believe your Owners Manual tells you not to.

I think I'll edit this. I was under the impression that the HHR's did not have any chrome wheels. This is from the 2009 Owners Book....

Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels
and Trim
The vehicle may have either aluminum or chrome-plated
wheels.
Keep the wheels clean using a soft clean cloth with mild
soap and water. Rinse with clean water. After rinsing
thoroughly, dry with a soft clean towel. A wax may then
be applied.
Notice: Chrome wheels and other chrome trim may
be damaged if the vehicle is not washed after driving
on roads that have been sprayed with magnesium,
calcium or sodium chloride. These chlorides are
used on roads for conditions such as ice and dust.
Always wash the vehicle’s chrome with soap and
water after exposure.
Notice: Using strong soaps, chemicals, abrasive
polishes, cleaners, brushes, or cleaners that contain
acid on aluminum or chrome-plated wheels, could
damage the surface of the wheel(s). The repairs
would not be covered by the vehicle warranty.
Use only approved cleaners on aluminum or
chrome-plated wheels.
The surface of these wheels is similar to the painted
surface of the vehicle. Do not use strong soaps,
chemicals, abrasive polishes, abrasive cleaners,
cleaners with acid, or abrasive cleaning brushes on
them because they could damage the surface. Do not
use chrome polish on aluminum wheels.
Notice: Using chrome polish on aluminum wheels
could damage the wheels. The repairs would not
be covered by the vehicle warranty. Use chrome
polish on chrome wheels only.
Use chrome polish only on chrome-plated wheels, but
avoid any painted surface of the wheel, and buff off
immediately after application.
Notice: Driving the vehicle through an automatic
car wash that has silicone carbide tire cleaning
brushes, could damage the aluminum or
chrome-plated wheels. The repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Never drive
a vehicle that has aluminum or chrome-plated
wheels through an automatic car wash that uses
silicone carbide tire cleaning brushes.
5-105

 

if they are the stock rims, just use normal car wax. theres clear over the aluminum so all you do when you polish it is slowly wear off the clear.

 

You can use a light paint polish and then wax. NO CHROME POLISH!

 

not sure if this is a dumb question, but what are "stuck rims?" I have the aluminum rims that are stock on the ss. Well looks like I wont be using the chrome polish on the rims anymore, will only use it on the tailpipe.

So you guys clean the rims and then just rub on some wax and then wipe off. Will have to try it.

 

stock rims????

 

Tail pipe tip is polished stainless not chrome. You can use fine steel wool with good results.

 

i meant stock rims. fixed>

 

mothers aluminum and mag polish works good for the exhaust tip. I usually use either a maguiers gold class or mothers wax on wheels/car.