giving up on your old reliable vehicle

Chrome Vs. Steel: Which Accessory Should You Choose?

2 August 2016

Glen Soto

Customizing your truck is usually a delicate balance between improved performance and a more striking appearance. This means that you will need to make a material selection for most of the metal parts you are upgrading, whether its the bumper, grill, or simple metal trim. Chrome and stainless steel are your main choices if you like the look of high-luster metal. The following guide can help you decide which to go with.

Chrome

Chrome refers to one of several base materials that can be coated in chromium—a thin metal that gives a high shine. The material can be plastic or metal, so one does have to be careful when shopping for car parts if they want durable metal materials.

Benefits

There are several benefits of chrome, which include the following:

• It is often less expensive than stainless steel parts

• Chrome can protect the base metal from corrosion or rust

• It's possible to get a high shine with only minimal polishing

Concerns

There are also several concerns with chrome:

• It can chip or flake, resulting in rust to form on the exposed metal beneath

• The base material may be weak, which means it is more prone to breakage

• Relatively minor collisions or trauma can cause it to break or flake

For the above reasons, chrome is a good choice when you want something that stands out but you are on a budget. Save it for areas that are less likely to suffer damage. In other words, skip the chrome bumper or door trim, but go ahead and get a chrome window grill, emblem badge, or light cover effects.

Stainless steel

Stainless steel is just what it says—tempered steel that is resistant to stains, rust, and corrosion. What it doesn't have in shine compared to chrome, it makes up for with increased durability and damage resistance.

Benefits

There are several benefits for choosing stainless steel:

• Even if dented or scratched, stainless steel won't develop rust

• There are a variety of finishes available, from shiny to brushed or etched

• A stainless steel accessory is more likely to last for the entire lifetime of the truck

Concerns

Much like any material, there are also some things about stainless steel you need to be aware of:

• It can cost quite a bit more compared to a chrome accessory of the same style

• Shiny finishes can become scratched over time

Stainless steel is a good option if you prize durability and performance over looks, or if you are purchasing accessories that may be more prone to damage, such as front grills, bumpers, or wheels.

Contact a truck accessory store in your area to see your options like Pacesetter Truck Caps & Accessories Inc.

Share

Search