Chrome trim discolouration!

**JimC64** · 02-02-2009,03:25 AM

Hi there, I have an A6 2.0 tdi SE and have had problems with the chrome trim surrounding the windows discolouring. Seems to turn sorta milky I guess you'd call it. Had them replaced twice now by dealer ( Stirling Audi - who I cannot recommend highly enough, they've been great with me throughout )
The set thats on now has gone the same way pretty much....Fed up with it now to be honest.
The car is washed anywhere between 2 - 4 times a week depending on how busy I am. Always by hand using a wash mitt and then dried with microfibre towels. This car is loved and treated well......I can't understand it

Anyone else have these issues????

Jim

**Naseem** · 02-02-2009,09:18 AM

Did you mean 2-4 times a month or week???

I doubt it very much, but maybe it's the excessive washing? I assume you're using car wash shampoo? Silly question I know, but you'd be amazing at how many people use dish washing liquid like Fairy etc. I have chrome on my car, and it's never discoloured. Have you tried using some sort of chrome polish/treatment? I think Autoglym make some stuff for that.

Nas

**kite** · 02-02-2009,09:30 AM

The window trims are not chrome, they are shiny plastic.
There has been a problem with them discolouring for years.
On another forum it was mooted that the Audi screen wash was responsible.

**Akash** · 02-02-2009,10:48 AM

Someone on this or another forum had the same issue...as did I with my then new A6 2007 plate car.

After complaining about it (I tried LOADS of treatment creams and liquids but nothing helped)... Audi replaced the entire "chrome look" parts around the car including the strip at the back and grill in the front.

They did not say what was causing it but they did not complain/argue about it either - it was a straight swap.

I can get part numbers if needed.

My new car was de-chromed from factory so I think the only bit I have is the audi rings in the front - cant check as the things covered in snow

**JimC64** · 02-02-2009,12:05 PM

Hey Naseem, overwashing?? Don't think so. There can't be such a thing for gods sake

I know and have read of people using Fairy Liquid ( on mine? - never!! ) It just isn't good for the paintwork, but each to their own I say.
Kite - is bang on the money, they're not chrome but a coated plastic

As far as I can tell, its only the "chrome" strips that run along the door edge near the door mirror. I've had all four replaced twice now and they've gone again

Jim

**Naseem** · 04-02-2009,09:11 PM

Originally Posted by JimC64

Hey Naseem, overwashing?? Don't think so. There can't be such a thing for gods sake

I know and have read of people using Fairy Liquid ( on mine? - never!! ) It just isn't good for the paintwork, but each to their own I say.

Well you never know... seriously though, I'd love to be able to wash my car that often. I've had it about a month or so now, gave it full once over with the two bucket method, the used the Meg's 3 step crystal polish, deep shine poilish and carnuba wax treatment with a rotary machine, oh and clayed it before the polishing. Since then I've just hosed it down with the jet wash a couple of times, and gave it a quick wash again this weekend just gone, but no polishing this time round.

I'll give it a another proper going over once the weather picks up again, doesn't stay clean for long enough in current climate.

**JimC64** · 05-02-2009,01:30 AM

Originally Posted by Naseem

Well you never know... seriously though, I'd love to be able to wash my car that often. I've had it about a month or so now, gave it full once over with the two bucket method, the used the Meg's 3 step crystal polish, deep shine poilish and carnuba wax treatment with a rotary machine, oh and clayed it before the polishing. Since then I've just hosed it down with the jet wash a couple of times, and gave it a quick wash again this weekend just gone, but no polishing this time round.

I'll give it a another proper going over once the weather picks up again, doesn't stay clean for long enough in current climate.

Hey naseem, sorry, didn't mean to sound so cutting

Nice one on the procedure you wrote up though....two bucket method gets the thumbs up from me....nice one

Sounds like you gave her a real good goin over too with the polish n carnuba wax treatment.

Jim