What causes dull or pitted chrome on a car?
Bright trim is one of two things. Anodised aluminium, used on many window surrounds, goes cloudy or white. Chrome-plated parts exposed to weather and salt go dull, then pitted. Which one you have decides whether this is a polish or a replacement.
What kind of repair does it need?
Cloudy with no pits comes back with a metal polish. Light pitting often polishes out too. Deep pitting does not, because the plating is broken. Deeply pitted chrome is replaced or re-plated.
Cloudy trim polishes back. Light pitting often polishes out. Deep pitting does not, because the plating is already broken. Wrapping it is a third option.
What to do next
Look closely. Smooth and cloudy means a detailer, and it is cheap. Dark pinpoint spots or rough patches mean polishing will not bring it back. Your options are new trim, re-plating, or wrapping it in black. Keep harsh chemicals off anodised trim. Strong acid or alkaline cleaners must never be used on it.
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