SR5 Chrome Trim Etching

[desertred]

Finally got a nice day to get out and wash the truck today and get all of the snow muck that has accumulated over the last few weeks. While drying the truck, I noticed that just about every piece of exterior chrome trim on my SR5 is etched! The only parts that were spared were the door handles and the rack side rails. The Toyota logo strip on the front grill and the 4Runner strip on the back were etched the worst. The best way to describe it is as if acid rain fell on these pieces. The only thing I can think of that may have caused this is the de-icier solution the State of Colorado (or my local city) put down on the roads. Anyone else have this problem? I wonder if this would be covered under warranty?

 

[mikey's2010SR5]

I just wrapped my chrome in vinyl. Problem solved.

 

[desertred]

That is the likely fix if these parts/problems will not fall under the warranty. However, I was wondering if anyone has had a similar problem and found a way to remove the spots where that would not be necessary.

 

[4BYTOY]

desertred

I also live in Colorado and have experienced the same.....whatever chemical is used for the de-icing and ice prevention in the state... eats away at our vehicles. I have had the agent destroy a set of alloy rims. Partially my fault, I didn't keep up with washing the rims. I could never get the rims to look the same, even when buffed and polished with a cutting compound and a finishing agent.

Now, it did take exposure over a few winters to really eat away at the rims. At first I could get the rims cleaned up, but the repeated exposure created "pock" marks that became unrepairable.

Just my experience
4BYTOY

 

[desertred]

It was only a week following our last snow storm/road treatment. I had held off washing the vehicle as I was either out of town or the temps were well below freezing whenever I had a chance to wash the truck. Looking at the CDOT web site, it tells you to wash your vehicles after a winter storm, but states that he magnesium chloride treatment will not harm your paint or windshield. In fact my paint and windshield are fine. Its the plastic trim that did not hold up. I sent a suggestion to CDOT (for what good it will do) to change their web site and advise to wash your vehicle ASAP after driving on treated roads.

I guess I will have to resign my 4Runner to the garage during winter weather. I have a Jeep Cherokee that will use as my snow vehicle. If I have to lose a vehicle to treated roads, the Jeep will have to be the sacrificial beast.