After washing my new TSX for the first time, I used the Turtle Wax chrome polish (brand new bottle) on the window trim, door handles, and grill. The trim and door handled looked great after I wiped the polish off, but the same cannot be said of the grill. I used untouched micro-fiber cloths to wipe the chrome polish on, since a brand-new car doesn't have much grime to scrub out, but one micro-fiber wipe to remove the polish, left countless scratches and swirl marks. I tried re-polishing, and guess what, even more scratches! I used the same procedure on all the other chrome parts, and they look flawless. What did I do wrong? Is the clear-coat on the grill defective? Can these scratches be buffed out? I'm so paranoid about touching the grill now, that I don't want to even wash it. Can anyone offer any suggestions as to how I can solve my chrome scratches, or does this sound like a defect in the clear-coat of the chrome? Any help is much appreciated, as I can't believe that I've ruined the best part of the car, by washing it...

 

UPDATE: I spoke with someone at Advanced Auto Parts, who took a look at my grill, and it looks like I'm in trouble. He said that the grill isn't actually chrome, and that it was plastic, so the Turtle Wax Chrome Polish is at fault. There seems to be a minor abrasive in the polish, which cut into the plastic, destroying it's surface. I was told there is no way to buff it out, or have it repaired. Basically, a new grill is my only option. It would be nice to know that the part of the grill that the entire world refers to as "chrome," is actually plastic, but that would be too simple. Wish me luck with the eventual repairs!

 

Got any pics? Interested to see how this looks

 

Well now you know......LOL........

 

I know that learning from our mistakes is invaluable, but it seems like cruel and unusual punishment when dealing with a new car.

 

Also, it's been raining all day, so I'll try to take some pics after I get home from work, but I'm not sure how much you'll be able to see.

 

the grille is made of some simple satin look plastic... I usually leave it alone when cleaning up the car and just spray with some quick detailer. You can try to use paint polishes on it to see if it helps.

 

Yeah it's plastic but just has a chrome layer/look to it. It's unfortunate you had to learn about it this way. Next time, as a suggestion, just ask us here in the Wash & Wax and I'm sure we'll have an answer for you before you trying anything out on your own.

 

ok, first off, step away from the turtle wax products and dont look back...

now, you should have known better but you didnt....dont use metal polish on plastic stuff...the stuff around your windows is metal, but i still wouldnt use that kind of polish on it....

the car is brand new, you shouldnt need to be trying to brighten up the crome look stuff already....

did you check to see what it will cost to replace the front piece...it might not be too terrible....

 

heres your solution:
https://acurazine.com/forums/2g-tsx-photograph-gallery-144/09-grigio-metallic-painted-grill-711553/

 

I'm not interested in the painted grill, but I considered it when I found out mine couldn't be repaired. I think it takes away from the uniqueness of the styling.

I still hope to post some pics when I get the grill cleaned up again after the rain.

 

Save the chrome polish for the insides of the exhaust tips. :P

Don't use it on anything else.

As for the grill, you should be able to pick a new one up for about $150 the part number is 71122-TL2-A00.

 

Thanks for the quote! I'll definitely save the polish for those tips.

 

I would paint the grill personally, sorry to hear this, at least you learned for the future, man I hate fake chrome

 

i would use the polish on the outsides of the stainless tips...

150 bucks isnt bad, i would just replace it and be done with it and chalk it up to an expensive lesson....

 

UPDATE: One of my neighbors has a Viper, so he offered up some Zaino plastic polish, which shined up the grill, but as I thought, didn't take away the scratches. I took it to the dealer to see what they offered, but they told me to check with a professional detailer to see what could be done. I asked for a quote on a replacement, and he said $240! If I am replacing it, I'll have to order it from the acuraoemparts website, since they have the $150 price listed.

Also, can I use the chrome polish on the outside of the exhaust tips, or just the inside?

 

Sorry about no pics, but when I tried to take a few snapshots, I couldn't see any of the scratches on the picture. It's only really visible to the human eye, in direct light.

Also, would anyone recommend me cleaning the grill as much as possible, then having the dealer put a plastic coating on over it? I'm thinking that this may reflect enough of the sun's rays so that the micro scratches aren't visible any longer. Good idea?