I took the 07 Outlander in to get the tires rotated. No problem with that but now the lug nuts are rusting/have rust on them.Are the lug nuts painted?

 

I'm pretty sure they are plated with chrome or some other material. So the more you tighten/loosen them, the more plating material you remove, which expose the base metal, which is iron, and it will surely rust. I guess most lug nuts in the market are like that.

 

I also notice that some lug nuts on my 04 Outlander are getting a light rust color, without ever having them removed. Maybe the protection layer isn't that good.
If it gets worse over time, mayby I'll change the lug nuts. Some tuning shops sell aluminium lug nuts for Mitsubishi's, but which type/dimension do I need?
Cheers

 

I wouldn't go for the aluminum ones, although it has good corrrosion resistance qualities, it is no were near the strength of the iron ones.

 

Theres some rust proof lug nuts on in summit or jegs. I think they are gorilla brand. I have never had a problem with them. They are a big pricey though but well worth it.