Topband: ground rod replacement?

[Dan Kovatch]

I'm in the process of getting some of  the 'stealth' receive antennas ready 
for the season and noticed one of the ground rods that I use on the BOG was 
very built up with crude and detritus. There was no continuity from the 
bottom of the rod to the clamp at the top.  I cleaned it off and used 
vinegar and salt to clean the surface where upon I discovered that much of 
the copper plating is gone. Now I'm wondering about all the other ground 
rods I have out on other receive antennas and if I should replace them?

What is the collective wisdom on this? Do you replace your rods after so 
many years (many of these have been in sandy soil ground for 10-15 years) 
Does is make any difference in performance that you have noticed?

Dan W8CAR
grounded in Ohio