Sourcing cheap(er) winter rims

[Super_Geo]

Just purchased a SUV that won't arrive until Feb-2018, so I have some time to find winter rims for it.

Where would you guys recommend looking? Looking for 19" or 20", looking to spend around 200-400/rim instead of around 1000+/rim for OEM.

[03ozwhip]

There's all kinds of cheaper wheel/tire alternatives on kijiji for under 2k.

[Mitsu3000gt]

I like to use steelies + hubcaps in the winter because often you can't see curbs and potholes due to snow, so if you damage a steel rim, it doesn't matter compared to scuffing or scraping a nice alloy. They are also very cheap, just make sure you get hub-centric ones.

[jwslam]

Got mine through @GTR_Auto

Highly recommend.

Got these. https://www.fastwheels.ca/productinf...ack&lang=en-US
And also these. https://www.fastwheels.ca/productinfo.aspx?wn=valeta&fn=hyper+silver

[dj_rice]

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I like to use steelies + hubcaps in the winter because often you can't see curbs and potholes due to snow, so if you damage a steel rim, it doesn't matter compared to scuffing or scraping a nice alloy. They are also very cheap, just make sure you get hub-centric ones.

Getting steelies in a 19 and 20" are going to be pretty difficult. In that size, best bet is winter alloys.

[killramos]

Go on 1010tire and plug in your specs and pick something that looks decent to you.

All the ones in that price range are going to be made in China, maybe finished in NA at best. The DAI’s on my Lexus have been great this and last season.

Most any shop in town can source pretty well any brand you want so might as well search somewhere that has nearly everything.

I liked the look of Braelin last I was looking.

Steel rims. lol.

[Super_Geo]

Awesome, thanks for the recommendations, looking into them.

Any cautionary tales about using cheaper rims, or things to look out for?

[Mitsu3000gt]

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Awesome, thanks for the recommendations, looking into them.

Any cautionary tales about using cheaper rims, or things to look out for?

Cheap rims bend, especially if you don't have a lot of rubber on them - been there, done that. Calgary's roads are just too crappy to chance it IMO. For an SUV though it's probably not nearly as bad since you will have way more tire there.

[bjstare]

Steel rims

+1 for GTR Auto, I got a set of Fast wheels from them and am happy with them. They're flow formed, which is a happy medium between cast and forged wheels, in terms of strength/weight/cost. I got 19's and they were definitely cheap, under $300/wheel. Of course as with most things, you get what you pay for. If you want decent rims that won't bend easily, etc, then just get OEM or some nice aftermarket ones. Personally speaking, I'd get nicer aftermarket ones for summer and run the OEM ones in the winter if you can justify it. Otherwise, get cheap alloys for winter, and replace them if they bend... they're cheap, after all. haha

edit: Tik-tok's post reminded me, there's a business in Calgary that specializes in selling new OEM take-off wheels. My dad got a set for his winters on his new truck at a fraction of the dealership price.

[Tik-Tok]

Unless you want a certain look, used OEM or dealer take-offs are the way to go IMO. I got some brand new take-offs for my wife's jeep for $200 at the dealership, including the TPMS's which were $55 each brand new

[Joe-G]

If you prefer to browse online to see what's available, I would suggest taking a look at 1010tire, PMCtire, and other similar online Canadian retailers.

See what you like, and I would recommend contacting Kyle @ Spec R (www.specr.ca). He has access to everything you would find, and he would most likely have some local stock available too.

[rage2]

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Cheap rims bend, especially if you don't have a lot of rubber on them - been there, done that. Calgary's roads are just too crappy to chance it IMO. For an SUV though it's probably not nearly as bad since you will have way more tire there.

Never had the problem for my last couple of sets. It's either from driving easier in winter, or Chinese wheels are getting better.

I run Fast Hayaku for winters on the GLA45. Pretty much Rays TE37 knockoffs. Dirt cheap.

[Mitsu3000gt]

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Never had the problem for my last couple of sets. It's either from driving easier in winter, or Chinese wheels are getting better.

I run Fast Hayaku for winters on the GLA45. Pretty much Rays TE37 knockoffs. Dirt cheap.

Back when I had my last S4, I bent two sets of replica OEM rims on Calgary's potholes. Both my 18" winter set and 19" summer set. Before and after that I've never bent a rim in my life. Never even hit anything that hard either, as best as I could tell. The worst are the hidden ones in the winter. If they are better now that's great news.

[rage2]

I used to bend even OEM rims, but that was the days of track days and race city. I'd like to think that they're stronger now with tires getting more and more rubber band in recent years. I've never bent a forged wheel, so I assume they're just stronger.

[Hallowed_point]

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Steel rims
+1 for GTR Auto, I got a set of Fast wheels from them and am happy with them. They're flow formed, which is a happy medium between cast and forged wheels, in terms of strength/weight/cost. I got 19's and they were definitely cheap, under $300/wheel. Of course as with most things, you get what you pay for. If you want decent rims that won't bend easily, etc, then just get OEM or some nice aftermarket ones. Personally speaking, I'd get nicer aftermarket ones for summer and run the OEM ones in the winter if you can justify it. Otherwise, get cheap alloys for winter, and replace them if they bend... they're cheap, after all. haha

edit: Tik-tok's post reminded me, there's a business in Calgary that specializes in selling new OEM take-off wheels. My dad got a set for his winters on his new truck at a fraction of the dealership price.

Agree..I run my oems for winter and Fast wheels in the summer. Oems are ugly and meh looking but are going to be the most durable. I must say, Fast makes a nice wheel for the price. I have had zero issues with the quality/finish on my FC04's. Even with my beast 6-6 smoking STi's.

[Super_Geo]

What do you guys think of the rim below? Not sure if I want to run 20" rims in winter... anyone have experience with 18 vs 19 vs 20in winter setups?


20" Rims from Tirerack

19" Rims from Tirerack

[shakalaka]

What specs are you going to need? I am going to be getting rid of 19" aftermarket VMR rims from my 440 that have winter tires already on them. Not sure if they'd fit an SUV but can get the specs.

[dj_rice]

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What do you guys think of the rim below? Not sure if I want to run 20" rims in winter... anyone have experience with 18 vs 19 vs 20in winter setups?


20" Rims from Tirerack

19" Rims from Tirerack

For winter, its always best to run smaller rims and narrower tires so it cuts through the snow/ice and reaches the pavement faster. Plus its always more cost effective than the bigger setups


As for the rim, thats a very popular winter rim choice nowadays. I know Fast Wheels makes a version that might be cheaper than the Verde's

[Super_Geo]

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What specs are you going to need? I am going to be getting rid of 19" aftermarket VMR rims from my 440 that have winter tires already on them. Not sure if they'd fit an SUV but can get the specs.

For 19" looks like:


FRONT
Size: 19x8.5
(-1 Diameter)
Offset: 22mm

Size: 19x9.5
(-1 Diameter)
Offset: 23mm