Winter tires on Alum. Rims?

[KLUTZ]

What are the drawbacks from putting winter tires on summer rims? Is it a must to get steelies for the winter to mount the tires to? I figure it is to save them from the salt and crap, but is there a performance issue, would I get an ice buildup?

Thanks

Paul
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v164/KLUTZP/IMG_0001.jpg

[SonicBoy]

No ice build up problems. It is a preference thing to put snows on better looking Aluminum rims. Drawbacks? Aluminum rims will pit and possibly leak with years of exposure to the salt unless you take care of them. If you hit a snowbank or pothole, much more expensive to repair/replace than a steelie.

I personally prefer the aluminum wheels as I don't like the unfinished look of steelies. A lot of people go with the steeles also to save some cost.

Here's a good example of a good deal of some winter steelies by a member ==> click (http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=28107)

[SL3VIN]

I personally think that getting a set of steelies is a good investment. I dont think u will get much ice buildup but the salt will definitely ruin ur alloys and like sonic boy said, its a lot cheaper to fix/replace a set of steelies. also the constant stretching of the tires during each change will put unnecessary wear and tear on them. oh and ur alloys may oxidize due to the salt.

[kevcol74]

I agree with SonicBoy on this, steelies are much more durable. But, maintained alloys are fine too, just as long as you don't curb it or hit a bad pothole. Personally, I prefer the aluminums in the winter, but cost wise, I ended up with steel for now. I'm keeping my eye out for a set of aluminums for the winter...
If you are looking, just keep in mind other cars rims will fit. (ie 93-97 Probe/MX6, Protege5, 05-09 Mustang, etc... rims, not tires! I have a set of aluminum MX6 Mystere rims on my 06 Escape for winter rims...)

[RedRaptor]

With steelies you can be more wreckless and not be afraid to curb your wheels. With alloys, you'll have to drive with a little more attention if you don't want to bend or curb them. I've driven with steelies through three winters on the 3 and last year I picked up a set of OEM 16" Mazda3 alloys. If you do go with alloys, just make sure you clean them and wax them like SonicBoy said.

[allen@simplytire.com]

I personally run aluminum in the winters, but I do have to be carefull around curbs and fast corners.....

Steelies are a wise investment.....