So I just purchased some rims for my xB. Great deal from Hikaru...Thanks!!! I've been waiting over a year for rims...my question:

I live in New Hampshire, winters can get pretty bad...should I wait till spring to put them on, and run the steelies, or put them on and deal with it?

The rims are the Sportmax 002 in red 15x8. I just didn't know what most people do who live in harsher weather climates...

Thanks!!!

 

I would wait till spring, I just took my wheels off for the winter. They will stay nicer if they don't get them salty/snowy.

 

I figured as much...but you know how it is when you get something new...you always want to use it right away.

Better to be smart than sorry though I suppose!!!

 

Better safe then sorry, I agree with ^^^. I have rota grids and they are knockoffs and I am in washington DC, but I will tell you. Some of the fools down here running 22" chrome rims in the winters are idiots. Most of them have the chrome flaking off or the clearcoat is dead and dull. Just wait. I know it's exciting and you're probably like me and wanting to throw them on right now, but think how nice you'll feel when you put them on in the spring!

 

Hi, This is my first experience on this web site....I Have an XB 2004...Bought it with 18" sport Chrome wheels....I changed my tires to a Kumho 16" gray double spoke last spring...the ride is a lot smoother, I got lazy and never went back to the 18"'s

 

Yeah, use the stock wheels in the winter, but make sure you put the new wheels on and ride around for a couple days so you know they fit without rubbing.

 

Run the 002's till the first snow then take them off. No sense in messing them up. Besides, no one will pay attention to them in the middle of winter. Nice choice of rims

 

Great advice!!!

They should be here on Tuesday...I'll run them for a bit then change them out again.

Thanks for the feedback!!!

 

Make sure to use appropriately sized tires on the 002's. I foolishly tried running 15 * 7 wheels on stock tires and ended paying for it dearly. One of tires slipped off the rim as I was getting on the expressway. Nearly lost control and ended up within inches of the ditch. The sidewall was the culpruit. Apparently, the stock tires are seriously not meant for any kind of streching. Being the cheapy that I am, I replaced the blown tire with a 195/60/15, inflated the tires to 40 lb and called it good. Well, a few weeks later, the other rear tire gave in as well. Luckily this time, I was crusing at about 75 on the expressway and easily came to a stop.

I now have four 195/60/15's on the box and am happy as ever. The wider rubber noticebly improves the handling and "sure footedness" factor. It suddenly feels like you are driving a vehicle with a much wider track. Believe me, 10 MM can make the world of difference. Good luck in your tire adventures! Nice choice with the 002's. Let me know if they rub, I was about to pick up a set myself but backed out due to the fact that you need to use spacers.

 

Thanks!!!

Yeah...from what I've seen, others running the same wheels range from 195 - 215/60/15. I'm surely going to get new tires to keep on the stock steelies.

So you mentioned spacers...I guess these are a must with these wheels? Or very highly suggested/recommended?

I appreciate the feedback!!!

 

Although I don't have any personal experience, others on Scion Life claim that you need to either use spacers and/or shims or roll your fenders if you plan on running 002's in your XB. Rolling the fenders is no fun, essentially requring you to permanently change the front fenders and rear quarter panels. Unless you are a gun-hoe tuner or plan on keeping your XB for life, rolling the fenders certainly isn't a good idea. Front what I have read, spacers move your wheels further out, thus reducing the chances that the tires will rub on the fender apron. You may be able to get away without using either if yor XB is stock height. I'm farily positive that any lowering will require either the user of spacers and/or shims or worse, rolling the fenders. Let me know how it turns out. I was 95% set to purchase the 002's, yet backed out at the last minute due to worries that they would rub. By the way, did you get the 0 offset 002's or the regular 40 mm style?

-Nik

 

I'll go against the grain here and say....I run rims in the winter.....because it is possible..don't think its not...The chevy HHR comes stock with 17s as do other newer makes and models..and I know those get through the winters here in wisconsin alive and kicking..with all season tires or snow tires...they do make them for 17s and 18s...I wouldn't run a 35 series tire.....

but im running a 17X7 wheel with an all season ( snow capible ) tire......I run a set of 17s in the winter with snow tires and a set of 17s with summer tires in the summer.....Aluminum wheels can stay rust free if you keep on the washing end of them...chrome is another story...that I wouldnt put through the salt....but to each your own

but it is possible...