Stock chrome wheels in winter

[Chevyman3308]

I tried to search for this but there are a million topics on wheels. I just bought my Sierra and it has the stock 20's and was wondering how well these hold up in the winter? Should I look for a cheap steel wheel or just keep the chrome ones clean as possible? Michigan winters usually consist of dumping semi loads of salt on the roads.

[Jay700]

I'm looking for some cheap wheels and I also live in Michigan.

[Luster]

If they are "Chrome-Clad" or "PVD" then you have now worries.

 

If they are real chrome-plated then do this:

 

I have run chrome wheels all winter with no damage by saturating the wheels, front and back side, with WD-40. Take it to the carwash at least once a week, then re-apply the WD-40.

 

True, your wheels won't look that great all winter, but they will look great in the spring.

 

If there are no carwashes open because it's too cold, I use Optimum No-Rinse Car Wash in my garage, then re-coat with WD-40.

 

It works.

[Luster]

PS... If you can afford to have an extra set of wheels/tires, that's obviously a better way to go. Plus your tires will last twice as long because your only running them half the time.

[gmissed]

I have Michelin winter tires. They are mounted on rims that are black and made of steel. It makes a big difference in my opinion when driving with these on icy snow packed roads that I experience in northern Ontario. The nice Denali wheels are kept in the garage over the winter.

[Bonker]

I have a nice set of 20" painted aluminum wheels with tires from my 2007 Avalanche that will be going on my Sierra for winter driving up here in Canada the chrome wheels will be taking a nap for the winter

[14DENALI]

stock wheels are clear coated. keep them clean and you shouldn't have a problem.

[ChrisNJ]

IMO, the stock chrome wheels aren't as good as they used to be. My old and gone chrome 20's on my 07 and 11 Denali started flaking after only a few years. I too now have the 20's on a '14 SLT, and live in salt country. I do little to take care of them though. In the winter I might wash the truck 2-3 times.

[Luster]

Here's a pic of the 2014 stock 20" Sierra wheels. If you have the one on the left or right, no worries. If you have the one in the center, Buy some "winter" wheels and store these for winter. (Or use the WD-40 method)

 

The center on is real chrome plated, the other two are clear-coated.

 

Real chrome is not clear-coated and they will pit and flake.

 

[Ventilator]

Michigan puts 22.9 tons of salt / brine per lane mile annually. More than any other State in the nation. You always have to worry, no matter the wheels, and every other part of your vehicles for that matter. You get a little chip in the clear coat on them rims, and salt will worm its way under it like you won't believe. It will look like termites got under there.

 

We can rust / corrode anything here, unfortunately. Eats the paved / cemented roads up real bad too.

[SouthCo]

Michigan puts 22.9 tons of salt / brine per lane mile annually. More than any other State in the nation. You always have to worry, no matter the wheels, and every other part of your vehicles for that matter. You get a little chip in the clear coat on them rims, and salt will worm its way under it like you won't believe. It will look like termites got under there.

 

We can rust / corrode anything here, unfortunately. Eats the paved / cemented roads up real bad too.

Wow. That's a lot of salt. Forget winter wheels... Id have a winter vehicle and let the nice truck stay parked in the garage during the winter...

[Luster]

Wow. That's a lot of salt. Forget winter wheels... Id have a winter vehicle and let the nice truck stay parked in the garage during the winter...

Yup.... Winter in Michigan... drive a beater!!!

[Chevyman3308]

I have always had a winter beater but I can't justify parking my $50k 4x4 truck for 4 months. I had an 02 Duramax and drove it many winters and it had 0 body rust. You just have to wash wash wash wash wash wash, that is why I bought a yearly pass at the local carwash where I get a wash a day.

[takethebounce]

Just plastidip the stock wheels for winter any colour you wish or clear and peel off in the spring with no worries of corrosion.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[SouthCo]

I have always had a winter beater but I can't justify parking my $50k 4x4 truck for 4 months. I had an 02 Duramax and drove it many winters and it had 0 body rust. You just have to wash wash wash wash wash wash, that is why I bought a yearly pass at the local carwash where I get a wash a day.

If your washing the chrome wheels like you say your washing your truck they should be fine... Of course a chip on the surface of either could be bad with that much salt.