I'm currently in the market for snow tires with a $700 budget.

I see a lot of discouraging about using stock rims in snow. Can anybody confirm that the salt, ect really does damage the rims?

My RX-8 has 18" rims and I was going to get snow tires that would let me move my 18's to the snow tires. I also thought about driving this winter without rims. I don't really care how the car looks in the dreadful winter, especially if it saves me from buying new/used rims.

I learned that 17's are better for snow than 18's because of... forgot.

My car is a 2 year lease too.

 

Don't think so if you keep them clean.

 

Thanks. I'll just transfer my stock rims to the winter tires then.

 

Yes your rims will get pitted from the salt ... depending on if they use salt in your area. Here in Ontario they just drop a ton or so of salt on the roads instead of plowing them and then everything turns into brown mush! If you clean them regularly you may minimize the damage but no matter what you will have little marks that you cannot remove. That being said ... after 2-3 winters just get the wheels refinished and your good to go!

I use the OEM Mini wheels for winters for the Cooper and after 2 winters they are showing signs of the salt wear!

I'm going to use the OEM's this year as well, but I'm buying a new set of aftermarkets for the summer so I don't care if the stockers get a little dinged up.

Cheers,

Zoomby_U

 

For two winters you will be fine. Just put some wax on them and give them a little love during the winter... If you do that any blemishes should be well within a lease's 'normal wear and tear boundaries. Good job getting the winter tires.