Need advice about wheels

[GregD]

We recently moved to snow country, and I've been looking for a spare set of wheels for our Subaru Outback so that winter/summer tire changes are simplified.

This http://sacramento.craigslist.org/car/121167039.html">pair of rims would suit us nicely, but I am concerned about one issue. Acccording to the posting "THE PREVOUS OWNER TOOK THESE WHEELS TO A SHOP AND PAINTED GOLD".

Has anyone any experience with painting rims? I'm concerned that the fact that they are not factory-anodized or whatever process is used to apply color to rims that it may eventually wear off. Anyone know about this? Any thoughts?

Much thanks!

[Chemical Bill]

1. Well...

I couldn't get your link to work, but if I was in the market for rims for snow tires, I'd get the cheapest steel rims I could find, as there are lots of potholes where I live. I also would get them because you want skinny snow tires, not wide ones. Wider tires just float on top of the snow instead of digging in.

Bill

[Ready4Change]

2. Corrected link

http://sacramento.craigslist.org/car/121167039.html

However, the post has been removed.

How long the paint will last depends on how it was applied. If they just used a spray can of gold enamel, it wont last long. If a decent shop did it properly it should hold up nicely.

But winter tires/wheels take a lot of abuse. I'd buy inexpensive wheels, and put on the best snow tires I can afford, if I were in serious snow country. I don't know what works in deep snow like you might get in the Rockies, but if you are likely to get a wintery mix of snow and ice a lot, I can seriously recommend Bridgestone Blizzaks. They've saved my bacon on ice patches several times. Best thing, short of tires with ice studs.