Buying new wheels. Need advice.

[PTBear]

I went to my mechanic because, I had a bad vibration at high speed. I took the car in and he noticed that the chrome on all four wheels have/is peeled off. And he had problems balancing the wheels with the weights. His suggestion--buy new wheels.

I did a search on PTCruiserlinks.com and saw that chrome peeling is nothing new. But, buying wheels are new for me.

So other than looks, what should I look for in a good wheel? I went to many websites and none of them have a FAQ about buying new wheels. I own a 2003 PT Cruiser Turbo with Original peeling chrome wheels.

What finish is the best? I really don't want any more "plated" wheels.

What is the wheel offset and is that important?

What type of wheel can handle really bad weather and road hazards? Right now, I really can't afford two sets of wheels.

Any suggestion on which wheel company is better?

Any thing else I should be aware of?

Thanks for any advice!!!

[CREWZIN]

Go to Tire Rack - Your performance experts for tires and wheels or Discount Tire, Custom Wheels, Truck & Car Rims | Discount Tire Co. and look around on those sites. Plug your particulars in the right place and they will give you plenty of wheel options for yout PT.

The offset is important to clear the brake caliber, the GT has bigger calibers than the normal PT. You have a Turbo but is it a Lite Turbo or full GT? The sites will also explain about that too.

If your not the kind to take care of the chrome wheels, I'd suggest getting polished or painted wheels. Salt will kill chrome.

[PTBear]

I have the 2.4 liter Turbo. Oops forgot to include that.

[soonercruiser]

See the "Going on the 4th set of tires" thread in this forum.

[NJ03Turbo]

What size rims are you looking for?
I know you don't want any plated wheels, I would go with a painted/ powdercoated wheel.
My wife's car is having the same problem as you and I stated her issues in the below thread.
I'm looking for 15" rims and more tire but I'm not overly concerned with handling, the stock low profile tires on her car don't protect the rims at all when it comes to pot holes. She's dented all 4 rims.

You can see this thread...16 vs 17 inch wheel replacement - Help, please!

[lakersfan1]

Most 'painted' wheels will be powdercoated. Powdercoat will outlast the life of your wheels as long as you don't scrub the wheels on the curb. And a good powdercoat will still look pretty damned nice.