this is probably a "duh" question, but would it hurt the stock lug nuts to be exposed over the winter?

 

They should be fine. I have seen it done lots of times with no real issues.

 

The hubcaps on my wife's HHR leave them exposed and there has been no problems. The caps have been on her car for 2 years.

 

I took my hubcaps off a very long time ago.

 

They just get uglier due to exposure

 

I actually blasted mine with flat black spray paint, after they go dirty you can't tell.

 

I sprayed mine with clear coat and have run them for 4 winters and no issues.

 

those hubcaps suck. the front ones get the brake dust on them and makes them look like they are rusting, and I have even been washing them. Since I have the LT, I love the black wheels. I'd like to leave the caps off, but wifey won't let me (it's her car). So, I'll take em off for a while and try to re-paint them silver.

 

Use ceramic pads, a lot less dust.

 

show her these!! I got these chrome lug nuts at Autozone. as for the color, well she can chose