I live in MA where the roads are crap. The pot holes are damaging these wheels! I don't drive insanely and just everyday round the town driving, but holy crap these wheels suck. I am stuck with two useless aluminum wheels and I really want to change to a steel wheel. I am sure I am not the only one with this problem? Right now I am driving to work (not even 2 miles) and back on a donut spare and don't dare go much farther than that. Suggestions on what wheels to replace them with please?

 

I am aware of "the list" of what vehicles match the 5/110, but would like some opinion on the easiest to find. Thanks!

 

try tirerack.com, they've got a wheel visualizer too so you can get an idea what they'll look like on a HHR

 

If you go to a steel wheel you will probably end up with a 16" as opposed to the 17" that comes with the 2LT package. With the right size tire this should eliminate/greatly reduce the rim damage from potholes. (any tire/wheel can be damaged if something is hit hard enough) There is more rubber to take up the initial shock with a 16", ride will be smoother too. If tire sizes are chosen correctly your speedometer reading will remain accurate as well.

I have a set of the standard 17" 2LT polished wheels with 225/50ZR17 Goodyear Eagle and a set of Euromax 612 (chromed aluminum, not steel) with 225/55R16 Goodyear Eagle for my "summer" wheels. (same tire design for each set) These both have the same over all diameter so speedo isn't effected when I switch between them and the 16's ride much smoother. Except in extreme cornering (something you more than likely don't do) the handling is about the same.

Of course, if you switch to 16" wheels you will not be able to use your existing tires but this may be the route you want to go if your roads are that bad.....

 

Your (2 remaining) aluminum wheels still have value $$. Sell them & use that money towards the purchase of a set of stocker steelies.

PS: I always wished that my HHR came with the aluminum wheels. I also like the wheels!

 

Don't go for the stock steel wheels if you want durability. They bend easier than any wheel I've ever had. My HHR is at the dealer right now waiting on 2 new rims under a road hazard policy I bought when I bought the car. When I get it back, the steel wheels are coming off and I'll put alloys on.

 

My son works at a tire barn and suggested the same thing (16s) of course to make beefier sidewalls the outcome. Going this route, I can also use both sets as summer/winter swap. I am definitely replacing the 17s in any case if I ever sell the car they will go with it as I believe the 16s to be more versatile on a future vehicle. Junkyard seems to be my best bet, but will have sone go with to check the rims for damage before we buy. Thanks!