So I have this other issue with my 2011 LT HHR….it has the OEM steel rims and I can’t keep them round. This is our tow behind car for work and in traffic cant alway miss large pot hokes so end up bending wheels sometimes. Tried of hammer whooping them back straight.
Question is,….do you guys think aluminum rims would prevent that or are they easy bent also?

 

Cast aluminum wheels will crack or break off in pieces.
Forged aluminum are usually a little stronger but will bend and may even crack.
Get some 16 inch steel wheels and put the tallest tire you can on it. More sidewall to absorb the impact.

Or drive better roads.

 

we transport motorhomes for a living so have to go where deliveries are so no control over which roads.
Ok on aluminum wheels….guess I need to get good at wheel straightening on the steel ones.
I do have the OEM tire size on car..,,I dont like low profile tires for reason you allude to…

thanks for your imput

 

No more than 26.1 inches tall .

 

I like 205/60R16. Slightly narrower and taller that the stock 215/55R16. Still fits easily. Pirelli P4's don't cost much and last forever.

 

Good to know. I been running General RT45’s an very happy with them and mileage out of them. The tires are not really my problem, I’m thinking the offset of the rims…..when have pothole “impact” it is to much side load since the eye of the rims is not centered. I did see an hhr with guessing aftermarket steel wheels that had solid center, no “spokes” or lightening holes. I wonder if they might hold up better?

 

No, those aren’t any stronger then stock 18 hole steelies or the later five spoke steel rims. Offset doesn’t have anything to do with the rims bending from impact of the pot holes or train tracks or such. The speed of the impact determines the bent rim!

 

The only way is to avoid potholes.

 

How old are your struts and shocks?

 

not that old but lot miles on em