airahcaz

I have ordered a set of 4 18x8 42611-30B10 in chrome, and have ordered 4 replacements due to easily denting the rims. Does chroming the wheel weaken it?

Now I have dented yet another one. Is this due to the quality of the type of wheel?

I keep my tires inflated to 35 psi per recommendations here. Any suggestions really appreciated, as I'm tired of spending several hundred each time, and don't want to shell out the large expense of buying a whole new set or downsizing to 17s, and needing new tires as well, etc.

Is a dented rim that much more prone to blowout, can it be fixed?

sleeper408

iTrader: (6)

If I assuming correctly, you are referring to the OEM 18" wheels? I'm sorry to hear about your misfortune. I also have OEM 18" wheels but have not had the problems you experienced. I keep mine inflated to 38psi cold. The chrome finish should not be the problem. It may be the New Jersey roads. Even though I have pretty thick sidewall (IMO) tires, I am still cautious when driving and avoiding potholes when I can. You may want to look into getting 245/45/18 instead. This will be off from stock specs but since you don't want to downgrade back to stock 17's and need the added protection.

airahcaz

Well, the OEM for 2006, my car is a 1998. 38 psi eh, I thought above 35psi was pushing it, or is it just a comfort thing? what size tires do you have, the 45?

airahcaz

Trust me, I avoid potholes like the plague, but this one caught me off guard, at night.

btw, are you referring to the type of tires you have, to state that you have thick sidewalls, or merely size?

sleeper408

iTrader: (6)

Well, I don't think 38psi vs. 35psi would make a substantial difference as far as helping guard against your wheels. 38psi is just my own preference. Personally, I wouldn't exceed 42psi cold for tires. And for the sidewall, I meant the different size would add some thickness and extra protection.

245/40 = 98mm sidewall height
245/45 = 110.23 mm sidewall height

I would consult with Mitsuguy over at the Wheels/Tires subforum. He is an expert on wheels/tires. I don't know if anyone is running 245/45 on their OEM 18" wheels. It's a possibility I would look into.

CK6Speed

iTrader: (1)

The larger 45 series tire sidewall will help, but it may not stop you from denting or bending a rim. Cheaper rims may be a little weaker and might be prone to bending easier, but in my experience it really doesn't matter. You hit the right pot hole and you'll bend any aluminum rim. I've bent everything from high end expensive 3 piece forged rims, to one piece casts rims and everything in between. The larger the rim, the easier it is to bend. I've bent rims in the 15" size all the way up to 20" size.

airahcaz

Well, clearly don't have as much a problem with the stock 16s

I guess I'm debating if buying a whole new set of 4 is worth it, if stronger, longer lasting, or new tires with higher sidewalls, etc, instead if practically buying 1 replacement rim almost every season!

Does everyone riding 18s live on flat perfect land?

sleeper408

iTrader: (6)

Very true. The only real defense is careful driving, and sometimes, hitting a dip or pothole may be inevitable.

airahcaz

Let me ask this then, when dented, do you immediately look for repair, or question the integrity and safety of the rim, and look for immediate replacement instead?

sleeper408

iTrader: (6)

I have had wheels repaired in the past. A big part of it is choosing a credible, experienced shop with high-quality repairs. I've had bends fixed on my 20" chrome wheels and no new problems to date. Although they have been off of my car now for a few months. In the 6 or 7 months I had them after the repair, I had no further problems. Of course any area that has been repaired is prone to being damaged again in the future. In my case, the wheels were discontinued so replacement was not an option.

Solo_D33A

it's easy if it's just a bent rim, it can be repaired most of the time, I cracked 2 of my 17 inch OEM rims, chromed also. then went with aftermarket 17s it's fine thus far. just have to keep a though in the back of the head sometimes... rims are just like tires, it's a wear and tear item that is to be replaced sometimes... so I never buy real expensive rims since mine's a daily driver.

Kyle Harty

iTrader: (17)

That's my dilemma too, I'm rolling on discontinued 20's and I'm always scared to bend one. I guess I'm lucky around here, the highways don't really have potholes, just gotta watch yourself on the surface streets. I try to avoid highways I don't know and drive carefully.

mustafakha

Hi,

I am running 24/45 on 18" OEM wheels... I have a 2GS but the wheels are off a 3rd Gen GS430...
and that is the stock tire size that is supplied here in UAE... 245/45/R18...

sleeper408

iTrader: (6)

I can see that in signature photo now. How has your wheels held up? Any damage at all?

airahcaz

Ok, You'll enjoy this. I have purchased snow tires for my OEM 16s, and subsequently sold my OEM tires as I didn't see the need.

My 18" rim was so badly bent that my mechanic couldn't put it in the rear, and has instead put on my OEM 16s with the snow tires!

I assume my worst case is that my snow tires won't perform as well come winter time, if I keep them on all summer.

And Yes, I know about the performance degradation, that's not how their supposed to be used, etc.

Lastly, the net rim is in my trunk, let's see if I can find a wheel repair place and if feasible, versus ordering another for at least $300+