Originally Posted By: NewEnglander
Originally Posted By: eyeofthetiger
I put aftermarket aluminum wheels on my Fiesta with the OE tires. Part of the 1.0 Ecoboost package was the addtion of steel wheels and plastic covers, which was dumb. I just couldn't live like that.
The aluminum wheels are the same diameter, one half inch wider, half the weight, and of course they look much better. Not all aluminum wheels are lightweight, but I chose the lightest cast wheels that were a reasonable price. Forged wheels are a few pounds lighter, but cost 3x as much. There are plenty of great tire choices in the 15 inch diameter, so I am not worried. I don't like dodging potholes, either. I speed up for them.
Similar situation. Subcompact/compact cars wanting to get something not stock. Granted I have alloys at the moment, not steel, but they feel boring too. I am learning about the gravity cast v low pressure v forged and low pressure seems to be around where I am thinking, but trying to gauge is it stronger than the OEM wheels? Not sure and probably would not want something that isn't at least as strong. I like the 15s too, but not the potholes!
I am an absolute Nokian convert. The WRG3s are the best tires I've ever rolled in for Nor'Easters around Boston. I'm not sure I've ever slipped even once, and this is coming from someone that was always an "all season" tire guy. These are the real all season tires as far as I'm concerned. I think you'd end up in the new line though, the WRG4s, which will be my next set once the Hyundai retires in the next year or two. Can't recommend enough.