keoni

I plan on driving my 06 right through winter. I am leaning towards the 18 inch bullit but dont know how the wheel will be effected by roadsalt etc. Can I just put a protectant on it or will the tire be negatively effected by roadsalt, snow etc. Sorry if it seems like a simple question. I also assume for the most part 18 inch tires are more expensive? Thanks for any feedback. Keep changing my mind while I am clean and unscheduled.

Stoenr

Try to keep some wax on the wheels. And clean as often as you can.
The tire will not be effected by road salt. If you're really concerned buy a set of take offs from ebay.
Yes 18" tires tend to be a little more money than 17". Not ALOT, if your comparing the same tire in a 17" to 18"

adrenalin

Personally I think you should get a different set of rims with winter tires for the winter. If you get the 18" rims and if FORD puts BFG KDW's on them like I think they are, well, those tires are not winter rated so you wouldn't even get out of your driveway in 1/4" of snow.

However, if you do want to keep those rims on it, coat them in vasoline. Then in the spring use simple green and a power washer to clean them up.

red454

The Vasoline thing works - it may attract dirt, but the protection you get is definitely worth it in the spring when you "wake" them up.

05HawkeyeGT

Keoni,

What part of Iowa are you in? I'm in the Iowa city area, I live in North Liberty to be specific.

I also was going to prob either buy a beater car to drive around or follow these suggestions for my 05.

keoni

Hey Hawkeye, I am in Cedar Rapids. I have an 06 on order and the dealer said late Sept or Early Oct but its still C/U. While it is C/U I want to make sure its exactly what I want. And lately the 18' bullits are looking mighty fine. Since it doesnt look like I will get the car until then I might as well. Only problem is if I get the 18's I cant get the ICAP: ( And if I get the ICAP I cant only get stock or 17' upgrade. Decisions decisions.

05HawkeyeGT

Good luck with whatever you decide, hopefully you will get your car with enough time to enjoy it.

Look forward to seeing you around.

banffsnowguy

i would highly recommend 17's for the winter- the 18's will be way too wide. i ordered my car with the fanblades but also ordered the 17" bullits w/ michelin ice-x for winters.

as for roadsalt, my bodyshop guy recommended washing the rims, cleaning them with wheel cleaner, AND THEN washing them with soap as the soap leaves a invisible barrier from the residue which will protect the wheels as well as counteract the chemicals in the wheel cleaners and the acidity from the salt

Badsnke98

Salt is pure heck on most anything. I woulld order the wheel you want for the summer months. Remove them in the winter. There are 17" take-offs selling for $600 at a local dealer. Quite the winter insurance policy.