I'm thinking of ordering 4 extra 17" rims (the original ones that come with the Volt) online for winter tires since I can get a far better price online ordering from the US (even with shipping included) than from my local dealer here in Canada.

Two questions:

1) Has anyone had rims damaged during shipping before? How easy is it to damage rims?

2) Can someone confirm the part number for the 17" painted aluminum rims? The part number I found is
9599007 but I'm not 100% confident.

1) I have ordered rims & tires from tirerack.com before and they come through without a scratch. They usually put card board around the rim part so they don't get damaged.

2) Yes 9599007 is the correct part number:
http://www.hubcaphaven.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=HC&Product_Code=7959&Category_Code=3731

Since they cost about $190 a piece, you can get non-OEM replacement rims for much cheaper. Have you looked at other rims from tirerack.com or discounttire.com?

1) I have ordered rims & tires from tirerack.com before and they come through without a scratch. They usually put card board around the rim part so they don't get damaged.

2) Yes 9599007 is the correct part number:
http://www.hubcaphaven.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=HC&Product_Code=7959&Category_Code=3731

Since they cost about $190 a piece, you can get non-OEM replacement rims for much cheaper. Have you looked at other rims from tirerack.com or discounttire.com?

Awesome thanks for confirming the part number. I have indeed looked at places like tire rack but I'm uncomfortable since they don't provide exact specifications for centerbore size. Even when I email them, they are pretty unhelpful. I haven't found a non-OEM rim with exact boresize and I'd rather avoid having to purchase rings.

Basically, I'm willing to pay the $50-75 premium per rim for a 100% success guarantee.

Awesome thanks for confirming the part number. I have indeed looked at places like tire rack but I'm uncomfortable since they don't provide exact specifications for centerbore size. Even when I email them, they are pretty unhelpful. I haven't found a non-OEM rim with exact boresize and I'd rather avoid having to purchase rings.

Basically, I'm willing to pay the $50-75 premium per rim for a 100% success guarantee.

Rings are about $2/wheel on Amazon. If they say the wheel will fit the Volt, it will fit the Volt. The wheel is also the same spec from a 1st gen CTS. If it fits the CTS, it fits the Volt.

My aftermarket wheels worked out perfectly. They cost more than the OEM though, but worth it to me.

I've been to the tirerack.com warehouse in Indiana, had some new tires installed while I was there (previous car). They have their own test track, a Corvette club was there that day ripping around. If they say a wheel fits the Volt, its because they've done the research, including measuring the backspacing and inner diameter for brake caliper clearance.

Agree! TireRack was great when I needed wheels and tires for my 2002 BMW convertible. They were extremely knowledgeable and couldn't have been more helpful. The fact that they had good prices was icing on the cake.
Stuart #B2209

Frankly, if I were to get snow wheels, I'd want the least expensive I could find considering I would use them only 3-4 months. I'd be fine with steel if they were cheaper. That said, TireRack has these (and others) for the Volt.

$396 ($99 each)
Size: 17x7.5
Offset: 40mm
Backspacing: 5.90"
Bolt Pattern: 5-115
Rec. Tire Size: 215/55-17
Weight: 21.5lbs.
Finish: Silver Painted

2868

http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/WheelCloseUpServlet?target=runWheelSearch&initialPartNumber=KSE551752S&wheelMake=Sport+Edition&wheelModel=F7&wheelFinish=Silver+Painted&showRear=no&autoMake=Chevrolet&autoModel=Volt&autoYear=2011&autoModClar=&filterFinish=All&filterSize=17&filterBrand=All&filterSpecial=false&filterNew=All&filterWeight=All&sort=Price

Frankly, if I were to get snow wheels, I'd want the least expensive I could find considering I would use them only 3-4 months. I'd be fine with steel if they were cheaper. That said, TireRack has these (and others) for the Volt.

$396 ($99 each)
Size: 17x7.5
Offset: 40mm
Backspacing: 5.90"
Bolt Pattern: 5-115
Rec. Tire Size: 215/55-17
Weight: 21.5lbs.
Finish: Silver Painted

2868

http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/WheelCloseUpServlet?target=runWheelSearch&initialPartNumber=KSE551752S&wheelMake=Sport+Edition&wheelModel=F7&wheelFinish=Silver+Painted&showRear=no&autoMake=Chevrolet&autoModel=Volt&autoYear=2011&autoModClar=&filterFinish=All&filterSize=17&filterBrand=All&filterSpecial=false&filterNew=All&filterWeight=All&sort=Price

That is a really good price...I'm going to email them about the bore size to be 100% sure, but the bolt pattern and offset look good.

Are aftermarket rims compatible with the OEM TPM sensors?

Checked tire rack after seeing Steverino's post. They also had wheels for the volt for $89 each.

That is a really good price...I'm going to email them about the bore size to be 100% sure, but the bolt pattern and offset look good.

Are aftermarket rims compatible with the OEM TPM sensors?

TireRack sells TPM sensors for $50/wheel. If you buy the rims and tires, they install the TPM sensors for no additional charge. $50 is kind of expensive but if it includes installation it may be worth it.

A quick look at the tire dealers TireRack works with show 99% in my area charge $5-$6 for TPMS (I am guessing that is the install cost) Ron Tonkin Chevy has a discount code, good for 23% off of the $36 list for the GM TPMS stems. That's $28 for the OEM, plus $6 install, plus shipping,say $3 each. So about $37/wheel vs TireRack's $50. A $52 savings.

Gosh, you guys get me to spend more money, haha. I just ordered a winter wheel/tire/TPMS package from TireRack for $1246 ($311/wheel) mounted, balanced, and delivered. I got the Bridgestone Blizzak WS70, and the wheel I posted above.

All I need to do is bolt them on the car and sync the TPMS. I like the idea of more winter traction, and not having the OEM wheels subjected to salt. I'd rather handle my baby myself and not have to haul the Volts "summer" wheels back home.

The TMPS was an added $215.96 or $54/wheel. That's about $17 more than buying the TPMS elsewhere, but having the tires and TPMS mounted and balanced at a tire shop will run at least $17/wheel.

After a bunch of emails back and forth with Tire Rack, I'm pretty confident that their 17" Sport Edition F7 rims will fit the Volt. Total with shipping to Canada came to $622. Much, much cheaper than the OEM rims.

I will have everything balanced and installed up here, either at Kal Tire or at the dealership.

Just got my shipping confirmation from TireRack. That's one of the great things about them. Orders move out the door fast! Based on previous experience they will be on my doorstep tomorrow or Wednesday. I think I'll take the opportunity to give the wheels an extra coat of clear coat while they are clean and new.

Wheels with tires mounted arrived today. Cleaned the wheels of mounting lube and gave them an extra clear coat. Took exactly one can of Rust-Oleum High Performance Wheel Clear.

These wheels are way nicer than steel rims but are not the same quality as the Volt's wheels (interior paint is light gray, not silver for example). But hey, they were $99 and they are for grungy winter use. Now I just need to test them on the car (its at the dealer for software upgrade, etc.)

Wheels with tires mounted arrived today. Cleaned the wheels of mounting lube and gave them an extra clear coat. Took exactly one can of Rust-Oleum High Performance Wheel Clear.

These wheels are way nicer than steel rims but are not the same quality as the Volt's wheels (interior paint is light gray, not silver for example). But hey, they were $99 and they are for grungy winter use. Now I just need to test them on the car (its at the dealer for software upgrade, etc.)

Also better than ugly steel wheels!

BTW, would you use the Rust-oleum on the factory rims too for extra protection?

Wheels with tires mounted arrived today......Now I just need to test them on the car (its at the dealer for software upgrade, etc.)

Let me know how the TPMS pairing goes. According to the SM, you need special tools for it. I hope there is another way.

If anyone is interested in stock rims in the future PM me. I plan on going larger and picking a different style, but only when my tires require replacing. (Unless your willing to pay a pro-rate for the tires too.)

Expect more road noise from different tires...FYI...I work at a Chevrolet dealership and talk to our Volt certified technician all the time... he mentioned to me that a customer admitted to him that the tire that she had to replace due to road hazard damage was much noisier than the other three..and yes.. she did replace it with a different tire.

I'd take a polished stock wheel, as a spare, I'd like the tire too, don't care too much about wear, just give me a mm or two above the wear bar.......

Of course, if I can, I want to get a set of the Opel Wheels, and might do it when I need new tires.

Expect more road noise from different tires...FYI...I work at a Chevrolet dealership and talk to our Volt certified technician all the time... he mentioned to me that a customer admitted to him that the tire that she had to replace due to road hazard damage was much noisier than the other three..and yes.. she did replace it with a different tire.

I had Hankook's on my 18" rims and I can tell you that is a false generalization. My Hankook's were definitely quieter than the stock tires. I really noticed it when I put the originals back on. Not only road noise, but even the lane "pucks" we really more noticeable.

You should always check the ratings on Tirerack.com for noise ratings if that's important to you. It is to me.

anyone selling their old rims? ( i may buy them)