I work at a Buick/GMC dealer and this is a problem with GM as well. Chrome clad aluminum wheels just aren't worth it.
True, but just as a point of reference- I was referring to *chrome-plated* aluminum wheels, which (unless you changed them) did not come on your '96. Chrome rims were not available until 1999. I also have a 1996 Town & Country with the same aluminum rims that probably came stock on yours, and have yet to have a problem.Well, I think the tire sales person is trying to make a buck ---- Live in the salt belt and have had a 88 Grand C with fancy aluminum wheels 96 T & C with the fancy wheels also (bought both new).
gtx4spd said:Just saw this post & had to respond. I spent 4 yours working in a tire shop & I can tell you that ALL the manufacturers have this issue. One of the major causes of flats, any make, any model, was corrosion of the alloy rims. When we did an install on any alloy rim we automatically cleaned the bead are & applied bead sealer. This isn't just a Chrysler problem. And we saw it on rims with as little as 15,000 miles on 'em.
The big problem was the chromed aluminum wheels like on the 1999-2000 Town and Country Limited among others. The Sparkle Silver (painted) aluminum wheels were never a problem, but the same wheel design in chrome was.I wonder if there was some process that they're no longer allowed to use, and like paint in the nineties, they haven't figured out how to make a different process work correctly yet.
I had a 2000 T&C Ltd AWD with spoked chrome wheels (16"). Never had a problem with corrosion.The big problem was the chromed aluminum wheels like on the 1999-2000 Town and Country Limited among others. The Sparkle Silver (painted) aluminum wheels were never a problem, but the same wheel design in chrome was.
Once they went to the aluminum wheels with a chrome plastic face, I think the issue was pretty much solved.