I never had an issue with steelies on my Caliber, and I had them for a decade with almost no rust. I never treated them, just washed them regularly. I have seen OEM and aftermarket steel wheels with rust issues so YMMV.

The only reason I have aluminum winters for the Jeep is because I wanted the same specs as my factory wheels

We have steelies on the Prius for the winter tires now.

 

Does anyone know of a slightly narrower , than standard winter tire, for 5th generation vans? I have used Michelin X ice, on all of my previous vans, but I feel they are not as good, on my 2014. perhaps due to their size.

 

They are more of an ice tire than a jaw crushing snow tire. They have their limits and will also change those limits as they wear. A worn tire becomes a better dry traction tire and more fuel efficient.

The OE size tire for the 5th Generations is great for comfort, handling, and pot hole season. I wouldn't change the size. Up your air pressure by a couple psi (38 to 40). If you want a more aggressive tire in the snow, go for the aggressive, more open, tread patterns. There are many and cheaper tires that will provide better grip than the Michelin X ice in deep snow or slush. Maybe consider a light truck tire.

The new Michelin X-ICE SNOW is a more aggressive looking tire.

https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-100...https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Michelin&tireModel=X-Ice+Snow

 

The latest generation of studded snow tires (with pavement wear performance limits) are permitted on vehicles registered in Northern Ontario. They are NOT permitted in Southern Ontario, except for short periods if the vehicle is registered in Northern Ontario or other locations where studded tires are allowed.

 

2004 Acura TSX
215/50 R17 for summer on OE alloys
215/55 R16 for winter on steelies. Much better (less flat) for the potholes and a less expensive tire to boot

 

Our Chrysler does not make such a recommendation, does it? Maybe because we are driving a van which handles very well in the winter due to its long distance between the axles?

 

Interesting theory, never heard of it until now... now it is too late... for the next at least 5 years