Both Options For Hard-to-Find Rims Will Lead To a Database

Dear Car Talk:

I need to replace the rims on my 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan. I would kind of like to put on chrome rims but the size, 5 x 127, seems to be a difficult bolt pattern to find.

When I've looked for used rims, every time some Caravan rims go up for sale online, they're gone right away.

I heard that I may be able to find new rims that fit the same bolt pattern. But how, other than driving my car to check them out and removing a wheel and trying the new one on? -- Craig

Craig, you're in luck. We have the technology to solve your problem. It's called a database. I'll give you two suggestions. Call a local junkyard (or automotive recycling center, as they like to be called now). Most junkyards have a database that tells them which wheels fit on which cars. So they can search their inventory by computer, and see if they have any wheels that fit your Caravan.

Lots of junkyards are also connected to each other through a network. It should be called "Heap-net," but it's not. Anyway, if the local junkyard doesn't have anything that fits a Caravan, they can check the wire and see if another yard does.

Then you can have them shipped to you or go get them if it's nearby. You may also be pleasantly surprised at how many options you have if you decide to get new wheels. You can get chrome, aluminum alloy, Italian Carrera marble.

Try going to www.tirerack.com. Their database is excellent. You enter the details of your car, click on "wheels," and you'll see a long list of new wheels for sale that fit your Caravan. eBay Motors has a similar database that will also list used parts, when available.

And given your cautious nature, Craig, you can buy just one. And then, once you're sure it fits, you can go back online and see if you can still find three more.

Time to say goodbye to your loyal, old car? Let it do one more good deed. Donate it to your favorite public radio station. Here's how.