Chrome-Clad Wheels are fragile

Our other vehicle is a 2014 Ford Edge that came equipped with factory 20" wheels as part of the Limited package. We were concerned about them being fragile and stupid big when we bought the car, turns out we were right. Buyers remorse is starting to kick in. Heard a strange noise on the freeway (no curbs were damaged in this incident) and this is now an $800.00 problem; the glorified plastic hubcap that hides the still-intact wheel cannot be replaced. Right-rear wheel. End of rant.

 

Wow what did you run over?

 

Jeep rims are the same way. When they first came out I was working at a parts/tires/service shop, and the first time a tech tried to change a tire on one on a cold day he shattered the cover
Even with our discount from the dealership it still cost the store close to $500. Shortly after that the company's home office sent out a flyer with precautions and proper technique to swap a tire with those rims.

 

No idea what did it. No damage to the tire sidewall. I'm going to look for a set of 18" takeoffs around here. Even if we put it through insurance, there's a deductible and throwing more money into rotten wheels doesn't make sense to me.