Alloy Wheels - Newbie Help

[highlander]

Hello,

My 406 doesn't have alloys, and the hub caps are the tattiest bit of the exterior (they're fraying, cracked at the edges, and scuffed - essentially, they look like crap). Coupled with the fact that I will need to get new tyres soon as the treads on mine are getting a bit shallow, I thought I might as well replace the wheels and the tyres. Ought to spruce up the appearance of my motor a treat.

Problem though, is that I know roughly nothing about the subject.

1) What kind of wheels should I be looking for (size, number of nuts, etc, or any particularly 406-friendly brand)?
2) Are the tyres that are supplied with alloys (i.e. those you can buy in Halfords, etc) any good, or would I be best to buy new tyres as well?
3) Do I need to tell my insurance company that I'm fitting them, and if so, how badly with that affect my premiums?
4) How do they affect the performance/handling of the car? I'm not trying to make it go faster, just wonder if there's anything I'd need to watch out for.

Any advice would be most welcome; I am a total newbie when it comes to car parts.

Cheers
Graeme

[DaiRees]

Are you thinking of going for bigger wheels? If not, and if I was in your position, I'd get on ebay and get a set of genuine 406 alloys, then don't worry about the insurance, "They were on there when I bought it guv, assumed they were original". If you buy after market ones then you really should inform the insurance company or it might be invalidated - I'd reckon on at least a 10% increase for a "cosmetic enhancement" .

I actually got a brand new genuine pug alloy to match mine (had a steel spare when I bought it) from ebay for £10, so there's bargains to be had

[mjb]

I'd get on ebay and get a set of genuine 406 alloys,

Exactly what I was about to suggest. They look a lot better than aftermarket alloys anyway

[highlander]

Sorry to resurrect an older thread, and sorry for sounding like a complete newbie (I am), but ...

My wheels are the factory-fitted standard steel wheels ... what size would they be?

Are the alloys from the 406 Coupe compatible?

How about alloys from other Peugeot models?

[djp30djp]

How about these? http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/PEUGEOT-406-ALLOY ... 240%3A1318

[highlander]

Much obliged, sir - I've added them to my watch list!

I'm also watching a set of 307 wheels, which are quite nice too, and the seller assures me they'll fit the 406.

[djp30djp]

Yes, they may bolt on, but if they are not 15" they may either foul the callipers or throw the speedo reading out.
Be carefull ! also found http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/15-Peugeot-406-Al ... 240%3A1318

[highlander]

Thanks to all for your replies - I've bought a set of 15" 307 Rapier alloys with 195/65/R15 tyres, so they should fit exactly the same as the bog-standard wheels.

Should get 'em by Friday, says the bloke, and then I've just got to get them fitted.