Smith837

Hi all,

For those of you with the OEM 19's, or 19's in general, what's your experience with potholes? Wondering how big the pothole needs to be before it damages the wheels.

(My S4 Prestige arrives next month. Currently driving around with 17's and each time I hit a pothole, I'm thinking, "What'll that do to my new baby?!")

Thanks!

mellow_sparky

I'm not sure I'd want to hit a pothole of any size with the 19s.

Smith837

Understood Mellow. I don't want to hit one either, but I find that here in the Northeast, it's near impossible to avoid them, esp. where I live. I'm pretty good at steering around them, but occasionally one gets ya. That said, is it a foregone conclusion that I'll damage my rim if/when I hit one, or does it depend?

legbend

In my first month I hit one pretty hard. It was probably the combination of speed and that it was fresh, but it did shear the sidewall of the tire. No damage to the wheel though.

drrick89

Those 19" trispoke wheels are pretty tough. I've hit one huge pothole and a number of smaller ones. No damage.

On the other hand, curbs can be deadly to your wheels' shiny finish. In fact, if you come within *two* feet of a curb, you'll get some curb rash! Alright, I'm exaggerating a little there, but be careful! I've already had my right front wheel refinished once. I'm keeping my fingers crossed in hopes that I won't have to do that again anytime soon...*sigh*

That said, you won't get my 19s from me unless you pry them from my cold, dead fingers. They make your S4's understated sportiness more extoverted; adding a bit of swagger. To other drivers they announce, "As a matter of fact, the road is mine." LOL Gotta *love* em!

Reds4Phil

I am with you.

tallers

I have a 545i with Sport package, 275-35-18 rear, 245-40-18 front. I recently had all four bent wheels straightened. Prior I had one wheel crack and two other bend. Bottom line, any low profile tire is in danger with these crap roads in PA & NJ. I ordered my S4 with 18's and I'll hope for the best.

Smith837

I agree with others here, don't WANT to hit 'em, but it's somewhat reassuring to hear that you can hit potholes and get away with it. So thanks!

PS: I'm VERY careful when it comes to curbs. Of course, I know there have been close calls in my current car with 17's where I gently scuffed a tire. Guessing I'll have to adapt for the 19's to avoid curb rash. Also, really looking forward to the 19's. Initially, didn't want 'em, but I agree that they add something special..."extroverted" is a good way to put it!

Smith837

Yikes! Sounds like you drive hard (or are just really unlucky). Of course, doesn't really take much in PA & NJ, and NY isn't much better! Best of luck with your 18's. Fingers crossed for my 19's.

rktskicar

I ordered mine with 18's as well.