[aauno]

I’m in the market for new wheels and tires. A trusted source suggested I should consider 19 inch wheel because we have so many potholes in Michigan.

My Camaro has been lowered, so maybe 19’s with the right tires can fill the well.

Please share your thoughts on 19’s verses 20’s on Michigan roads.

[HCI2000SS]

I'm in Michigan and have 20's on my Camaro. In almost 3 years I've never had a problem. Just use a little common sense, think ahead, and you'll be fine

[WhiteMale]

Now why would a 19 vs a 20 offer a pothole protection?

[BrandanK]

Originally Posted by WhiteMale

Now why would a 19 vs a 20 offer a pothole protection?

The idea is that having a smaller diameter wheel means that the tire will have a taller side wall to equal the same size tire diameter of a 20" setup.

Brandan

[Alpha1BC]

I wouldn't worry too much about it. A 19 vs a 20 inch isn't going to do a whole lot in terms of pothole protection unless you get a really tall and mushy sidewall, at which point driving quality will suffer. If a pothole is big enough to mess up a 20" wheel, chances are it'll mess up a 19 as well. Best strategy I've found is to leave enough space in front of you so that you have time to react if one comes from underneath the car in front of you, and if you absolutely can't avoid going over them slow down so the wheels doesn't get slammed when you go through them.