I want 19" rims for my car but i live in new york. Basically the only tire that will fit on the rim is a 225/35/19. I want to buy the motegi ff7 rims but am worried that if i hit one pot hole my rim will get damaged.. anyone with experience with this?

 

19" on our cars are show rims. They are not well suited for actual regular street driving. The chances of damaging your rims as you fear is very high.

 

what about 18" rims with 215/40/18 tires?

 

bump

 

That is the stock size for the SS/SC, so I don't see a problem with that size. What model Cobalt? Depending on the rim, maybe even look at 225 or 235's.

 

i bent two 17's on a huge pot hole. The tire size is 205/40/17.

 

19's in New York!!?? Yeah let me know how that works for ya!

If you drive in the city alot with all those beat to **** streets I'd stick to a 17 or smaller. The bigger the sidewall helps cushion the bumps and pot holes. 18 woud be the MAX but your gonna get beat up driving it.

 

You got to remember, hitting a large enough pothole will damage your rims no matter what. Its just to what extent. But like jackalope said, the taller the sidewall the less chance of damage. I am never putting 19's on a vehicle, ever.

I suggest teaching yourself to watch the ground for holes and obstacles before you get the rims. A good way to do this is to ride a bike in the gutter of the road where there is just tons of crap. Then once you get into the car, it will seem easy.

Make sure to post pics once they are on!!

 

hey guys fyi.. just cuz we live in new york doesnt mean we live in the city lol... idk where he lives but usually when people ask where im from i say new york then ask if i like the city..... im actually 2 hours from there lol... / thread jack

 

i dont' live in the city but the roads still aren't that great around here. i have 17's on my car right now with 205/40/17 and i've bent to rims but they are still driveable.

 

I have the same size tires and i bent 2 17's as well i live in michigan and the roads are by far some of the worst in the country

 

What the hell are you doing with 205/40R17's? Those are WAY too small for this car. It's no wonder you bent the rim. With a 205, you should have a sidewall of at least 50. The best size tires for a 17" rim would be 205/50, 215/45, 225/45.

 

the ss/na is running 205/45/17 tires with no problem

 

bump anyone drive around everyday with 225/35/19 tires?

 

Yeah. But not in New York. Not everyday either. My baby has to rest sometimes.