Tire size question

Hi,

Anytime there is less sidewall, you have a greater chance of damage to the wheel.

I compared the two and found the 18" tire has a 31.3% higher sidewall, 0.8% smaller in diameter, equal in width, and the 18" only turns 4 revolutions more than the 20" in a mile.

The idea that you could have damage when hitting a pot hole is a good bit higher with the 20". When I say damage, I am referring to rim damage being more likely.

I hope that helps. Let me know if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe

Hello, I'm Danny.

You pretty much answered your own question. Yes, the smaller in diameter sidewall you mentioned between the 2 sizes will act more stiffer and will be more prone to rim damage when encountering a pothole. Also, the smaller or lower profile tires are also more expensive when it comes time to replace. Hope this helps and thanks for using 2CarPros.

This is an interesting question. So let's take all other variables out and look at hitting a pot hole the exact same way in both vehicles. The only difference being the wheel size hence the sidewall "thickness." The 18 inch wheels will take less damage then the 20s.

If it were me, I would not let this be the deciding factor because it will not be that much of a difference. The reason is, if you hit a pot hole hard enough to damage a 20 inch wheel then most likely it will do some damage to the 18. Maybe not as much but it will still require replacement or attention of some sort.

If it were me, I would have other factors be the deciding factor but the 18 would protect better.

Hope that helps. Thanks

Hello again.

Being a low profile sidewall like that has them made extra sturdy for that reason. The only real time you need to worry about sidewall damage is driver extended period of time on a flat tire. Hope this helps and thanks again for using 2CarPros.

Danny-