OK. I haven't seen any threads on this. If I switch my tires from a low profile (narrow sidewall) to a taller tire (wider sidewall), I SHOULD decrease the likelihood of expensive rim damage, right? I understand that by doing this, I compromise performance (slightly). This winter left a huge amount of road damage on the streets and I've taken quite a few hits on my rims that resulted in at least one rim damaged beyond repair and needed replacement. $500 is alot to have to spend because the Road Department can't get their act together. Sure I can and have file a claim with the D.O.T.; but what a headache to try and recover that money! So I'm looking for a way to avoid the out-of-pocket expense, at least improving my odds.

I have a stock size on there now....225/45/18. I'm thinking of mounting 235/50/18's, probably All Seasons, which I have now as well. (Yes, I know that the 2nd number is the ratio of width to the height...45's are slightly shorter in height than 50's, if the width is the same...likewise, I think a 235/50 and a 225/45 will result in approximately the same diameter tire) It's not a Track Car. I don't need to optimize the performance. Would it be better to consider switching to 17 inch rims and get an even taller tire? I might think about doing this, Long-Term, if the 50's don't buy me enough protection.

Anybody have any thoughts on this? All other specs being equal, of course.

 

Many people go with 17" steel rims and a taller tire profile in the Winter for just this reason.

 

so no suggestion on a tire with better rim protection. Do brakes fit in a 17" rim?

 

^ There are tires that offer some protection via a reinforced rim lip, e.g. the Goodyear Eagle F1 All Season. http://www.goodyeartires.com/cfmx/we...e&ms=#features

No problem with the brakes and a 17" rim.

 

Thanks Huey. Hmmm...17" rims. Gotta give this serious thought.

 

Many autox'ers use 17" too to save some weight, so again no problems running them. Some RX-8's even came with 16" rims.

 

I think I found some steel 17" rims at a salvage yard here that specializes in Mazda's. Off an 04 RX-8. This will fill my desire to try it out before I spend good money on nicer looking rims. Hope they're all true.

Now I have to figure out what tire size to get. But that's what this forum is for, right? Thanks Huey!