Softest, Pothole-proof 19" tires without mods?
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 7,337
Likes: 204
From: Edina, Minnesota
^^ David, I have a question. (I don’t think I’m jacking the Op’s thread since my question is related, and I believe we’ve already answered his question.)
Background Info: When I installed wider tires (for example I replaced my front 225/45-18” with 245/40-18”); I thought I noticed a significantly more comfortable ride, but did not sacrifice handling (in fact the handling improved).
My Theory: Since I felt a better ride with the wider tires (and of course the sidewall height is about the same comparing the two sizes), my conclusion is that the cubic volume of a tire can significantly contribute to ride comfort regardless of the sidewall height.
My Question: Do you think this is correct? (I searched here and in other places, but didn’t find definitive information or facts… So I really don’t know the answer, but I think my theory makes sense, and maybe the answer is obvious... but I'm not sure).
--Spike
Background Info: When I installed wider tires (for example I replaced my front 225/45-18” with 245/40-18”); I thought I noticed a significantly more comfortable ride, but did not sacrifice handling (in fact the handling improved).
My Theory: Since I felt a better ride with the wider tires (and of course the sidewall height is about the same comparing the two sizes), my conclusion is that the cubic volume of a tire can significantly contribute to ride comfort regardless of the sidewall height.
My Question: Do you think this is correct? (I searched here and in other places, but didn’t find definitive information or facts… So I really don’t know the answer, but I think my theory makes sense, and maybe the answer is obvious... but I'm not sure).
--Spike
Last edited by Spike100; Mar 25, 2009 at 03:24 PM.
Anyways, I think you're right about the cubic volume or whatever the correct term would be. A wider tire means a larger contact patch. So, any force is distributed across a wider area than with a narrower tire. Width, sidewall height, rubber compound, sidewall stiffness will all effect how a tire handles bumps and potholes.
New Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 7,337
Likes: 204
From: Edina, Minnesota
Ed, Thanks for the reply and explaining this.
I agree with your point that it’s probably best to respond to a “Quote” instead of my method of using “^^” since a poster sees their error and then deletes the original message (and the result is confusion).
I presented the question as a “cubic volume” premise since so many people ask if 19” wheels can match the ride comfort of 18” wheels. Of course the sidewall height is less with 19” wheels, but the majority of 19” wheel-buyers go with wider tires.
I noticed that wider tires (that consequently have more air volume) do result in a more comfortable ride. That is why I presented the question.
And… you provide a good response.
--Spike
I agree with your point that it’s probably best to respond to a “Quote” instead of my method of using “^^” since a poster sees their error and then deletes the original message (and the result is confusion).
I presented the question as a “cubic volume” premise since so many people ask if 19” wheels can match the ride comfort of 18” wheels. Of course the sidewall height is less with 19” wheels, but the majority of 19” wheel-buyers go with wider tires.
I noticed that wider tires (that consequently have more air volume) do result in a more comfortable ride. That is why I presented the question.
And… you provide a good response.
--Spike
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