I'm running 20" rims right now on 30 series tires and I'm wondering if in an attempt to reduce the possibility of bending my wheels, should I go to 19" wheels and run 35 series tires? I know there are other factors that can play into tire sizes (offset etc.) but does the extra 5 series of tire height make a real difference? Input is greatly appreciated!!

 

It all depends on the width of the tire you're running.
That extra 5 series translates to 5% of the tire width.

 

Currently I'm running a 255 front and a 295 rear.

 

So you're sticking with the same width?

In my experience, the extra 5% makes a big difference in car height.
I can surely tell that the car is raised. It's about 0.5" in difference.

I've had:
245/30/20 + 285/25/20 (oem specs)
245/35/20 + 285/30/20 (felt higher, didn't like the feeling/drive)

Now:
245/35/19 + 285/30/19 (oem specs, seems fine)

I had to be more careful driving on 20s, and now being on 19s that's less of a worry for me.

 

Ahh Franky you are a wise one ! My sentiments exactly. My car, like most members on here, is a daily driver and I hate having to drive around town on egg shells. Literally!

I'd like to stick with the same widths, go down in rim size, and go up in height. Right now i don't rub in the front with a 255/30/20, but in the rear i rub with my 295/30/20. I'm getting my fenders rolled soon, so the rubbing will be muted a bit. Anyone else agree with Frank's slant?

 

Anand, that's a loaded question

 

No one wants to contest Frank's comment???

 

don't forget you want the overall rolling diameter to be the same or very close to original tire size overall rolling diameter.........example, say the oe rolling diameter is 25.4"......you want to try to get as close to that as possible with your plus 1, plus 2, etc wheel size...otherwise your speedo will be off, cruising rpms will be higher/ lower than it should, etc.
Look on any tire manufactures website....they list overal rolling diameters for each tire size......
Just my .02 cents

 

Rolling diameter? You learn something new everyday. Although, I drive pretty fast all over the place so speed isn't my problem

 

19s are much more expensive than 18s. Fewer choices of 19 inch tires too.

Check Discount Tire and Tire Rack.