grayson73

Is 245/35/20 enough to withstand potholes? It hsa 3.38" sidewall.

Grayson

bclexus

It all depends...

How deep the pothole is
How large the pothole is
How steep the ramp-up is
How sharp the edge is
How fast the pothole is hit
How inflated the tire is
How soft the sidewall is

AJLex19

bclexus is right - lots of factors...i think if you're looking for the most comfortable ride, sidewall stiffness and sidewall height will mostly dictate the comfort levels. If you're looking for the most protection for your wheels, thats a tough one because i'm not sure if you live an area with bad potholes...but here in NYC, with the ridiculous potholes we have, anyone with 30 series tires is guaranteed to either get a bubbled tire or bent/cracked wheels. Lots of peeps are swearing by the wheel/tire insurance programs now being offered...

Is it possible to get a 40 series tire on the 20's?

grayson73

To get the same diameter, it would have to be 195/40/20 or 205/40/20, which don't exist.

245/40/19 would probably work though. I know 4GS AWD comes in these for stock:

225/50/17
235/45/18
235/40/19

Mine came with the 18s, and going to 19s is probably not worth the price. I guess I'll just stick with the 18s rather than risk the 20s. DC/MD/VA is similar to NY in potholes.

AJLex19

I just know a few peeps who had issues with smaller sidewall heights and potholes...Don't let me deter you though, it might be fine with a 35 series tire...Which 20" wheels were you thinking of getting? Maybe others can chime in on their experience with 30 series tires / pothole experiences.

er34

If you're worried about potholes, you shouldn't be looking at 20". Go 18"...

Even on stock 19's, I've come across potholes in my area that make me cringe. I avoid 95% of them, but every now and then, there are those you can't avoid(cars/obstacle beside you, or following car in front)

e60bmw

iTrader: (1)

I bent all of my rims on my previous cars 19s with pilot sports. Depends on the wheel and tires, cast wheels will bend easy. if you are worried about potholes dont go 20s, you will eventually hit them at night. as careful as you are one will get you. i hit a massive on on i35 a couple times.

Dallasguy1

I have 245/40/19 and my car doesn't miss any chance to make a noise on dallas roads. So going to 20" will make it even worst and more prone to pothole damage. Lesser the rubber on the walls more chances of the wheel taking the hit. I believe the guys with 18" have the best ride quality what Lexus Is known for.

grayson73

Thanks for all of the responses. I'll stick with my stock 18s

AJLex19

I think the 18's have the right balance between comfort and performance...but I think a GS with the 17" wheels will probably ride even more cushy: https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/d...7759/overview/

flyinsoarer

I have 245/35/20 Front and 285/30/20 Rear. I live in the Midwest so we have **** roads, you just have to pay a lil more attention to the road.

Dannyboy81

I have 245/35/20 and I bent my lip in 3 different places on the same rim! It all depends on the size of potholes. Just be careful when driving. I learned this the hard way.

islandbeef

If you're worried about potholes, buy a 4x4 truck.

texboy83

**** I run 235/30/20 and I have never bent a wheel, but of coarse I avoid hitting potholes