I live in Michigan and three years ago upgraded my wheels/tires for summer to BBS 19" with Dunlop Sport Maxx 255 30/ZR19. In the last three years I have experienced two sidewall blowouts while driving down the highway. I am ok and so is the car and wheelset.

My question is does anyone have experience with upgrading to a 19" set and what brand of tires would you recommend?

Thanks for reading.

 

Someday you guys will understand that tires with narrow sidewalls are not good for the street and potholes.

I use 15 -60's in the winter and 16 -55 in the summer to help protect against blowouts. I also make sure the winter tires have beefy side walls. This year I changed to the 55's too early and quickly ruined a $150.00 Michelin Exalto when it was greeted by a New England pothole.

So my sugestion is that you do the finger test and choose a tire with a thick sidewall. Of course this will increase its temperature and could cause a blowout when you drive for extended times at over 125 mph.

 

I run 17" oem in the winter and 18's in the summer. I do a fair amount of weaving on the MI roads to avoid pot holes year round. Bottom line I would have avoided 19s and have made that recommendation to others who have posted the question on the forum. As far as advice, hit Discount Tire and Belle Tire and see what they can fit up on your 19s to give a little more sidewall depth and ruggedness. You may have to go to an all-season. And look into buying their tire insurance package for about $25/tire.