S4 - 19's down to 18's?

[EssVier]

Morning all.

Burst 2 x winter tyres in as many weeks, all thanks to some potholes. The 35 section tyres probably not helping here, either.

Originally wanted the standard 18's for my order, then Audi removed these from the options.

Question is, I want to go down to an 18" to get have more tyre. Am I mad? Have been looking at some BBS wheels, much cheaper than some Audi originals.

Thanks for looking!

 

[Nickfrog]

It would probably be a good upgrade all round if they clear the calipers. Better traction, less unsprung weight, cheaper tyres, more pothole friendly.

 

[Daggerit]

I run 18" A5 wheels for winter. They have a more aggressive offset than the standard wheels so clear the calipers easily and fill the arches better too, so it's a win win. I've hit some pretty ridiculous potholes and *touch wood* haven't had any tyre issues yet.

 

[rasA4]

Looking to buy in the future 18s don’t seem to be big enough looking at the pictures online. To be fair I have not seen this car in the flesh yet.

 

[firebits]

Just a few days back, my 17’s survived a pot hole that frankly I’m amazed I got away with. The roads are in an awful state, have been for years and big alloys with low profile tyres may look fab, however.

My last car had low profile tyres, I refurbed the alloys twice in 4 years and has several sidewall failures. Can’t be bothered anymore.

 

[Nickfrog]

I wonder how bad the roads can get ? Short term fixes don't help yet we clearly can't afford proper repairs/resurfacing.

We have 17' with big balloon tyres coming on the forthcoming Karoq !

 

[DohNut]

One of the things I like about our 2nd car, a little Fiat 500, is it’s soo small that you just drive around the holes with no fear of crossing lanes.

 

[Gazwould]

Great thread this , I managed to buckle a 16" alloy in a pot hole once , if it had been 18"+ it would of been smashed and the car possibly upside down in a ditch .

So many positives to down sizing to just one negative.

 

[Daggerit]

Looking to buy in the future 18s don’t seem to be big enough looking at the pictures online. To be fair I have not seen this car in the flesh yet.

All down to personal taste I'd say. I think that the 19" are the sweet spot for these cars as 18's look a little small and while I think that 20's look good, they're just a little too big for my liking.

 

[EssVier]

Gentlemen, a record. Tyre fitted and paid for at 5pm, 10 minutes later and it’s gone bang. Typically a size that is not so common and can’t get an in-stock winter tyre. Checked for any damage to the rim itself, only another visible tear to the tyre.
Looking like it’s to be some 18’s. Either that or a 2CV!

 

[firebits]

Oh god, that is miserable. What caused it, any ideas?

 

[Spaceman_RS3]

Gentlemen, a record. Tyre fitted and paid for at 5pm, 10 minutes later and it’s gone bang. Typically a size that is not so common and can’t get an in-stock winter tyre. Checked for any damage to the rim itself, only another visible tear to the tyre.
Looking like it’s to be some 18’s. Either that or a 2CV!

Surely you can see these craters or are they on roads you never travel or blind bends?

 

[cuke2u]

I can't even see the picture...