Durability of 19" MDX Tires

lxr

I am seriously considering an MDX and trying to figure out what packages I want. I had a bad experience with my Mercedes E350 low profile 17" tires (245/45R17). Every winter I replace 2-3 tires. I shred one or two at a time every time I hit a major pot hole. Now, I am paranoid about the tire thickness. MDX tires look thick enough, but when I read that the Tech Package includes 19" instead of 18" I became concerned that it is at the expense of tire thinkness (245/55R19 vs 245/60R18). Now I am concerned that 19" tires may be too fragile in the winter. Of course, the aspect ratio of the 19" (55) is still better than on the Mercedes (45), still it's not as good as on the 18" (60). What is your experience with pot holes. Thanks

thecardoc3

Tires that are properly inflated can tolerate most potholes, a tire that is underinflated gets damaged much easier. Most of the time that a tire does get ruined by a pothole it has been running under-inflated. Another thing that some don't realize, if the car in front of you clears a pothole, and you fail to have enough time to react and miss it as well, then you are following too closely.

avs007

I have the MDX with the 19" wheels... I never had any problems with potholes. But I also have my own air compressor, and make sure that the tires are properly inflated every morning, if the TPMS reads more than 1psi low.

texases

I've read of few problems with 50-55-60 series tires, as long as they're fully inflated. Problems seem to greatly increase with 45-40 series tires. My two cars with 50 series tires have had no problems.

zandor

I had a 1998 Lincoln Mark VIII with 225/55R17 tires (aftermarket wheels) for summer and 225/60R16 (stock) for winter that ate potholes for breakfast. It could also take speed bumps at 30. Gotta love air ride. I wouldn't worry about those sizes on an MDX. It's heavier than my Mark VIII was but 245 is wider an the 55 is a ratio so the bigger wheels shouldn't be much worse if any. I have a Merc E550 now. So far I haven't had any trouble with my 245/45R17 winter tires, though I did bend two rims and bubble two tires in summer 2014 with the stock 18" rims and 245/40R18 tires.