Could use help with a rather odd issue
 

So, I have had a rather odd issue happen when I first purchased my car. Some how during the first couple days I managed to scratch up the outer lip of all four wheels. It should be noted I still haven't parked near any curbs. However, that's probably the easiest way to explain the damage. It is a lot like parking to close to a curb and grinding the wheels on it. I still haven't figured out what it was, but it hasn't happened since.

I'm in the process of getting them repaired. Once I do I want to put new tires on them.

I have searched on this. However, I was really hoping for some help and opinions. I read that we can go wider with the tire, which could put more tread on the ground. The reason I want to though is because the lip on the wheel extends further out then the tire. This leaves a decent gap between the tire and wheel exposing the wheel easily to damage. I'm hoping to fit a tire on there that would protect the wheel.

Honestly, even after reading on the tire sizing it still has me a bit confused. I would appreciate any help or opinions as to the size of the tire I would need to protect the wheel better. If there is added performance in anyway that's a plus.

I'm also trying to decide between Bridgestone or Michelin. This is a summer only car, so I am looking at high performance summer tires. My only concern would be rain. It will be mostly daily driver and occasional track for the time being. So, I'm not sure if these tires are to aggressive or not. I've been eyeing Michelin Pilot Super sport for awhile. Then I came across a thread on here about the Bridgestone RE11.

Like I said though, the primary goal is to do something to protect the wheels. They are stock ray's on my 2013 370Z Nismo. The tires that came on it are HankooK V12 evo, proper size. Included Pics of damage. Once again I would appreciate any help or opinions, thanks.

If you bought the car second hand, those curb rash could have came from the previous owner, or even the dealer if the it had been in their posession before you purchased it. I can't imagine anyone scraping up all four wheels and not remembering, there is a gut wrenching sound when I carelessly curbed on of my rear wheel. Trust me, if it was you would know.

Tires should be wider for sure. The most popular size being used is 265/35 & 305/30. This set up should provide enough meat to give your rims some protection.

Michelin and RE-11 are two of the top choices but pricey, especially in 19's. However, you cant go wrong with either one.

Very much appreciated. I suppose it is possible I overlooked the damage before purchase. That would sound more like me, then scraping the curb myself. It was used, a company purchased it as a fleet vehicle for the CEO. It was then sold back to the dealer about six months later. I then happened by it by chance at the dealership before they got it stickered and up for sale.

Once again, thanks for the information on the tires. I think the cost will be worth it. I'll get some pics once the wheels have been fixed and the new tires are on.

I think you answered yourself above with the fact that the tires may be slightly stretched. This can lead to wheel damage, of course. Once the wheels are refinished and you have meatier tires on them, you should be good to go.

Poster above mentioned 265 and 305's and that would be fine, as, like he said, plenty of people run that sizing. However, you can get by with smaller than that, if you don't want to go that wide. It's up to you.

As far as tire upgrade, I would not choose the RE11, if I were you. You said rain was a concern of yours and I'm sure the RE11 does fine in rain but if your looking for a grippy summer tire that has good review on wet pavement and a little better longevity, go with the Potenza Pole Position S-04 (I currently have them and love it) or Michelin PSS. The PSS may be a tad better and last a little longer but it may not be significant enough to account for the price difference. S-04 would be just right for you, in my opinion.

I appreciate the reply and the helpful info. I'll look into the S-04 as well. I do like the idea of going wide. So, that size sounds good.


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check out FP's post in the RE11 thread. he's running wide tire setup. RE11's and S04's have wheel protector sidewalls.

stay away from DW and PSS if you want wheel protection. round sidewalls are pretty much worthless for that. i speak from experience on the DW.. :ugh:

I'll do exactly that. I really do like how the RE11 look as well, not as plain looking as the PSS. I'll check it out once I get home thanks.


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I have the PSS on the front and S-04 on the back. The PSS run narrow for the same size tire so they would offer less rim protection unless you went much wider. The S-04 are good tires and a good value. They wear faster than the PSS but they are also much cheaper than the PSS.

Thanks, good info. I'll keep that in mind while deciding.

So, after looking around the forums and at FP's thread as well. I'm thinking I want to go with the RE-11's. On sizing I see the 265/35 305/30 and 265/35 285/35. It seem's both sizes are used by other nismo's or sport package wheels. I'm assuming rear width being the big difference, traction may be the pro between the two? However, is there any cons to going that wide over 285/35?

I'd do 275 and 305, it's what I ran, and I loved it.


Also, OP, did you go through any automated car washes?

I did, octopus car wash, I guess I didn't think about that. I don't suppose the wider tire will protect against that possibility?

:tup: yah, RE11's are definitely nice. even though they are extreme high performance tires, the ride is smooth and comfy.

actually even 285/35/19 S04's have like 8mm of lip protection on my 10.5" wheel on my G.

on the contrary, the DW's i have on 10.5" wheel has literally ZERO wheel protection. :ugh: it's the round sidewalls that kill lips.

So I have been reading. I just need to figure out where I should go on the tire size.