NB1H

My 2010 A5 has factory 19 inch wheels with 255/35ZR19 G-MAX AS-03 tires.This combo is not smooth riding at all, and every time I hit a pot hole I blow the tire. My mechanic recommends that I switch to the Continental DWS-06 tire (which does get great reviews).

I was thinking about buying 17 inch wheels which would give me more sidewall so hopefully the ride would be less bumpy. The only 17 inch wheels I can find are narrower (8.5" vs the 10" I have now). My mechanic thinks I'm nuts for wanting to get rid of my nice looking factory wheels and putting on aftermarket wheels that may be lesser quality.

I can get the DWS06 in 215/55ZR17 AND a 17 inch wheel for not that much more than just new 255/35ZR19 tires for the wheels I have now. (The wide tires are expensive!) How much of a difference will I notice going from a 19 to a 17 inch wheel? Should I just take my mechanics advice and keep the factory wheels with the more expensive tire? Are the aftermarket wheels cheaper quality, or just as good?

I should note that I'm not driving on a track or doing anything crazy, so I'm not really concerned about losing some of the handling with the narrower tires and smaller wheels.

Damon@tirerack.com

I dumped my 19's on my Q5 in favor of 17's, and my 20's on my Q7 for 19's.....you're not out of line for doing so at all. The ride is MUCH better on a tire with more profile.