RFT more protection against potholes?

AllBlackBimmer · 09-16-2011, 09:54 AM

Got to thinking, on a 19" wheel, would it be better to have a RFT or non-RFT when hitting a pothole?

Obviously the RFT won't blow out, and is still driveable if a leak or bend happens, but thats not what I am asking...

Does the wheel have more or less chance of bending with a RFT?

RFT obviously have the thicker sidewalls which makes the pothole hit seem rougher, but does the tire help or hurt the wheel more than just a standard tire?

or does it not even make a difference?

imperial sloth · 09-16-2011, 10:15 AM

I was told by a bmw dealership employee (I have no experience or evidence for this) that the stiffer sidewalls on the rft transfer more of the impact directly to the wheel and suspension components rather than absorbing the shock. When looking into purchasing wheels for my 335i I was instructed to be careful pairing a rft with a low quality wheel for that reason; higher chance of damaging the wheel.

AllBlackBimmer · 09-16-2011, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by imperial sloth

I was told by a bmw dealership employee (I have no experience or evidence for this) that the stiffer sidewalls on the rft transfer more of the impact directly to the wheel and suspension components rather than absorbing the shock. When looking into purchasing wheels for my 335i I was instructed to be careful pairing a rft with a low quality wheel for that reason; higher chance of damaging the wheel.

Yea I mean, that is what I think, and what seems logical.

Stiffer tire=more shock transfered to wheel.

I plan on getting 19's (gulp) are I live in central PA, roads here suck.

I will not buy anything but a forged wheel.

chromisdesigns · 09-16-2011, 08:49 PM

If you feel the impact more severely with RFT's, so do your wheels! Dump those Bricks!

PKL · 09-16-2011, 09:08 PM

Use your brain and be intuitive. The RFT obviously absorbs less road impact than a traditional tire. So yes obviously the wheel will take more of the abuse.

bmw325i · 09-17-2011, 02:21 AM

Depends how you look at it

Rft= stiffer so it absorbs less

Nonrft- if your tires are thin enough the tire doesn't have much to flex. That said if you hit a pothole with enough force for the rim to make contact with the ground you would be screwed either way.

09-16-2011, 09:54 AM	#1
AllBlackBimmer Colonel 815 Rep 2,869 Posts Drives: 2019 X3 m40i Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: USA iTrader: (-1)	RFT more protection against potholes? Got to thinking, on a 19" wheel, would it be better to have a RFT or non-RFT when hitting a pothole? Obviously the RFT won't blow out, and is still driveable if a leak or bend happens, but thats not what I am asking... Does the wheel have more or less chance of bending with a RFT? RFT obviously have the thicker sidewalls which makes the pothole hit seem rougher, but does the tire help or hurt the wheel more than just a standard tire? or does it not even make a difference? __________________ 2019 X3 m40i:Carbon Black:Executive:Premium:Adaptive:Vernasca:699M:HK: Ambient:IND trim:M Mirrors:15mm spacers:Maxton lip:20% tint windows/pano:dsg paddles:TLG mudflaps 2008 328i E90 Jet Black:6MT:RWD:Premium:Sport:Xenon:MTEC V3 AEs:Front Splitters:CF spoiler:19" VMR FF v710
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09-16-2011, 10:15 AM	#2
imperial sloth witty quote 28 Rep 273 Posts Drives: 2010 space grey e92 Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Houston, TX iTrader: (5)	I was told by a bmw dealership employee (I have no experience or evidence for this) that the stiffer sidewalls on the rft transfer more of the impact directly to the wheel and suspension components rather than absorbing the shock. When looking into purchasing wheels for my 335i I was instructed to be careful pairing a rft with a low quality wheel for that reason; higher chance of damaging the wheel.
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09-16-2011, 08:49 PM	#4
chromisdesigns Lieutenant Colonel 45 Rep 1,754 Posts Drives: 2008 BMW 335i sedan Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: San Francisco iTrader: (0)	If you feel the impact more severely with RFT's, so do your wheels! Dump those Bricks!
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09-16-2011, 09:08 PM	#5
PKL Brigadier General 848 Rep 3,274 Posts Drives: 2020 M4, 2022 X6 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: San Fernando Valley iTrader: (1)	Use your brain and be intuitive. The RFT obviously absorbs less road impact than a traditional tire. So yes obviously the wheel will take more of the abuse. __________________
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09-17-2011, 02:21 AM	#6
bmw325i Major General 223 Rep 5,120 Posts Drives: 2006 BMW 325i Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: United States iTrader: (8)	Depends how you look at it Rft= stiffer so it absorbs less Nonrft- if your tires are thin enough the tire doesn't have much to flex. That said if you hit a pothole with enough force for the rim to make contact with the ground you would be screwed either way.
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