George Washington, wheel wrecker

Today I wiped out my second aluminum wheel and third low profile 205/50R16 tire in a pothole coming off the George Washington Bridge. This is the second time this has happened in six weeks at the entrance to the bridge. I've really had it with low profile tires, at least while we live in the New York/New Jersey area during winter. I might have had to do a wheel alignment after today's pothole with a normal profile tire but I don't think I'd be replacing it and the wheel once again.

I was told by someone with a similar problem with his old Supra that he was able to find a normal profile tire to fit his wide rims. Are there any such tires available for a 2002 Focus ZX5? I know I'll "sacrifice" handling but I don't find the handling of the ZX5 all that responsive and nimble anyway. What will it drive like with normal tires? A truck?

My wife is so upset with the tire problem that she wants us to get rid of the Focus even though it only has 28K miles on it. I'm more forgiving but I do think that these tires and rims should not be standard on the ZX5's sold in the New York area.

Should I put on the stock 14" rims and then normal profile tires? Not very stylish but it would enable us, I expect, to be able to go across the bridge and make it to Connecticut like other drivers have no problem doing. I understand I'd have to replace the rotors as well. Anything else? Is this really a feasible alternative?

I'd love to sue the city of New York but a friend actually did and his suit is still pending....seven years later.

Reply to
Hank Gans
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