Scirocco Central

Had 2 separate tyre punctures within the last 9 weeks due to hitting potholes. Is this common with the 19" wheels or does it affect any size

Never had a puncture in my 19's, what exactly do the punctures look like

1st puncture was like a half inch tear on the shoulder, the 2nd puncture was on the side wall (tear again) very close to the shoulder almost an inch, but this time had to get the tyre replaced.

I bought a set of Donningtons for winter use and only run the Luganos in summer when the council have filled in the worst of the pot-holes. I haven't had any punctures but the crashing and banging if you hit a hidden water-filled hole convinced me that I would if I didn't do something about it. As it's been so much warmer so far this winter the roads aren't nearly as bad as they were last year. To be honest I was more worried about bending a rim than damage to the tyres, there's so little side-wall to protect them.

So you reckon its the design of the wheel that causes the puncture when hitting a pothole?

Also can i fit 17"/18" wheels on mine to use in the winter months to avoid punctures from potholes? And if i did, would the climb down in the wheel size affect the driving of the car? (suspension,tracking,speedo etc)

Provided you get the appropriate tyre size for 17 or 18 inch rims (deeper side wall) the rolling circumference will be the same so speedo, gear ratios etc will still be be same. The only change you will notice is a slightly softer ride as the side walls being higher will flex a little more (and a little more roll on bends) - which is the idea to combat potholes and reduce the risk of damage to rims and suspension.

Will leave my options open regarding going down to size 18" or 17" wheels if like you said should that they shouldnt have any major effect on the car's handling etc, as these potholes are starting to cost me on the 19" wheels.