Are wider tyres better?
Are wider tyres better for your car?
Wider tyres are not automatically better. They offer advantages in some areas but come with trade-offs in others. The right width depends on your driving priorities and what your vehicle manufacturer recommends.
Advantages and disadvantages
| Advantages of wider tyres | Disadvantages of wider tyres |
|---|
| More grip in dry conditions |
Higher risk of aquaplaning in wet weather |
| Better cornering stability |
Increased road noise |
| Shorter dry braking distances |
Worse fuel efficiency due to more rolling resistance |
| Sportier appearance |
Heavier steering feel at low speed |
When wider works well
Wider tyres suit performance-focused driving in dry conditions. If your vehicle was designed for wider tyres, such as some sports cars and SUVs, they will work as the manufacturer intended.
When narrower is better
Narrower tyres actually perform better in rain, snow and slush because they cut through water and loose surfaces more effectively. They also use less fuel and tend to produce less road noise.
Our recommendation
Stick to the tyre width recommended by your vehicle manufacturer. If your car offers multiple approved widths, which will show when you search by registration, choose based on your priorities. Go wider for dry grip and sportier handling, or narrower for fuel efficiency and better wet weather performance.
