Are wider tyres better?
Are wider tyres better for your car?
Wider tyres may provide some advantages, but come with trade-offs as well. Ultimately, their usefulness is determined by your driving priorities and what your vehicle manufacturer specifies.
Pros and Cons
| Pros of wider tyres | Cons 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
If your vehicle was designed for wider tyres, like certain sports cars and SUVs, then wider tyres will perform as the manufacturer intended.
When narrower is better
In the rain, slush, and snow, narrower tyres will actually perform better as they can cut through water and loose areas more effectively. They also tend to produce less road noise, and use less fuel.
Our recommendation
If your vehicle manufacturer has designated a specific tyre width, stick to that. If your car has multiple approved widths, which you can see when you search by registration, select width based on your driving priorities: go wider for dry grip and sportier handling or choose narrower tyres for better fuel efficiency and performance in wet weather.
