Is bigger really better when it comes to wheel size? This guide explores how larger or smaller wheels affect your car’s handling, acceleration, braking, and fuel efficiency. Learn the pros and cons before deciding whether to size up, stick with your current wheels, or downsize for smoother driving.
When it comes to wheel size, countless car owners and drivers want to know if bigger is really better.
In this article, we’re considering what bigger wheels really mean for your car and how it impacts both your driving performance and the longevity of the wheels – not to mention the all-important safety features of the vehicle and its control.
First though, to the basics of measurement. What exactly does wheel size refer to?
What is Wheel Size?
Wheel size refers to the diameter of the wheel from one edge to the opposite edge. It is a change that can be made with the help of a mechanic, who can help to fit your vehicle with all-new wheels.
Benefits of Larger Wheels
We are seeing more and more car owners opting for larger wheels and chunkier tyres, which offer better grip on the road surface and give the driver better control over the vehicle.
A larger wheel offers more stability which makes it better suited to tight corners and sharp bends in the road, because of the larger contact base on the road surface. This follows into the vehicle’s braking capacity and ability, with larger wheels boasting a bigger rim which gives the car a larger contact surface and more traction when braking.
Finally, larger wheels provide more in the way of load capacity for the vehicle – a convenience benefit for many drivers.
Drawbacks to Larger Wheels (and Why Smaller May be Better!)
Of course, not all the changes are good – especially when looking to upgrade to larger wheels.
Smaller wheels are lighter which has an instant effect on acceleration. Larger wheels are heavier and so put more weight on the vehicle when it comes to driving at speed, making smaller wheels a better option if quick acceleration is a priority.
It is also important to note that large wheels can have a detrimental impact on suspension and on the wear and tear of the tyres, owing to the increased mass and vibration during driving. Finally, larger wheels can lead to higher fuel consumption and may have an effect on safety systems in the car due to altering the accuracy with which the vehicle can read specific signals and issues.
These drawbacks and challenges all depend on the vehicle and on the wheels you choose.
