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Larger wheels on your vehicle
When your vehicle came from the factory it was specified to run one or more OE (original equipment) size wheels and tyres. As a result, here are some important factors that you need to consider before moving to a plus-size wheel.
Plus Sizing is when the diameter of the wheel is increased while a lower profile tyre is fitted, meaning the overall diameter of the wheel and tyre package stays the same.
The Benefits of plus sizing:
Generally, the decision to move to a larger wheel is driven by a desire for a certain style or visual look, however, there are some other benefits too.
Sharper handling:
Generally, larger diameter wheels with lower-profile tyres will give the feeling of better steering and braking response. Shorter sidewalls are stiffer, giving the driver more feedback and a sense of greater control over the vehicle.
Improved grip:
When moving up to a plus size fitment, the choice will be made to also go with a wider wheel and tyre combination. In dry conditions having a larger footprint on the road will improve handling and braking performance.
Allowing for performance upgrades:
Occasionally, moving to a bigger wheel is a necessity. For older cars, tyre sizes might be difficult to find, an example being 14” performance tyres for older vehicles. Rarely too, upgrading brakes on a vehicle might be impossible without changing to a larger wheel.
Potential downsides of plus sizing:
There’s a reason your vehicle manufacturer specified the wheel and tyre combination that is on your tyre placard. Whether it is cost, comfort levels or load carrying capacity, there are usually trade-offs of some kind.
Poor comfort:
While larger wheels and low profile tyres will feel sportier, the stiffer tyre sidewalls will transmit more tyre noise and road imperfections into the car.
Wider tyres, as discussed above, will also contribute to more tyre noise.
Higher chance of damage:
With a shorter, stiffer tyre sidewall comes greater chance of wheel damage caused by hitting debris on the road, a curb or a pothole. Some of this can be attributed to low quality aftermarket wheels when paired with low profile tyres, but regardless of the wheel quality, any forces your tyre sees will be transmitted into your wheel and suspension
Higher cost:
Typically low profile tyres are in the performance category and are aimed at higher end applications. Often, high performance tyres will cost more than tyres of the same diameter designed to fit a smaller wheel.
Not only do the tyres cost more, plus sizing generally increases weight, as the extra metal in the wheel weighs more than the savings from using a smaller tyre. Unsprung Mass could be an entirely separate article but you’ll find fuel economy figures will suffer with bigger wheels and larger tyres.
Looking at plus sizing? Things to consider.
Manufacturer specifications
Make sure you choose a wheel and tyre setup that is compatible with the information outlined on your tyre placard.
Speed and Load ratings
If choosing an aftermarket tyre of a different size, ensure that it meets or exceeds the speed rating and load rating that the vehicle requires on the placard.
Check your speedometer
Since you are changing your wheels and tyres to a different size, ensure that your speedometer is within acceptable limits. You may fail a roadworthy certificate if your speedometer does not read accurately.
Choose quality
Taking into consideration the pros and cons listed above, choosing high quality wheels and tyres will minimise any potential shortcomings that normally come into play when going with a plus size wheel and tyre package.
Contact us today
At Donnellans, we have expert staff able to provide recommendations on wheels, tyres, mechanical upgrades as well as vehicle servicing.
For great advice, products and customer service, come see Donnellans The Tyremen today. See our list of stores here.
