The tires you use can impact the performance of your vehicle. If you are not happy with the current tires of your car, you might be thinking about whether you can purchase different tires while using similar rims.
You can completely change the appearance of your vehicle by shifting to a giant wheel. A smaller sidewall has less flex when the car turns and maintains grip. A larger tire increases the stability of the lateral side. Moving to a giant wheel will give you the possibility of a greater variety of compatible tires, specifically high-performance models.
When the size of the wheels increases, the weight also increases. This affects fuel efficiency and accelerates the vehicle, making the steering heavier. The thinner sidewalls provide less cushioning, making the car a more sluggish ride.
You can alter the dimensions of your tires using the same rims, so long as the tires and rims are identical internal dimensions. Make sure you pay careful attention to specifications from the manufacturer when you select tires.
Factors to Consider While Changing Tire on the Same Rim
The most important thing to do when changing the size of the tire is to understand the way the tire specifications function. There is a standard that all tire makers use to determine tire sizes, and once you have mastered this, you will be able to locate tires that fit on your car wheels.
The Internal Diameter of the Tire must be in line with the Rim
If you are looking to alter the size of your car tires using similar rims, the outside edges of the tires must be of the same size as the rims. However, the tire’s width does not have to match the dimensions of the rims. In either case, the initial step in determining if you can use the same rim is choosing the tire’s size.
Browsing Tire Sizes
You have to keep in mind three dimensions when looking at the tire dimensions. It is millimeters, percentages, and inches. The width of a car tire is usually measured in millimeters; however, the width of the rim is usually measured in inches. When you have figured out this, you will be aware of the information you are seeking.
You can quickly locate the information about the size at the bottom of the tire. It looks like P250/55R17.
Here is what P250/55R17 Means (in Brief):
- P- It means tire is designed for Passenger Cars.
- 250- Tire Width in ,Millimeters.
- 55- Sidewall height as a percentage of tire width
- 17- Rim Diameter.
Lets know more…
“P” signifies that it is a tire specifically designed for passenger cars. However, certain manufacturers skip this.
Next is the tire’s width. It is expressed in millimeters. The tire width is 250 millimeters.
Next is the aspect ratio. It refers to how tall the sidewalls are. It is the area that runs between the treads and the outside edges of the tire.
This can be complicated to determine: the ratio is proportional to the width. In this case, the sidewalls are 55 % of the 250 millimeters, equalling 137.5 millimeters.
The aspect ratio does not affect the way tires fit on the rims, and the sidewalls may be flexed out or in slightly when you install the tires. This allows you to test the wid
th of the tires.The following letter is almost always “R” (Radial). The letter is a reference to how the tire is made. Most car tires for passenger vehicles are radials.
There is also the inside diameter. It will be determined in inches. The inside diameter of this tire of 17 inches. If you are looking for brand new ones, your final number must be the same.
However, you can be flexible regarding the two numbers that precede it, including the width and aspect ratio.
Factors to Consider Before Changing the Size of the Tire
It’s true that larger tires allow more contact with the road and give better handling. But it would be best if you did not go overboard. If you choose to purchase too big tires, there is a chance of damaging your vehicle. The significant factors to consider before changing changing tire size on same rim include:
The Dimension of Wheel Well
Tires need space to turn. Tires often juggle while traveling over rough terrain and also while turning. Be aware of the space your tires will have inside the wheel as well. In general, there’s more room for bigger tires than expanding the outside diameter. Ensure that the tires are not rubbing against metallic in the wheel well or against the shock absorbers or brakes.
The Size of Tires
Wider tires also boost friction. This means that there is increased road noise and lower gas mileage. So, altering the diameter of the tires will change the transmission. You could displace the speedometer or odometer.
This is because they were all made to fit a specific tire diameter. When you alter the diameter, it will change the distance your car travels when the wheels turn. The difference could be as little as an inch or two. But adding five percent of your aspect ratio when you travel can increase the speed by a couple of miles per hour.
You can use a car tire size calculator to determine how the new tires affect the vehicle speed. If the difference is significant, you should adjust your speedometer to the new tires.
Various Reasons to Change the Tire Size
Apart from the desire for better performance, there are several other compelling reasons to consider while changing tire size on same rim.
Better Aesthetics
A narrow tire typically looks unappealing and cheap. Larger tires appear more attractive. Based on the brand of the tire and its model, you may notice that a giant tire covers the space between an axle and wheel wells. This appears more elegant and sleek.
Improved Performance
The vehicle tires make four contact areas that are in contact with the ground. This is where the tire rubber touches the pavement. The bigger the contact patches are, the better your tires will grip the pavement when brakes are applied. With more contact patches, your vehicle can keep more hold on its road as you brake, accelerate or make sharp turns. There are two methods to extend the contact patches:
Increase the dimensions of the tires in order to extend the patch that will improve the aspect ratio. Choose a bigger tire, making the contact patches larger too.
Better Handling
There are other times you could choose to go with smaller tires. For instance, if you install snow tires in the winter months, you prefer smaller tires.
In the case of heavy snow, smaller tires make less contact with the snowpack, making it much easier to “slice through” snow and slush. They also are less susceptible to hydroplaning on wet roads.
Also read: How to Clean Brake Rotors Without Removing Wheels?
Effects of Changing Tire Size
Advantages of having taller car tires:
- Reduces the gap between the fender wells
- Enhances the ground clearance
- It offers a smoother ride
Drawbacks associated with an increase in tire size:
- A decrease in torque
- A negative influence on stopping power
- More rough ride on the pavement
Advantages of wider tires
- Better lateral grip
- Improved grip on hard brakes
- Less roll in corners
- Provides a low-profile aesthetic appearance
Drawbacks associated with wider tires:
- Higher resistance to rolling (resulting in higher consumption of gas)
- Reduced turning radius
- Increased road noise
- It will not always fit on the original wheel
Conclusion
Finding the accurate size tire for your vehicle may be a bit difficult. But it is vital to identify tires that will match your car and driving style. Be aware that the inner dimensions of the tires have to be the same as the diameter of the rims exactly. However, you can be flexible about the size of your tires as well as the aspect ratio of the sidewalls.
Check the manufacturer’s recommendation for the brand and model of the tire before buying tires for your vehicle. Every tire has a selection of rims it will be compatible with. If your rims are in this range, the tire is likely to be able to work!
FAQ
Can You Put a Different Tire Size on The Same Rim?
Yes, you can consider different tire size on same rim. The car tires are components of the wheel set-up. Every car comes with a predetermined size of rims. However, you may purchase various sizes of tires that will fit the rims, so you must ensure that the center of the tire is of the right size.
Does Changing Tire Size Affect Transmission?
Yes. An increase in tire size affects transmission. If the size grows, it can affect the gear’s ratio. In addition, it causes the tires to turn more slowly. More power is required to speed up, just as if more energy is needed to build muscles in the body. This causes a stressing pressure on the gear ratio.
Can You Put Different Width Tires on Same Rim?
Yes, you can change the width of the tires on the same rim as long as the new width is within the range recommended by the manufacturer. Wider tires provide more stability and braking power, but also consume more fuel. Narrower tires are more efficient, but can be less stable at high speeds or in windy conditions.
