Many car enthusiasts prefer large wheels and tires. Often referred to as plus-sizing, this practice involves replacing stock wheels with ones that have wider rims and thinner sidewalls. Aside from better aesthetics, another advantage of upgrading is improved stability due to increased contact with the road. Not all effects are positive, however.

What Happens When You Put Larger Tires on Your Car

1. Reduced Acceleration

To preserve the vehicle’s load-carrying capacity, bigger tires have shorter sidewalls and wider treads. Larger wheels also tend to be heavier because there is more metal than rubber and air. This extra weight will cause the engine to work harder against the drag, which results in slower acceleration from 0 to 100 mph in smaller engines.   

2. Decreased Fuel Economy

The added weight from upsized wheels and tires will put more strain on the engine, causing it to consume more fuel as a result. In some instances, mileage per gallon will noticeably go down when 19-inch wheels are installed instead of 15-inch ones.

3. Degrades Ride Quality

The vehicle’s suspension, including the springs and shock absorbers, has to deal with more unsprung weight while driving. Moreover, thinner sidewalls have less air and rubber cushion, making them inefficient in minimizing impacts from bumps and potholes. The harder ride, in turn, increases the strain on the suspension and wears out the components faster.  

4. Vulnerability to Blowouts

To prevent the tires from contacting the vehicle’s fender and possibly bursting, large tires have their sidewalls thinned out. However, thin sidewalls are susceptible to pinching under the rim when the car is heavy, potentially leading to a blowout.

5. Faster Wheel Rotation

The speedometer measures a vehicle’s speed based on how fast its wheels rotate. When larger wheels turn at the same rate as smaller ones, your car is moving faster than what the speedometer will display, causing you to go over the limit. It can also affect the anti-lock braking system and stability control programs of your vehicle.

Before you choose to swap out your old tires with larger wheels, remember that there are upsides and downsides to doing so. Make sure that a professional technician from Flat On The Spot Mobile Tire Service in Anchorage, AK, performs the job. Aside from tire installation, they also handle maintenance services like oil changes and brake repair. Call (907) 242-0086 or visit their website to learn more about their services.