If there were no tires, you wouldn’t have able to move your car a bit. The tires are those elements that keep the car running, wherever you direct the steering wheel to. Have you noticed that not all cars have the same size tires? If yes, you may have wondered what difference does car wheels size make? Here is an answer to all your perplexing perceptions!
There are many people around, who opt for car wheel size modifications. While you may think it is just for enhancing the cool looks, there are some other technical reasons too. Let’s explore the difference that the wheel size intends to make.
It is essential to understand that when the car’s wheel has a large diameter, the sidewall of the tire should diminish in sizing, to maintain an overall balance. Many people opt for larger wheels, only for improving on the overall car looks. That is one practice one needs to avoid, as larger the car wheels size, less is the acceleration and the corresponding fuel economy.
The only benefit of choosing the larger wheels is the intensity of stability you would get. As an add-on, when you apply brakes, the braking distance range would also reduce. On the contrary, one should not ignore the downfalls as they overpower the benefits. The bigger wheel should be the last option, as they also tend to increase the load on the car and is an expensive investment to make.
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The smaller the wheel, the superior is the overall ride experience and the grip at the sharp ends. There is a parameter called “NVH,” i.e., Noise, vibration, and harshness. When you opt for smaller rims, you get an advantage over NVH, which means that the wheels that are smaller will produce less noise and would be less harsh.
The smaller wheels make the ride comfortable when one needs to maneuver through potholes or bumpy road surfaces. The fuel economy and the acceleration also do not suffer when smaller tires are installed on your vehicle. The disadvantage of opting for a smaller tire reflects in them not filling the wheel arches, which, in turn, may hamper the looks of your car. You could also refer to maintenance tips for more interesting facts on car tires.
Here is the comparison chart that lists how the tire size difference impacts the overall performance of the car.
Wheel Size
Analysis
17 Inch’ Wheel
Apt for wet road conditions
Best ride quality
Moderate stability
Comfortable and bumps impact free
Inference: Best in terms of comfort
18 Inch’ Wheel
Lowest noise production
The best balance between ride quality, handling, and noise making
Apt for both dry and wet roads
Inference: Best in maintaining overall balance
19 Inch’ Wheel
Not suitable for bumpy or rough roads
Fastest on dry roads
Expensive to install
Looks elegant and cool
Inference: Feels sporty and looks elegant
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If you are planning to change your car’s tires or buying a new car, knowing how car wheels size affect performance is a must. If you wish to add to the looks of your car and improve traction, the bigger wheels are all you need. On the other hand, if better fuel economy and overall handling are what you seek for, go for smaller wheels. After all, the choice is entirely yours to make!
