Is It Ok to Put Larger Tires and Wheels on Your Car?

Your tires and wheels are some of the most important components of your car. While tires support the weight of a vehicle and transmit torque and traction to the road surface, wheels reduce friction and provide leverage, helping the vehicle move. 

Like every other car component, tires and wheels come with an expiration date. If your tires and wheels are on their last legs or are damaged beyond repair, replace them. When changing tires and wheels, many car owners wonder if they can use larger tires and wheels on their cars. Let’s find out.

How to choose larger tires for your car?

Tire stores and certified mechanics recommend motorists follow vehicle manufacturer recommendations when it comes to choosing tires and wheels for their car; however, some drivers slightly deviate from manufacturer recommendations, choosing to install larger tires for performance or aesthetic reasons. 

While manufacturer recommendations are there for a reason, there are two ways to install larger tires and wheels on your car. You can either choose larger wheels and low profile tires with the same diameter as the original tires (plus sizing), or install tires with a larger diameter than those original to your vehicle on the same size or larger wheels. 

Before installing larger tires on your car, however, make sure they meet or exceed your car’s load carrying capacity. It’s also important to determine if larger tires will affect any of your car’s advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). The tires should be compatible with your wheels and rims and should not run against the calipers or sides of the wheel well. 

Pros and cons of using larger tires

Benefits

• Enhanced off-road performance. Many motorists believe that because larger tires increase a car’s ground clearance, they offer superior off-road performance. 
• Aggressive styling. Larger tires with larger rims and higher suspension are all the rage these days. Many car owners use larger tires to give their vehicles a distinctive look. 

Drawbacks

• Reduced gas mileage. Larger tires will add a lot of extra weight to your car, affecting its gas mileage. They also tend to be noisier. 
• You may have to modify your car. If you plan to go a size up in your tires, you’ll need wheels that are compatible with the replacement tires. If the new tires are too big for the wheel well, your mechanic may have to install a leveling kit or lift to create more space. You’ll also need to adjust your speedometer and tire pressure target data. 

Whether you need new tires for your car or want to get your vehicle serviced, a certified technician at any AAA Owned Auto Repair Center can help. Request an appointment at any of the AAA Owned Auto Repair Centers near you. Or, find a AAA Approved Auto Repair Facility in your neighborhood. AAA Members receive a 10% discount on labor and a 24-month, 24,000-mile warranty. Not a Member? Not a problem! All are welcome.