performs, handles, and even how comfortable the ride is. While car manufacturers typically choose wheel sizes based on the vehicle’s design, many vehicle owners opt to upgrade or downsize their wheels for various reasons.
1. Larger Wheels
Larger wheels generally refer to wheels that are 18 inches or greater in diameter, although sizes can go up to 22 inches or even larger in some high-performance or luxury vehicles.
Pros of Larger Wheels
- Improved Handling and Cornering
- Larger wheels tend to have wider tyres, which means they offer a greater contact area with the road. This increased contact patch can improve cornering stability and handling, particularly during aggressive driving or high-speed manoeuvers. The larger diameter can also enhance the precision of steering response.
- With the increase in wheel diameter, the tyres are often lower profile (shorter sidewalls), which results in less tyre flex during cornering. This contributes to better overall handling, particularly on dry roads.
- Better Aesthetics
- Larger wheels often enhance the visual appeal of a car. Many car owners opt for bigger wheels to give their vehicle a more sporty, muscular, or premium look. Larger wheels can dramatically change the overall appearance of a car, giving it a more aggressive or modern style.
- On high-performance cars or luxury vehicles, the design of larger wheels can complement the overall aesthetic of the vehicle, aligning with the brand’s visual identity.
- Enhanced Braking Performance
- Larger wheels allow for the installation of larger brake components, such as bigger brake discs and more powerful calipers. The increase in brake disc size can help dissipate heat more efficiently, leading to improved braking performance. This is particularly advantageous in high-performance vehicles, where braking ability is crucial.
- Better Traction
- Larger wheels paired with wider tyres can offer improved traction, especially in dry conditions. The greater surface area of the tyre that makes contact with the road can improve grip, which is beneficial for vehicles with higher horsepower or for those that drive at higher speeds.
Cons of Larger Wheels
- Reduced Ride Comfort
- One of the most significant drawbacks of larger wheels is the reduced ride comfort. Larger wheels typically require lower-profile tyres (tyres with shorter sidewalls), which have less ability to absorb bumps and road imperfections. As a result, the ride can feel much stiffer and more jarring, especially on rough or uneven roads.
- With reduced sidewall height, the tyres are less able to absorb shock, which translates to a harsher ride compared to smaller wheels with taller sidewalls.
- Decreased Fuel Efficiency
- Larger wheels, especially those with wider tyres, tend to be heavier than smaller wheels. This added weight can increase the rolling resistance, which means the vehicle’s engine has to work harder to move the car forward, leading to a reduction in fuel economy. The difference in fuel consumption might not be huge, but over time it can add up, particularly with very large wheels.
- Larger wheels can also cause the vehicle to have a slightly different final drive ratio, potentially reducing efficiency on long highway drives.
- Increased Risk of Damage
- Larger wheels, particularly those with low-profile tyres, are more vulnerable to damage from potholes, curbs, and other road hazards. The shorter sidewalls provide less cushioning to absorb impacts, increasing the likelihood of rim damage or tyre punctures. In particular, high-performance tyres are often more expensive to replace.
- Additionally, the wider tyres may cause rubbing against wheel wells or suspension components if not properly fitted.
- Increased Cost
- Larger wheels and tyres are generally more expensive than smaller ones. The cost of purchasing new wheels and tyres, as well as any necessary modifications to the vehicle to accommodate larger sizes (e.g., altered suspension or adjusted wheel wells), can add up significantly.
- Additionally, the larger the wheel, the more expensive it can be to repair or replace a damaged wheel or tyre.
- Speedometer and Odometer Inaccuracy
- Changing to larger wheels can alter the overall diameter of the wheel and tyre combination, which may lead to inaccurate readings on the speedometer and odometer. The vehicle may travel a greater distance per rotation of the wheel than originally intended, making the speedometer read lower than actual speed and the odometer record fewer miles or kilometres.
2. Smaller Wheels
Smaller wheels generally refer to those that are 16 inches or smaller in diameter. Smaller wheels are more commonly found on economy cars, compact cars, and older vehicles.
Pros of Smaller Wheels
- Improved Ride Comfort
- One of the primary benefits of smaller wheels is the improved ride quality. Smaller wheels typically come with tyres that have higher sidewalls (taller tyres). The taller sidewalls allow the tyres to absorb more of the bumps and irregularities on the road, resulting in a smoother and more comfortable ride.
- For drivers who prioritize comfort, especially for long trips or commuting on poorly maintained roads, smaller wheels with higher-profile tyres are a better choice.
- Better Fuel Efficiency
- Smaller wheels are generally lighter than larger ones, reducing the overall unsprung weight of the vehicle. This can lead to lower rolling resistance, as the engine doesn’t have to work as hard to turn the wheels. Consequently, fuel efficiency tends to be better with smaller wheels and tyres, especially when compared to the added weight of larger wheels.
- This fuel-saving benefit is especially relevant for drivers of compact or economy cars looking to maximize their vehicle’s fuel economy.
- Lower Cost
- Smaller wheels and tyres are often significantly less expensive than their larger counterparts. This applies not only to the initial purchase price but also to replacement costs, as smaller tyres and wheels tend to be more common and thus more affordable.
- Moreover, the costs for repairs and replacements tend to be lower because smaller tyres are generally less prone to damage compared to the lower-profile tyres found on larger wheels.
- Increased Durability and Less Risk of Damage
- The higher-profile tyres on smaller wheels offer more cushioning, reducing the risk of damage from impacts with potholes or curbs. The extra sidewall height provides better protection for the wheels, making smaller tyres less likely to suffer rim damage.
- Additionally, tyres with taller sidewalls tend to be more durable and less susceptible to punctures, making them ideal for those who drive in areas with rougher roads.
Cons of Smaller Wheels
- Reduced Handling and Cornering Ability
- One of the main disadvantages of smaller wheels is the potential for reduced handling and cornering performance. Smaller wheels tend to have narrower tyres, which can result in less traction and less stability during aggressive cornering or high-speed driving.
- The higher sidewalls on smaller tyres also mean there is more tyre flex when turning, which can cause a less responsive and less precise feel during steering. This reduces overall driving enjoyment, particularly for performance-oriented drivers.
- Less Aesthetic Appeal
- While smaller wheels may serve practical purposes, they often don’t have the same visual impact as larger wheels. For drivers looking to enhance the appearance of their car with a more aggressive, sportier look, smaller wheels may appear less stylish. They can make a vehicle look less dynamic, particularly when compared to the larger, sleek wheels on performance cars.
- Limited Braking Performance
- Smaller wheels typically have smaller brake components, which may limit the ability to install larger or more powerful brakes. This is a particular concern for high-performance vehicles or those involved in motorsport, where superior braking performance is crucial for both safety and handling.
- Reduced Traction on Dry Roads
- Smaller tyres generally have a smaller contact patch with the road, which can result in reduced traction. In dry conditions, this may not be as much of an issue, but it can become a factor during heavy acceleration or emergency braking situations. The reduced grip from smaller wheels and tyres can make the vehicle feel less secure during dynamic driving.
Conclusion
Choosing between larger or smaller wheels for a car comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Larger wheels generally improve handling, aesthetics, and braking performance, but they can sacrifice ride comfort, fuel efficiency, and increased risk of damage. Smaller wheels, on the other hand, tend to offer improved comfort, fuel economy, and durability, but may compromise performance, traction, and aesthetics.