Introduction
Correctly interpreting your vehicle’s wheel size is crucial for its safety and optimal performance. In this section, we will address this subject, particularly the rim size, which is an indispensable component of this topic. At the end of the article, you should know better why wheel and rim sizes matter, their particularities, and how should drivers choose the right size for the best vehicle performance.
1. Wheel Size: Why Does It Matter?
There are at least 3 crucial aspects that are determined by the size of the wheels. They address the vehicle's performance, handling, and safety, as well as the aesthetics of the vehicle in general. Let's take a deeper dive into each of them.
1.1 Wheel Size And Vehicle Performance
Wheel and tire size is an essential premise determining the way of car is handled and the degree of its stability on the road. As a general guideline, larger wheels featuring a larger width and diameter bring more firmness and higher responsiveness. Wider wheels increase control in cornering maneuvers and deliver better traction and grip. Precisely for this reason, these wheels and tires are the favorite for drivers of high-performance cars.
On the other hand, narrower-sized wheels also have advantages, depending on the driver's needs. For example, they are generally less expensive and lighter, contributing to lower rolling resistance and decent acceleration. There is no "right or wrong" in terms of wheel sizes. Drivers should choose the wheel size that best meets their specific needs and balances both performance and safety. Still, they are strongly recommended not to exceed the size limits.
1.2 Wheel Size: Handling And Safety
The correct size of the wheels is indispensable for safe driving. Deviations in size lead to adverse effects such as tire uneven wear, severe handling issues, suspension and alignment defects, incorrect speedometer readings, fuel inefficiency, and most importantly - safety risks. Moreover, a vehicle with wheels whose size does not correspond to the manufacturer's recommendations is expected to break much quicker because the responsiveness of the braking power becomes too disturbed.
1.3 Wheel Size And Car Aesthetics
The aesthetics and visual appeal of a vehicle is massively influenced by the size of its wheels. While a pretty subjective matter, drivers generally consider larger wheels as bolder, sportier, and more aggressive. Smaller ones, on the other hand, are a classier option. Whether you choose large wheels for a more temperamental look or smaller wheels for an understated style, it is important not to exceed the size recommendations provided by your vehicle manufacturer.
2. Rim Size Explained: What is Rim Size?
Rim size refers to the diameter of the inner circle of the wheel on which the tire is mounted. This index is essential in determining the appropriate tire fitment. The diameter of the rim size is generally presented in inches and drivers should necessarily take it into account when choosing tires to ensure proper performance and alignment.
2.1 How To Read Rim Size?
The sidewall of a tire is the part that contains the most information about the tire. This is where you find the rim size as well, along with other important details. You can see a sequence of indexes on the tire sidewall displayed in a specific format that looks like the image below. Each group of numbers represents a certain aspect such as width, aspect ratio, diameter, and tire type. Let's look at the following image:
In our example, the number (15) talks about the diameter of the rim in inches, which is measured from one edge to another passing through the center.
The number (215) in our example refers to the width of the tire measured from the inner edges of the wheel to the outer. While often confused, wheel size refers to the total size of your wheel, including the rims and the tire, while the rim size is limited only to the metal wheel without taking into account the tire.
3. Can You Change Your Wheel And Tire Size?
Each vehicle has a standard fitment size recommended by the manufacturer that ensures optimal performance and safety. Some additional fitments are also available as alternatives offered and approved by the manufacturer. Generally, a vehicle has an approved wheel diameter of 15, 16, and 17 inches and manufacturers highly recommended to respect these limits for performance and safety purposes.
Ignoring the manufacturer's recommendations might lead to severe performance issues, safety risks, as well as vehicle construction deterioration. We recommend consulting a specialist in this area who will guide you in the process of increasing or decreasing wheel and tire sizes.
4. Official References and Tire Brand References
Most reputable brands such as Goodyear, Michelin, and Bridgestone confirm the importance of choosing the correct rim size. This is an important premise for ensuring optimal and safe performance. Moreover, the compatibility between rim and tire size is crucial for full vehicle potential without sacrificing functionality and handling.
The NHTSA highlights that proper tire and wheel sizing is a fundamental aspect of reducing the annual accident statistics across the US. Additionally, tire dealers and sector experts also caution against mixing tire sizes and brands on the same vehicle. The Tire Industry Association (TIA) advises against mixing tires of different sizes, tread patterns, and brands. That's because this can lead to uneven wear, decreased traction, compromised handling, and other driving risks posing a threat to the driver's safety.
Conclusion
Wheel, rim, and tire size designations are essential to make the right choice for your vehicle. By paying attention to rim size and width measurements, you can ensure proper fitment, aesthetics, and performance. Consult with reputable tire professionals and trusted brands to get expert guidance and advice on selecting the correct rim/wheel size for your vehicle.
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