Why are big wheels not effective?
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Why are big wheels not effective?

From time to time, everyone comes up with the idea of ​​how to improve their car. One option is to install wheels with a diameter larger than regular ones. The main reasons for this tuning:

  • increase clearance;
  • increase the maximum speed of the machine;
  • improve traction and therefore control of vehicles.

But this is all theoretically. In fact, not everything is so simple, and this can only be done according to certain rules, as experts advise.

Which wheels are better than the factory?

Typically, for each car, the manufacturer offers a choice of several sizes of wheels. Each option passes preliminary tests to confirm that they are suitable for optimum and safe operation of the car.

Why are big wheels not effective?

Theoretically, you can buy a car whose wheels have a diameter of 15 inches, but it is also possible to install 17-inch counterparts. Thus, the first can easily be replaced by the second, if the car in question is also produced with large wheels.

If you want to replace the wheels with larger ones, you should check what sizes are allowed by the manufacturer. This information can be found in the car manual. And it is also important to know that large wheels, even within acceptable limits, according to manufacturers, have not only advantages, but also disadvantages.

What is the harm of big wheels?

A larger size, of course, means more weight, which increases the total mass of the vehicle. The heavier the wheel, the harder it is to turn it, which increases fuel consumption, overloads the engine, worsens dynamics, negatively affects the state of the suspension.

Why are big wheels not effective?

The rim of a larger diameter has a large width and a changed depth in the wheel arch, which inevitably affects the operation of the bearings, or rather leads to their premature wear.

What else happens when installing larger wheels?

A factory-installed speedometer is often set to give a slight increase in reading relative to actual speed. If you change the wheels, you will notice an interesting effect - at first the speedometer will start to show more or less accurately, but then it will start to deceive more and more.

Due to false indicators of the speedometer, the driver may violate the permissible speed limit, which will entail a fine. The odometer readings will also change.

What is the conclusion?

Replacing the wheels with larger ones is an acceptable method of improving the car, provided that they comply with the manufacturer's recommendations. But at the same time, both positive and negative changes for the car must be taken into account.

Installing something larger that goes beyond these limits is unacceptable. Ultimately, the negative consequences for the car will be even more serious and even unpredictable.

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