Keeping your factory-produced tires on your vehicle is something several car owners do not want. Larger tires have been the craze for folks who want to make their car look unique and stylish. However, how do larger tires affect your vehicle’s performance after putting them on? Let’s weigh the pros and cons that come with this decision.
A Look at the Positives
Absorbs Shock
Larger tires can absorb the shock of a rugged terrain more than your standard tire, proving that this job is more than a visual upgrade. Because there is more tread on big tires, your vehicle’s traction and grip on the road improve, improving your ability to navigate through snow roads unscathed.
Better Braking
Another benefit of a larger contract patch that provides more grip is improved braking. The time it takes for your vehicle to make a complete stop drastically decreases when you have huge tires. You can take turns more smoothly with better braking since you will not have to oversteer. Lastly, since you’re further from the ground, you’ll get a bird’s eye view of what’s ahead. This benefit comes in handy when you’re stuck in construction and want to see when you’ll see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Improved Road Clearance
By putting larger tires on your vehicle, you can improve ground clearance by raising it to a comfortable height. Ground clearance is the space between the pavement and the lowest part of the car. Upsizing might be beneficial for SUVs with undersized tires, particularly if you’re an off-road enthusiast. Higher road clearance also decreases the chance of destruction to your vehicle’s underbelly.
Negatives
Tire Tread Wears Rapidly
Large tires require more work for your vehicle to operate proficiently, especially when you’re taking turns. The only way you can extend your tires’ life is to rotate them frequently, but it shouldn’t surprise you if the tread vanishes faster than the standard tires you’re accustomed to.
Poor Fuel Consumption
With soaring gas prices, many car owners prefer fuel-efficient vehicles. Unfortunately, large tires will burn more fuel because they’re heavier, requiring the engine to work harder than before. You could overhaul the entire engine to make it more powerful, but that’s not feasible for many individuals.
Incorrect Alerts
Whenever a light illuminates our dashboard, a state of panic rushes over us; it could be as simple as the TPMS sensor flicking on or the ABS flashing. For some reason, larger tires can trigger these alerts even if everything is hunky-dory. Additionally, your speedometer may not be as accurate because it’s calibrated to the original setup. Any alteration that affects driving capabilities will cause an inconsistency in the reading.
Is Bigger Better?
After learning how larger tires affect your vehicle’s performance, you may realize that bigger tires are too much of a hindrance for you to consider. But if you don’t mind the disadvantages, there’s no question that it looks amazing and is easier to drive in certain circumstances.
