Are R16 and R17 tires interchangeable?
3 Answers
R16 and R17 tires are not interchangeable. Here are the differences between R16 and R17 tires: Different sizes: The diameter difference between 16-inch and 17-inch rims is 2.54 cm. Different aspect ratios: Tires with lower aspect ratios perform better in providing road feedback and handling lateral support during driving. Different safety levels: In case of a tire blowout, the larger diameter of R17 rims results in less body tilt, reducing the likelihood of sudden directional changes.
I've been driving for over a decade and know a thing or two about tires. R16 and R17 are absolutely not interchangeable! That number represents the rim diameter - there's a whole inch difference between 16-inch and 17-inch, like trying to squeeze a size 37 foot into a size 36 shoe. If you force the swap, you'd need to replace the entire wheel set and readjust the suspension, otherwise the tires will rub against the wheel arches when turning. What's worse, your speedometer will be off - when it shows 100 km/h, you might actually be doing 103, inviting speeding tickets left and right. It'll definitely fail the annual inspection too, and traffic police will fine you for unauthorized modifications. Really want bigger rims? First report to the DMV, then upgrade the entire suspension and tire system - but the cost could buy you four new tires!
As a frequent visitor to auto repair shops, I advise you to drop this idea. A one-inch difference in wheel rims changes the entire tire diameter, directly causing three major issues: First, it disrupts the ABS and ESP systems, increasing braking distance by two to three meters; second, the tire pressure monitoring fails, leaving you unaware of a potential blowout; and third, the most critical—it increases the load on the steering gear, which over time may cause abnormal steering noises. I've seen cases where people forcibly installed R17 wheels on an R16 car, resulting in violent steering wheel vibrations on the highway, forcing them to pull over. Modifications aren't impossible, but you'd need to replace the brake calipers as well, costing you half a year's worth of fuel—honestly not worth it.
