Can Car Tires Be Replaced with Larger Sizes?
2 Answers
Car tires cannot be replaced with larger sizes as this will affect the annual inspection and also impact fuel consumption. The functions of tires are: 1. To transmit driving force, braking force, and steering force to achieve vehicle operation; 2. To support vehicle loads; 3. To reduce and absorb vibrations and impacts during driving, avoiding severe vibrations that could damage car components. The maintenance methods for tires include: 1. Regularly clean stones stuck in the tire treads; 2. Minimize exposure of tires to direct sunlight; 3. Promptly check tire pressure; 4. Pay attention to suspension maintenance; 5. Regularly inspect front wheel alignment; 6. Be mindful of driving habits, choose road surfaces carefully while driving, avoid objects that can puncture or scratch tires, and steer clear of chemical spills that may corrode the tires.
Actually, many people want to upgrade their car's tires to larger ones mainly for better looks or improved performance, but this isn't something to be done casually. When I first considered changing mine, the mechanic warned me that larger tires can affect the speedometer's accuracy—for example, it might show 100km/h when you're actually doing 105, leading to unknowingly speeding. Fuel consumption also increases because heavier tires require more power to drive. The most troublesome issue is that the tires might rub against the wheel arches when turning the steering wheel to the limit, and they're more prone to slipping in rainy conditions. Before making any modifications, it's best to use a tire calculator app to check compatibility; the size change shouldn't exceed 3%, and a four-wheel alignment is necessary afterward. My friend didn't calculate properly last time, and his new tires wore through the wheel arches in just half a month.
