Can car tires be replaced with one-inch larger ones?

[OMargaret]

Car tires cannot be replaced with one-inch larger ones, and the impacts are: 1. Increased fuel consumption; 2. Reduced driving range; 3. Increased brake pad wear; 4. Failing the annual inspection. Situations where tire replacement is needed include: 1. Severe tire wear; 2. Numerous small cracks on the aging tread pattern; 3. Tires with deformed tread or damaged bead; 4. Tire bulges. Methods for car tire maintenance include: 1. Monthly tire pressure checks; 2. Always pay attention to tire wear indicators; 3. Be mindful of the tire's expiration date; 4. Regularly rotate tires; 5. Avoid speeding.

[DiJosephine]

I noticed many car enthusiasts want to upgrade their vehicles with larger tires, but this requires serious caution. The factory tire specifications are carefully matched by engineers. Simply increasing the size by one inch may cause the tires to rub against the wheel arches or fenders, especially during turns, posing significant safety risks. Moreover, larger wheels can make the speedometer read lower than the actual speed, potentially leading to unintentional speeding tickets. During annual inspections, mismatched tire specifications might also cause issues. I recommend checking the vehicle manual or consulting the manufacturer before changing tires, rather than experimenting blindly. If modification is truly desired, it's best to visit a professional tuning shop for a comprehensive evaluation of suspension, wheelbase, and other parameters to ensure no adverse effects on braking and handling.

[CassidyFitz]

Switching to larger tires has complex effects on vehicle performance. While grip may improve and cornering stability increases, the drawbacks are more pronounced: Larger wheels can slow down acceleration, especially in small-displacement cars where you might feel sluggish even with the pedal to the metal. Fuel consumption also rises noticeably, often by 1-2 liters per 100 km. Comfort takes a hit too—bigger tires usually come with thinner sidewalls, amplifying bumps over speed bumps and making steering wheel vibrations more noticeable. If you frequently drive on rough roads, larger tires are more prone to bulging or even blowouts. Factory tire sizes represent the optimal balance of multiple performance factors. For a better driving experience, consider upgrading to higher-quality tires in the original size—it's both safer and more hassle-free.

[DiGriffin]

For friends who are into car modifications, it's well known that upgrading to larger wheels with low-profile tires can significantly enhance visual impact. However, there are three key points to note in practice: First, choose the correct wheel ET value (offset), otherwise the tires may protrude and rub against the fenders. Second, calculate the diameter difference between the old and new tires, preferably keeping it within 3%—a tire calculator can help with this. Third, after the upgrade, a four-wheel alignment and tire pressure calibration are essential; otherwise, misalignment and uneven tire wear will quickly become apparent. I've seen cases where people fitted tires two sizes larger, causing the ABS and vehicle stability systems to malfunction. It's advisable to refer to modification cases of the same car model on tire forums or use adjustable suspensions for better compatibility. Remember to recheck the bolt torque after a few days of driving—safety should always come first.