Can the tire width be increased?
3 Answers
Tire width cannot be increased as it constitutes illegal modification, and excessively large tire diameter will increase resistance. As the only component of a car that comes into contact with the ground, the performance of tires directly affects the safety of the driver and passengers. Benefits of increasing tire width: Increasing the tire width essentially enlarges the tire tread, making the appearance more imposing and aesthetically pleasing. It can also enhance the rigidity of the tire, thereby improving the vehicle's stability, cornering safety, braking efficiency, and more. Additionally, it can improve the steering feel and enhance smoothness at high speeds. Drawbacks of increasing tire width: Firstly, increasing the tire width means a larger contact area with the ground and greater friction, which will increase the load on the electric power steering system and cause it to fail prematurely. As the tire width increases, the aspect ratio will also decrease, reducing the vehicle's ability to filter out vibrations and thus lowering the comfort of the occupants. Moreover, greater friction means the engine needs to output more power, leading to increased fuel consumption.
Last time on a whim, I changed my tire width from the factory 205 to 225, thinking the car would look cooler. There was indeed some improvement in handling, with much better stability when cornering. But troubles followed too - fuel consumption increased by several liters per hundred kilometers, requiring more frequent gas station visits. Also, with the wider tires, they occasionally rub against the wheel arches when turning, and the sound is really annoying. I measured the clearance space before installation and it seemed sufficient, but now I realize I should have checked the manual for the maximum allowable width first. It would have been better to get an evaluation from a repair shop to avoid affecting the suspension or running into issues with insurance claims. The modification also cost quite a bit of money - I should have weighed the pros and cons beforehand.
Having run an auto repair shop for so long, I often encounter customers asking about switching to wider tires. The benefits include improved grip, especially in rainy or snowy conditions for better safety; however, there are also downsides. The new tires must match the rim width—too wide or too narrow can cause uneven wear, fuel consumption may skyrocket, and the speedometer might become inaccurate. It's advisable to measure the original factory size limits and ensure sufficient suspension clearance. Don’t just buy and install them casually, or you’ll end up with a bunch of driving issues. Getting a professional shop to test it out can enhance performance while saving money and hassle.
