Differences in Wheel Size?
2 Answers
Larger wheels provide a smoother ride with less bumpiness, while smaller wheels may feel more bumpy but offer better handling. More details about wheels are as follows: 1. Tires have a crucial parameter called lateral stiffness, which is influenced significantly by the aspect ratio in its formula. The aspect ratio can be understood as the thickness of the tire. Thinner tires help increase lateral stiffness, making it easier for the car to follow the intended direction. If you feel the handling is poor or the steering isn't precise, it might not be due to the car's design but rather because of smaller wheel size and thicker tires. 2. Larger wheels generally come with thinner tires. Advantages: better heat dissipation, improved safety, aesthetic appeal, and more space for larger brake discs and calipers. Disadvantages: higher costs for replacing tires and wheels, and increased risk of wheel damage on rough roads. 3. When increasing wheel size, it's advisable to also widen the wheels and tires. Advantages: increased traction (acceleration and deceleration rely on the four contact patches of the tire), faster acceleration, shorter braking distances, better heat dissipation, and improved cornering handling.
The difference in wheel size directly affects the daily driving experience. Small cars with small wheels are particularly comfortable to drive, as the thick tires absorb vibrations when going over speed bumps, making the ride much smoother. However, large wheels look more stylish, and when paired with wide tires, they keep the car firmly planted on the ground during turns, reducing body roll even at high speeds. I often help friends choose wheels and have noticed that after upgrading to larger wheels, tire noise increases significantly, making long drives more tiring for the ears, and the wheels are more prone to scraping against curbs. Additionally, for every inch increase in wheel size, tire prices jump a tier—for example, replacing an 18-inch tire costs over 300 yuan more than a 16-inch one. The suspension system is also affected, as the factory tuning is matched to smaller wheels; forcibly upgrading to larger sizes can accelerate wear on suspension components. Driving is mainly about comfort and safety, and unless you're on a racetrack, there's really no need to go for oversized wheels.
