Does changing from 17-inch to 18-inch wheels affect Audi?
2 Answers
Audi 17-inch to 18-inch wheel change has no impact if the tire width and tread pattern remain unchanged. Introduction to wheels: Wheels are the cylindrical metal components that support the tire from the inside, mounted centrally on the axle. Also known as rims, steel rings, or hubs. Wheels come in various types based on diameter, width, manufacturing method, and material. Evolution of wheels: In the past, car wheel bearings were mostly used in pairs with single-row tapered roller or ball bearings. With technological advancements, cars now widely use wheel hub units. The application and usage of wheel hub bearing units have been increasing, evolving to the third generation: the first generation consisted of double-row angular contact bearings. The second generation features a flange on the outer race for securing the bearing, allowing it to be easily fitted onto the wheel axle and fixed with a nut.
I just upgraded my Audi from 17-inch to 18-inch wheels, and the overall driving feel has become more stable, especially with noticeably improved grip during high-speed cornering. However, the comfort has indeed decreased due to the reduced tire aspect ratio - bumps like speed humps feel more direct, and road noise has increased significantly compared to before. Remember during installation, I specifically adjusted the suspension parameters to prevent rubbing against the wheel arches. It's recommended to get a four-wheel alignment immediately after changing wheels to avoid steering deviation. By the way, don't rush to sell the original factory wheels you replaced - they might come in handy if you need to restore them for vehicle inspection.