The Impact of Tire Size on Vehicles
2 Answers
The size of a vehicle's tires primarily affects its drivability, ride comfort, and power performance. For the same chassis, larger tire sizes enhance the vehicle's drivability, while smaller tire sizes improve ride comfort and stability. Larger tires on the same chassis also provide greater power, which is why heavy-duty vehicles like road rollers have large wheel diameters. Tire size is mainly determined by the wheel rim. Larger rims are typically paired with low-profile tires, increasing the wheel's lateral stiffness. This means the wheel deforms less under high lateral forces, such as during high-speed cornering, improving handling responsiveness. However, excessively large rims result in overly low-profile tires, reducing comfort. Additionally, on rough roads, insufficient tire cushioning can lead to rim deformation or damage due to impact. Wheels are subjected to various external forces, including rotational torque, vibrational shear forces, the vehicle's weight, and resistance to forward motion. Therefore, wheels are primarily made of aluminum alloy, incorporating specific elements to meet multiple stress requirements, prolonging wheel life and ensuring normal vehicle operation. Under high lateral forces, such as during high-speed cornering, larger wheels exhibit less deformation, enhancing handling responsiveness. However, overly large tires with excessively low profiles compromise comfort and are more prone to deformation or damage on rough roads due to inadequate shock absorption. For tires with the same tread pattern, a wider tread generally provides better traction but increases fuel consumption and road noise. High-profile tires offer superior cushioning but reduce road feel and lateral resistance during cornering. Conversely, low-profile tires handle road feedback more precisely, significantly improving cornering stability and overall handling. For daily tire maintenance, pay attention to the following points: Regularly inspect the tire surface for cracks, deformations, or other defects. As tires wear, the tread grooves gradually shallow. Worn treads lose their water drainage and anti-skid functions, drastically reducing vehicle performance. Even minor cracks can pose a risk of blowouts at high speeds. Additionally, promptly remove small stones lodged in the grooves. Park on level ground whenever possible. Avoid parking on surfaces with thick, sharp, or pointed stones. Do not park near or in contact with petroleum products, acids, or other materials that degrade rubber. After parking, avoid turning the steering wheel, as this accelerates tire wear. Do not splash water to cool overheated tires. In hot weather or during high-speed driving, tires can overheat, increasing internal pressure. In such cases, stop to allow the tires to cool naturally. Never release air to reduce pressure or splash water to cool the tires, as this can cause abnormal aging of the tread rubber. Avoid sudden braking. Minimize frequent or hard braking to prevent accelerated tread wear caused by dragging between the tires and the road surface.
I've experimented with upgrading to larger wheels several times. Big wheels with low-profile tires provide excellent grip when cornering, shorten braking distances, and offer great stability at high speeds. But they make the ride harsh on bumpy roads, feel like a bumper car over speed bumps, and generate significant tire noise. The thin sidewalls are prone to blowouts and bulges, and replacing a single tire can cost hundreds. My car originally came with 16-inch wheels, and after upgrading to 18-inch, fuel consumption noticeably increased by half a liter per 100km. When changing wheel sizes, pay attention to matching the tire pressure monitoring system, otherwise the dashboard warning light will keep annoying you. Smaller wheels may not look as cool, but they're more economical and cheaper to replace tires.
