What are the effects of changing from 17-inch to 19-inch wheels?
1 Answers
Replacing 17-inch wheels with 19-inch wheels on a car has several impacts: it alters the odometer reading; increases the load on the steering system, potentially causing premature wear; raises the vehicle height, increasing ground clearance, which can disrupt the original aerodynamics at high speeds and lead to reduced stability; increases the load on the braking system, causing brake pads and discs to wear out faster; and directly affects fuel consumption, typically increasing it by approximately 0.5 liters per 10 liters of fuel. After upgrading to larger wheels, the tire aspect ratio decreases, improving visual appeal and enhancing driving stability and lateral support. However, the downsides include increased fuel consumption, and the need to revert to the original setup for annual inspections or ownership transfers. It is advisable to keep the original wheels and tires rather than discarding them. When modifying tires, it is essential to maintain the original wheel diameter and width. The diameter must remain unchanged to avoid affecting the vehicle's fuel consumption and mileage calculations. The width can be slightly increased if necessary, but one must ensure that the steering does not interfere with the fenders when turned to full lock. Increasing width generally leads to higher fuel consumption. For those considering a change, the focus should be on reducing wheel weight, slightly increasing width, and switching to performance tires, as this is the most effective way to enhance performance.
