What are the effects of increasing tire width?
2 Answers
The effects of increasing tire width: 1. Fuel consumption will increase, mainly due to the side effect of increased resistance; 2. The wider tire tread will have larger patterns in the middle, which will increase noise during driving; 3. Due to the relatively narrower sidewall, the increased rigidity will slightly reduce riding comfort. Car tires are one of the important components of a vehicle, directly in contact with the road surface. Together with the car suspension, they help to mitigate the shocks encountered during driving, ensuring good riding comfort and smooth driving; ensuring good adhesion between the wheels and the road surface; improving the vehicle's traction, braking, and passability; and bearing the weight of the car.
After increasing the tire width, I feel that the car has better grip, is more stable when cornering, and less prone to skidding, especially on wet roads where the braking distance is also reduced. This gives me great confidence when driving at high speeds, and the improvement in handling is quite noticeable. However, the negative effects are also significant. Fuel consumption definitely increases—for example, my car's fuel consumption rose from 7L/100km to around 9L, adding a few hundred yuan to my monthly fuel expenses. Tire wear speeds up, shortening their lifespan, and I have to replace them every year. The increased turning radius makes low-speed maneuvering or parking more troublesome, and it's easier to scrape the wheel arches. Additionally, if the original factory size doesn’t match, it may affect the suspension system. Overall, performance-oriented drivers can give it a try, but daily commuters should consider the long-term costs.
