What are the effects of upgrading to larger wheels?
3 Answers
Upgrading to larger wheels mainly has the following impacts on a car: 1. When increasing the wheel size, the outer diameter generally remains unchanged, but it necessitates the use of tires with a lower aspect ratio. This improves tire grip and handling performance, but reduces comfort. Additionally, the rolling resistance of the tires increases, leading to higher fuel consumption. 2. It affects the annual vehicle inspection. The inspection requires the vehicle to remain in its factory condition, and upgrading the wheels and tires is considered a modification. In areas with strict regulations, passing the inspection can be difficult, and the original wheels may need to be reinstalled. 3. Improper wheel replacement can compromise safety. The center bore of the wheel is crucial—this is the large hole in the middle of the wheel. If the wheel's hub bore is too large, hub centric rings must be used to prevent wheel wobble at high speeds. Other factors like PCD (Pitch Circle Diameter) and offset are also important. If the offset is too large after replacement, it may cause friction with the car body.
I previously upgraded to larger rims on my own car mainly for aesthetics, but I noticed significant changes in driving dynamics. In the city, driving on uneven roads became much bumpier, with more body bounce and noticeably reduced comfort. With the original rims, the thicker tire sidewalls absorbed impacts better, but now with thinner tires, every speed bump feels painful, making long drives more fatiguing. Fuel consumption also increased slightly due to the heavier rims, and acceleration feels slower. Additionally, the speedometer might be inaccurate now, showing higher than actual speed—so be careful not to exceed speed limits. The most annoying part is faster tire wear; noticeable tread wear appeared after just about 10,000 kilometers. Unless you're specifically into car modifications, I'd recommend avoiding unnecessary upgrades to save money and hassle.
As a car enthusiast, I upgraded to larger wheels mainly for improved handling. During high-speed cornering, the steering feels more precise, and the car's body responds more steadily, especially giving me more confidence when driving on mountain roads. The appearance is also more eye-catching, with the wheel design being cool and stylish, and friends all say it looks awesome. However, the downside is the noticeable impact on acceleration—the car feels less nimble from a standstill, and fuel consumption has increased significantly, possibly burning an extra half a liter per 100 kilometers. Tire lifespan is shorter, requiring wear checks after just a few thousand kilometers. Additionally, the suspension system bears more load, which might affect shock absorber longevity over time. If you're into modifications, make sure to choose wheels that match the specifications to avoid compromising driving safety—after all, modifications aren't just about flashy looks.
