What are the effects of widening car tires?

[QuinnLynn]

Widening car tires has the following effects: 1. First, it affects the vehicle's power. Due to the increased friction, more energy is required to drive the tire's rotation, which directly translates to a decrease in power under the same powertrain. 2. Secondly, it leads to an increase in fuel consumption. The greater friction brings more resistance, necessitating the use of more fuel to drive the rotation, resulting in a noticeable rise in fuel consumption. 3. Widening the rear tires also reduces driving comfort. Tires with a smaller aspect ratio have thinner sidewalls, which decreases their cushioning ability. As a result, more road vibrations are transmitted to the vehicle body, leading to a reduction in comfort.

[MacSkylar]

After widening the tires, my most immediate experience was a significant improvement in handling. The grip during turns is stronger, allowing for confident high-speed cornering without worrying about skidding. Especially on rainy or slippery roads, stability is noticeably enhanced, reducing the likelihood of tailspin. However, there are also several downsides. Fuel consumption increases by 5%-10%, adding an extra half-liter of fuel to my daily commute, which adds up to considerable extra costs over time. Tire wear accelerates, requiring replacement every one to two years on regular roads, and a set of wider tires is more expensive than the original, costing several hundred yuan more. Additionally, the steering becomes heavier, the turning radius increases at low speeds, making parking in the city more challenging, and there's even a risk of scraping the wheel arches, necessitating professional suspension adjustments. Overall, while it enhances driving pleasure, it also brings economic and daily burdens.

[Adalynn]

After switching to wider tires, I noticed a significant increase in daily fuel consumption, leading to more frequent refueling and a heavier burden on my wallet. The tire wear has accelerated, with tires that used to last three years now needing replacement in less than two years, doubling the replacement costs. While the handling has improved slightly, the acceleration from a standstill is slower, making it easier to be overtaken at traffic lights. Surprisingly, traction in rain and snow is worse, making winter driving on snowy roads nerve-wracking. Long-term use may also damage the chassis and rims, resulting in higher maintenance costs. For family users, I recommend avoiding unnecessary modifications and sticking with the original tires for better savings and peace of mind.

[DiEva]

Wider tires can enhance driving safety, improve high-speed stability, and shorten braking distances. However, there are significant risks. Unprofessional installation may lead to imbalance or tire blowouts, and they are more prone to hydroplaning and loss of control on wet roads. It is recommended to check wheel compatibility and regulations before modification.