What are the impacts of changing from 165 tires to 185?

[VanBrody]

There are several factors to consider when changing from 165 to 185 tires: 1. Whether the new size is significantly larger or smaller than the original will directly affect the odometer reading, increasing speedometer deviation. 2. Wider tires will also increase resistance, leading to higher fuel consumption. 3. If the new tires are both wider and larger in diameter, it will directly impact the engine's acceleration performance. 4. When changing tire models, it's important to ensure the error between old and new tires remains within ±3%. Exceeding this range may reduce vehicle handling, increase braking distance, and cause noise from tire rubbing against wheel arches during turns.

[NadiaAnn]

Let me share the impacts of upgrading from 165 to 185 tires from a daily driving perspective. After the change, the car felt noticeably more stable, especially when cornering—the improved tire grip gave me more confidence behind the wheel. However, there were several downsides: fuel consumption increased significantly by about 10%, making each refueling session painful; the speedometer became inaccurate (showing 80 km/h when actually doing 85 km/h), raising speeding ticket risks; road noise intensified, with wind noise becoming harsh when windows were down; wheel rim compatibility became an issue—my original 165-width rims were too narrow for 185 tires, risking premature wear or blowouts. Post-installation, suspension compatibility checks were necessary, and rainy-day driving caused more water splashing. Overall, it's not a trivial modification—safety-wise, sticking to factory specifications should be prioritized.

[SanTaylor]

Based on my years of car repair experience, I've seen many people encounter problems after switching from 165 to 185 tires. While this size upgrade improves handling and shortens braking distance, it comes with significant risks. Fuel consumption will definitely increase by 5-10% due to greater friction; the change in outer diameter can cause speedometer deviations up to 10%, greatly increasing driving hazards. Without changing the rims, the old tire size mismatch can easily lead to tire bulging or abnormal wear; the suspension system will be under pressure and deform, causing severe steering wheel vibration over time. I've witnessed too many similar cases in the workshop. I advise car owners not to make this change blindly—they must measure rim width and vehicle load index first, then evaluate compliance with regulations to avoid subsequent repair troubles.

[VanCorey]

Let me discuss the impact of switching from 165 to 185 tires from an economic perspective. Cost-wise, it's not worthwhile: wider tires themselves are more expensive, with each 185 tire costing dozens of yuan more than a 165; increased fuel consumption directly burns more gas, costing an extra thousand or so yuan annually; the risk of speedometer inaccuracy is significant, potentially leading to fines if caught speeding, adding to the financial loss. The rims need upgrading to fit, otherwise the old ones won't work and could damage the tires; wear rate might increase, leading to more frequent maintenance and additional costs. Overall, both initial investment and daily expenses rise. Unless you're after track performance, it's not worth it. Saving money by sticking with the original tire specifications is more economical and durable.