What are the pros and cons of changing from 14-inch to 16-inch rims?
3 Answers
Pros and cons of changing from 14-inch to 16-inch rims are as follows: Advantages: Alters the odometer data, making the actual speed faster than displayed. However, replacing with excessively large rims offers little benefit to tires and is not recommended. Disadvantages: Increases the load on the steering gear, potentially causing premature failure; raises the engine load, making the car feel sluggish during acceleration; elevates the car body, increasing ground clearance, which can alter the original aerodynamics at high speeds, leading to reduced stability; increases the load on the braking system, causing brake pads and discs to underperform and requiring earlier replacement.
I previously upgraded from 14-inch wheels to 16-inch ones as well. Let me start with the benefits. Larger wheels paired with wider tires provide incredible stability when cornering, and the car doesn’t feel floaty during high-speed lane changes. The braking distance is also shorter, giving me more confidence while driving. Aesthetically, the car looks much more stylish, with a wide variety of wheel designs to choose from, significantly elevating the vehicle’s overall appeal. However, the downsides are also noticeable. With thinner tires, going over speed bumps feels particularly jarring, and driving on rough roads can be downright uncomfortable, shaking you to the core. Fuel consumption inevitably increases—I’ve calculated an extra 1-2 liters per 100 kilometers. The cost of replacing tires doubles, and the last time I had to replace a 16-inch tire, it was hard on the wallet. Also, you need to be mindful of wheel size during annual inspections; modifications that are too large might not pass, so it’s important to check the regulations beforehand.
Old Zhang keeps talking about his car after switching to 16-inch wheels. The upside is noticeably better handling—the steering feels more responsive, and the car stays planted during high-speed lane changes. With more tire contact on the road, braking feels significantly stronger. However, comfort took a big hit—thin tires make it feel like sitting directly on a steel plate, and hitting a manhole cover sends everyone bouncing. Tire prices doubled, with 16-inch ones costing over twice as much as 14-inch. Long trips now cost an extra hundred bucks a month in fuel, and the speedometer's off, requiring a computer adjustment. He concluded: if you're going to modify, stick to the right size—going bigger can do more harm than good.
