What are the pros and cons of large car wheels?

[BradleyLee]

Large wheels have the advantage of improved safety performance; the disadvantage is reduced comfort and shock absorption. Major advantages: The biggest benefit of large wheels is improved safety performance, because large wheels have smaller tire aspect ratios, lower heating rates at high speeds, and smaller pressure changes. Therefore, cars with large wheels, wide tires, and low aspect ratios will have improved safety performance. Additionally, large wheels help enhance off-road capability. Disadvantages of large wheels: Due to the thin sidewalls, tires on large wheels often have weaker resistance to external impacts. They are prone to bulging when driving on rough roads, and sharp objects may even cause blowouts directly. Moreover, almost all large wheels are heavier than small wheels, and thin tires cannot balance this weight, leading to increased unsprung mass, which negatively affects fuel consumption, handling, and comfort. In other words, large wheels significantly reduce the car's shock absorption and comfort.

[DeEllie]

Speaking of large rims, I have deep feelings about this. When I upgraded my car with big rims, they looked incredibly stylish, instantly making the whole vehicle appear sporty and turning heads among my friends. But there are downsides too – the bigger the rims, the higher the price, with a set costing thousands, not to mention the matching tires. The key advantage is improved handling, making turns more stable and reducing braking distance. However, comfort takes a hit – driving over bumps is more jarring, with too much road feedback, making long trips tiring. Plus, fuel consumption increases slightly due to the heavier rims, and tire wear accelerates, requiring replacement a few thousand kilometers earlier than smaller rims. When modifying, ensure the size matches to avoid damaging the braking system. Overall, it’s worth it for those seeking individuality, but for daily commuters, it might not be cost-effective.

[JulianaLee]

As a seasoned driver, I've gone through several wheel upgrades. The advantage of larger wheels lies in more precise handling, stronger wheel support, and greater confidence in high-speed cornering, especially with improved stability and grip when driving on mountain roads. However, the downsides are obvious—the larger the wheels, the more sensitive they are to bumps, making rough gravel roads particularly jarring and causing backaches during long drives. The cost is also higher, with more expensive tire replacements and even a slight increase in insurance premiums. Fuel consumption rises by about 1-2 liters due to the added weight putting more strain on the engine. My advice is, if you frequently drive long distances or encounter poor road conditions, avoid excessively large wheels and stick to the manufacturer-recommended size for safety, saving yourself from future hassles. In daily use, tire wear is faster, so regular tire pressure checks are essential to prevent unexpected blowouts.

[DelSteven]

I've been paying attention to cars for a long time, and large wheels have both advantages and disadvantages. The advantages are their premium appearance and strong personality, providing clearer road feedback and easier handling when driving. However, there are also quite a few drawbacks: they are expensive and less durable, with small potholes easily damaging the edges. Fuel consumption increases, comfort decreases, and tires wear out faster. Maintenance becomes much more troublesome after modification.