What is the difference between changing from 650 tires to 700?

[DelCarter]

The difference between changing from 650 tires to 700 is that the load index is higher, meaning the maximum load capacity of the tire is greater. Below are detailed explanations about car tires: 1. Overview: Car tires are one of the important components of a vehicle, directly in contact with the road surface. Together with the car suspension, they help mitigate the shocks encountered during driving, ensuring good ride comfort and smooth operation. 2. Function: They ensure good adhesion between the wheels and the road surface; improve the vehicle's traction, braking, and off-road capability; and bear the weight of the car. The important role tires play in a vehicle is increasingly being recognized.

[LeoFitz]

I previously considered the issue of tire upgrades as well. Changing from 650 to 700 mainly affects several aspects. First, the appearance is noticeably different—the 700 tires are wider, and the sidewall numbers look more imposing, giving an overall fuller visual effect. Then, there’s a significant improvement in grip, especially noticeable during rain or sharp turns, making the car feel more stable. However, fuel consumption will increase slightly; I roughly calculated it to be about half a liter more per 100 kilometers. Most importantly, the speedometer will become inaccurate—what originally showed 100 km/h might actually be around 103 km/h, so you’ll need to watch out for speeding. The ride height will also increase by about two centimeters, improving ground clearance but requiring caution in low-clearance areas to avoid scraping. Overall, the driving experience changes quite a bit after the tire swap, and it takes some time to adapt.

[OEmerson]

From the actual driving experience, the difference between switching from 650 to 700 is quite noticeable. The most significant change is the heavier steering feel, especially when maneuvering at low speeds or parking in reverse, requiring more effort. Comfort has improved noticeably, with much less bumpiness over speed bumps, making long-distance driving less likely to cause backaches. However, don't just focus on the benefits. The increased rolling resistance of wider tires leads to noticeably slower acceleration, especially in smaller displacement vehicles. Additionally, tire noise does increase, becoming quite audible at speeds over 80 km/h on highways. After changing tires, I specifically had a four-wheel alignment done; otherwise, the issue of pulling to one side would be very obvious. After changing tires, it's advisable to adjust the tire pressure to the appropriate range first, as it affects the tire's lifespan.

[EmersonDella]

From another perspective, upgrading from 650 to 700 actually alters the entire vehicle's data chain. The most critical change is the increased tire circumference, which means the actual speed will be about 3% faster than what's displayed on the dashboard—this discrepancy is important to keep in mind. Wheel torque will also be affected, possibly making the initial acceleration feel slightly sluggish, but it will lower the cruising RPM at high speeds. Although the weight increase isn't significant, the accumulated long-term fuel consumption rise shouldn't be overlooked. The steering geometry changes as well, resulting in a larger turning radius and making tight U-turns more challenging. However, the increased contact patch can shorten braking distances, enhancing safety. These hidden changes are the real factors that impact the driving experience.

[DeHarmony]

From a cost perspective, the 700 tires are significantly more expensive than the 650 ones, with the same brand and series costing an extra hundred or two per tire. Don't forget to replace the valve stems when changing tires—this small expense shouldn't be overlooked. Increased fuel consumption is an ongoing cost; based on 20,000 kilometers per year, fuel expenses could rise by five to six hundred. Suspension system wear might accelerate, affecting the lifespan of shock absorbers and bearings to some extent. Of course, the upside is that wider tires generally offer better wear resistance, and uniform wear can actually extend the replacement cycle. I recommend checking tire pressure and wear conditions more frequently in the first 5,000 kilometers after changing tires to avoid uneven wear and additional losses. Crunch the numbers carefully before deciding to upgrade for a more secure choice.