What is the difference between R17 and R18 tires?
3 Answers
The difference between R17 and R18 tires lies in the wheel diameter: the wheel diameter of R17 tires is 17 inches; the wheel diameter of R18 tires is 18 inches. The tire model is located on the sidewall. Taking the tire specification 195/65R15 as an example, 195 indicates that the tire width is 195mm, 65 indicates that the tire's section height is 65% of the width, R stands for radial tire, and 15 indicates that the wheel diameter is 15 inches. The functions of tires are: 1. to work together with the suspension to cushion the impact during driving; 2. to ensure good ride comfort and smooth driving; 3. to ensure good adhesion between the wheels and the road surface; 4. to improve traction, braking, and off-road capability; 5. to bear the weight of the car.
I encountered the difference between R17 and R18 when choosing tires, mainly in the wheel diameter. R17 means the wheel is 17 inches, and R18 is 18 inches. The larger R18 tires look more stylish and give the car a modern feel, but the comfort is compromised with thinner sidewalls that make bumps more noticeable. They also cost more—I spent nearly an extra thousand last time I switched to R18. Additionally, larger wheels might slightly reduce fuel efficiency, so R17 is more practical and economical for daily commutes. Now, I drive comfortably with R17 in the city, and even occasional long trips aren’t tiring.
After playing with cars for a long time, I've noticed significant differences between R17 and R18. Wheel size determines handling: R18's larger wheels offer better grip, stable cornering, and excellent high-speed performance. The downside is thinner sidewalls, increasing the risk of damage on rough roads, making mountain runs a worry for blowouts. Also, compatibility is crucial—forcing them onto an incompatible chassis can damage the suspension. Aesthetically, 18-inch wheels enhance the car's dynamic lines, but maintenance costs are higher. I usually advise friends to choose based on driving habits—upgrade to larger sizes only for track use. Don’t blindly follow trends; safety and budget come first.
