What are the Car Systems are Impacted by Tire Size Changes?
It’s important to note that all of the systems connected can experience increased wear when the overall balance that keeps them working together well is thrown off. A short list of those systems and components includes:
- CV or U Joints
- Axle Shafts
- Ring and Pinion Gears within the Differential
- Brakes
- Drivetrain
- Transmission
How Larger Tires or Larger Rims Affect Your Car
Changing the Size of Your Tires & Rims Changes Ratios of Other Car Components
Essentially when you increase your tire and/or rim size you are changing the ratio of all the components involved in making your vehicle stop and go. This includes the drivetrain, transmission, brake system, and all the associated parts within those systems.
This can also affect your odometer and speedometer as larger tires will have a larger circumference, causing you to travel a little bit further per each complete tire rotation. As a result, your speedometer will show you moving SLOWER than you actually are, and can lead to unwanted speeding tickets. This also will cause your odometer to register fewer miles than you are actually traveling. Is deciding the best way to increase your tire size causing a headache? Call your local AAMCO for help on how to figure out how to best calibrate your speedometer when increasing your tire or wheel size.
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Increasing Tire or Rim Size Can Cause Premature Wear
You Don’t Want To Reduce Your Vehicle’s Effective Gear Ratio
The increased size causes the tires to rotate slower to cover the same amount of ground. It will take more power to accelerate because your drivetrain’s mechanical advantage has been decreased. If you are running an automotive transmission this can cause some serious strain depending on the current gear ratio if you choose not to re-gear your system.
If you are considering increasing your tire size and want to do it yourself, check out this incredibly handy tire size calculator for figuring out what sizes might be appropriate for your vehicle. Or if figuring all the ins and outs of changing your tire or wheel size sounds too complicated then let the experts at your locally owned AAMCO Colorado handle it! Schedule your Appointment online today.
Other Systems Negatively Impacted by Tire Size Changes
It’s important to note that all of the systems connected can experience increased wear when the overall balance that keeps them working together well is thrown off.
A short list of those systems and components includes:
- CV or U Joints
- Axle Shafts
- Ring and Pinion Gears within the Differential
- Brakes
- Drivetrain
- Transmission
While the impact on certain systems can be minor, the potential wear is increased significantly if you are changing size for a 4x4 vehicle. If you are planning to go off-roading then we recommend doing thorough research into upgrading many of those components to handle the increased traction given by your bigger tire.
Related: Common Problems Associated with Off-Roading and 4 Wheeling
Don’t GEt Shaken up by Car Problems
No matter the season, AAMCO Colorado is staying open, practicing safe healthy measures, in order to provide essential car maintenance and diagnostic services to help our communities. Stay safe, and get your car maintained here.
Tire Size Can Change Your Fuel Economy and Efficiency
Upping your tire or rim size will often add more weight or mass to your vehicle.
This also reduces your vehicle’s acceleration in addition to causing your brake system to work harder. As a result, your gas mileage can be affected as well. In one study done by Car and Driver on a 2010 Volkswagon Golf, the Miles Per Gallon decreased from 23.3 mpg to 21.1 mpg when upgrading from 15 x 6.0″ tires to 19 x 8.5″ tires. While that’s not a significant decrease, it’s definitely something to be aware of for those of us whose vehicles already have lower fuel economy or enjoy taking long road trips.
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Let the Experts at Your Locally Owned AAMCO Colorado Take Care of It
Need help deciding the best way to increase your tire or rim size without causing potential damage to your vehicle? Trust in our expert mechanics at AAMCO to take care of it! Schedule an appointment with your local AAMCO Colorado today to get the right advice you need to ensure your car is in it for the long haul.
If you are having car troubles find your local AAMCO Colorado and call or book online today to visit us today.
Or feel free to ask an AAMCO mechanic online and get some free advice for any of your automotive repair or customization needs.
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i wanted to know i all would i have to do to my car to make it run properly with 26” rims with no transmission problems and what not
I have a 1999 chevy Silverado 1500. Currently running 255/70/16 as recommended upgrade whe I purchased vehicle new. My question is Will moving up in size to a 265/70/16 or 275/70/16 damage my truck? Thank you
Mark,
Thanks so much for your question. AAMCO is here to help! We suggest asking any specific questions through our Ask a Mechanic feature, and a real mechanic can get back to you soon. Or, if you are local to Colorado stop by one of 14 Colorado AAMCO Service centers and we can perform a free diagnostic check on your vehicle where we can access any repair needs your vehicle may have.
Thanks,
AAMCO Colorado