Tires and wheels. How to choose them?

Automobile wheels have ceased to be only an element that provides comfort and stability of movement. Increasingly, they are also a styling element, and their shape is an addition that emphasizes the beauty of the car. What is worth remembering when choosing wheels, both for new and used cars?

New cars

In this case, the purchase of the appropriate wheels depends only on the taste and wealth of the buyer's wallet. As we checked on the example of Opel Insignia, the commercial offer in the entire model range is the following wheels:

215/60R16

225/55R17

245/45R18

245/35R20.

It is worth deciphering this data. The first segment is the width of the tire when it is facing you (remember that this is the width of the tire, not the tread as many people often say). The second factor is the profile, which is the ratio between the sidewall height and tire width. In practice, this means what percentage of the previously given tire width is the distance from the edge of the rim to the ground. The last symbol means the inner diameter of the tire, in other words, the diameter (size) of the rim. While the first value (width) is given in millimeters, the last value (diameter) is given in inches. As a note, it is worth adding that the "R" symbol is not a designation for the radius, but the internal structure of the tire (radial tire).

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Here are the tire labels. And how big wheels affect the use?

Vehicle appearance

Undoubtedly, a beautiful frame emphasizes the charm of the model. Since all wheels offered in a new car are of the same height (rolling radius is important in the case of gauge readings), only a properly aligned rim will ensure that the wheel arch is effectively filled. For example, if we look at the Insignia with 245/45R18 and 165/60R16 wheels, in the first case we see the entire wheel arch space filled with a spectacular rim, and in the second ... a too small wheel. In fact, the size of the wheel is identical, but in the second case, black rubber will also be visible, and the characteristic rim is a disk 5 cm smaller.

Comfortable driving

By choosing larger diameter wheels, we also have a wider tire width, which increases the tire's contact area with the road. The result is better grip and better cornering control. Unfortunately, these tires also have disadvantages. One of them is worse driving comfort, because a car with low-profile tires transmits the vibrations of bumps to the ground more. I know from experience that the operation of such a model in Poland, on local roads, does not provide the comfort that we expect on the track or track.

Wheel damage is an additional problem. With potholes, which are quite common in Poland, we should be aware that driving into a pothole, even at medium speed, can end up with the rim hitting the edge of the pothole and…cutting the tire bead. Over the past ten years, during which I have driven about 700 km on proven models, I have only punctured a wheel once (I found a hufnal for installing horseshoes somewhere in the stable). Then the air gradually descended, and, having pumped it up, it was possible to go further. The sidewall of the tire was sheared off and the car stopped after about 000 meters, which happened to me about five or six times in that time. So driving in Poland on low-profile tires is problematic.

In the case of tires with a higher profile, we will also feel the impact when entering the pit, but we will not crash the tire. In the worst case, the tire cord will break and "bloat" will occur. However, it is worth remembering that if you hit the wheel with the same low profile tire, then the wheel will have a rim that needs to be repaired.

costs

The last element to consider when buying a new car with small or large rims is the cost of buying tires. We must be aware that we will have to buy winter tires for the car, and in addition, wider tires have lower tread blocks, i.e. .... they will have a shorter lifespan. Admittedly, prices are not as dramatically different as they were a few years ago, but to visualize the difference in price, we checked Goodyear summer tire prices on a search engine. In the case of size 215 / 60R16, we found eight tire models, and five of them cost less than PLN 480. In the case of size 245 / 45R18, we found 11 tire models, and only three of them cost less than PLN 600.

In addition, a wider tire has more resistance, resulting in higher fuel consumption.

Used tires

This is a completely different matter, since in this case we are usually talking only about the appearance of the model, and this improvement in style has little to do with tuning. It's just that someone said his car would look better with bigger wheels and don't hesitate to install new rims. However, there are a few things to keep in mind:

Estimated data

As seen with the new Insignia, the assumption of a different wheel size is only possible for wheels with the same rolling radius. What's more, big wheels also mean big brakes and different undercarriage ends. Everything is technologically proven and, for example, the Insignia 1,6 CDTi is only available with 215/60R16 or 225/55R17 wheels. The use of wheels other than those recommended by the manufacturer will result in loss of vehicle performance. Consequently, in Germany, any changes are made only by professionals and this fact is recorded in the Brief, and during an accident, the Police checks this data.

The show got smart

Unfortunately, in Poland, few people care about the manufacturer's recommendations, and often wheels and tires are so big that ... they destroy the wings. Theoretically, these wheels fit into the wheel arch, or "actually protrude a bit beyond the contour". As long as such a machine stands still or moves smoothly forward, there are no problems. However, when driving faster, going around obstacles and small bumps ... a lapped wheel will hit the wheel arch, and the wing will swell.

Tires

Another problem of “self-sed tuners” is the condition of the tires. These tires are always bought on the exchanges and through ads. That's where the problem comes in. As mentioned in the case of new cars, wide and low profile tires are often subject to mechanical damage. Even though in the countries where they were used, there are no such holes in the streets as in Poland, frequent impacts on a surface with less damage or running into a curb lead to a cord break and tire failure. It doesn't even have to be a bulge in the tire. The inner cord may also remain, the tire will be difficult to balance and the cord damage will progress.

So, let's sum up:

In the case of a new car, big and beautiful rims mean more driving comfort on the road, but also less comfort when driving over potholes in the streets. In addition, tires of such a wheel are more expensive and more prone to damage on potholes on the road.

In the case of a used car, your own style concepts don't make sense. Your best bet is to go to a vulcanizing shop and check what the biggest wheels were recommended for the model by the manufacturer, and then look for used, big wheels.

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