There are a lot of questions that come into play when you start modifying your vehicle. One of the most common modifications is to switch out the stock tires for a set of bigger ones. But does this affect the suspension?
In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of going with bigger tires, We will also explore things to consider before changing to larger tires as well as how changing your tire size can impact your car’s handling and stability, and finally how bigger tires work well with your suspension.
To answer the question “Do bigger tires affect suspension?” The answer is both yes and no. It all depends on how big of a change you’re making to your tire size. If you’re only going up one or two inches, then the effects will be minimal. But if you’re changing to tires that are several inches larger in diameter, then there will be a more noticeable impact on your suspension.
Keep reading to find out about the pros and cons of changing to bigger tires.
Pros of Going Bigger with Your Tires
There are several advantages of changing to larger tires such as
1. Improved traction
One of the main reasons why you might want to switch to bigger tires is for the improved traction. Larger tires provide more contact with the ground, which gives you a better grip and prevents your wheels from slipping on wet or icy roads. When you are driving in slippery conditions, it’s important to have as much traction as possible because, without it, your car could skid out of control which can be dangerous.
2. Easy navigation through deep snow or mud
Another advantage of bigger tires is that they can help you navigate through deep snow or mud without getting stuck. If you live in an area with a lot of snowfall, then you know how difficult it can be to drive on the roads when they’re covered in several feet of snow. I remember one winter, I got stuck in my driveway because the snow was too deep and my tires couldn’t grip the ground. After a few minutes of trying to get my car out, I had to give up and call a tow truck. If I had bigger tires, then I could have just driven right out without any problems.
3. Better off-road driving
Another advantage of bigger tires is that they can help you go off-road. If you’re planning on doing any off-roading in your vehicle, then larger tires will give you the clearance and grip that you need to navigate through rough terrain. I’ve taken my car off-road a few times and the biggest problem that I had was getting stuck in the mud. If I had bigger tires, then I would have been able to get through without any issues.
4. Improves car handling
Another advantage of larger tires is that they can help to improve your car’s handling. They do this by increasing the contact patch, which is the area of the tire that is in contact with the ground. The bigger the contact patch, the better grip your tires will have on the road. This can be especially helpful when you’re driving in inclement weather conditions or on a winding road. It also helps to improve your car’s braking performance because when you have a larger contact patch, your tires will be able to grip the road better and stop your car more effectively.
5. Gives your car a more aggressive look
The last advantage of bigger tires is that they can give your car a more aggressive look. If you’re looking to make your car stand out from the rest, then larger tires are a great way to do it. I remember when I first got my car, it had stock tires on it and it looked just like every other car on the road. But after I put some bigger tires on it, it had a whole new look that made it stand out and quite remember people taking so many pictures of it.
Cons of Going Bigger with Your Tires
Even though there are several advantages of going bigger with your tires, there are also some disadvantages that you should be aware of. Some of the main disadvantages are:
1. Handling
The first disadvantage of going with a bigger tire is handling. When you increase the size of your tires, it can make your car harder to handle. This is because the larger tires will have more contact with the ground. If you are not an experienced driver, then driving will be unpleasant and tedious, It is best to stick with the stock-size tires because these tires can be easier to handle.
2. Inaccurate readings
Another thing to keep in mind is that bigger tires can also throw off your speedometer and odometer readings. This is because they will travel a greater distance in a single revolution than smaller tires. As a result, your speedometer will read higher than your actual speed, and your odometer will register fewer miles than you’ve actually driven. So if you are someone who cares about keeping accurate readings, then you might want to stick with the stock-size tires.
3. Tougher rides
Another disadvantage of bigger tires is that they can make your car ride rougher because the larger tires will absorb more of the bumps on the road than the stock-sized tires. If you live in a place where the roads are not in the best condition, and you are looking for a smoother ride, then I suggest you might want to stick with the stock-size tires.
4. Expensive
Again, bigger tires can be more expensive than stock-sized tires. This is due to the fact that the larger tires will wear out faster than the stock-size tires because of the increased contact with the ground. If you are on a budget, then sticking with the stock-size tires is the best option because they will last longer and be less expensive in the long run.
5. Fuel economy
Finally, bigger tires can negatively affect your fuel economy. This is because the larger tires will create more drag on your car, which will require more power to overcome. This means that you will have to use more fuel to maintain the same speed as you would with smaller tires. If you are looking to save money on fuel, then stocked-size tires might be the way to go.
Now that we’ve looked at both the advantages and disadvantages of bigger tires, it’s up to you to decide if they are right for you. If you are looking to improve your car’s performance, then bigger tires might be the way to go. But if you are looking for a smoother ride or want to save money in the long run, then stick with the stock-size tires. Whichever route you choose, just make sure that you do your research so that you know what you’re getting yourself into.
Things to consider before changing your tire size
Before you make the switch to bigger tires, there are a few things that you need to consider.
1. Car handling
The first thing to consider before changing to a bigger tire is your car’s handling, Larger tires can make your car feel more stable, but they can also make it feel heavier and less responsive. If you are an experienced driver then you need not worry but if you are a beginner, it might be best to maintain a stocked-seized tire for a more nimble and pleasurable driving experience.
2. Ride quality
Another thing to keep in mind is that changing your tire size will also affect your car’s suspension. This is because the suspension is designed to work with a specific size and type of tire. So, if you change to a larger tire, the suspension will have to adjust accordingly. This can lead to a rougher ride, as well as increased wear and tear on your suspension components.
3. Tire pressure
You’ll also need to make sure that you have enough tire pressure. This is because the larger tires will require more air pressure than the stock-size tires. If you do not have enough air pressure, then the tires will not be able to grip the road properly, which can lead to a loss of control and be a danger to road users
4. Fuel economy
The last thing to consider is the impact on your fuel economy. If you are looking to save money by using less fuel, I suggest you stick to the stocked-size tire because larger tires will create more drag, which can lead to reduced fuel economy. Drag is the force that resists the motion of an object through a fluid (like air or water).
So if you’re looking for ways to improve your car’s fuel efficiency, then going with the stocked-sized tire might be the better option because it will create less drag.
Keep these things in mind when choosing your new tires, and make sure to do your research to find the right size for you.
How changing your tire size can impact handling and Stability
The primary reason that people change their tire size is for aesthetics. They want their car to look different or they want it to perform better. But some trade-offs come with changing your tire size.
One of the most important things to consider is how your new tires will affect the handling of your car. Larger tires can make your car feel more stable, but they can also make it feel heavier and less responsive. If you’re looking for a more nimble driving experience, then going with a smaller tire might be the better option.
Another thing to keep in mind is that changing your tire size will also affect your car’s suspension. This is because the suspension is designed to work with a specific size and type of tire. So, if you change to a larger tire, the suspension will have to adjust accordingly. This can lead to a rougher ride, as well as increased wear and tear on your suspension components.
How to ensure bigger tires work well with your suspension
If you do decide to go with bigger tires, then there are a few things that you need to do to make sure that they work well with your suspension.
1. Check Alignment
The first thing is to get your car’s alignment checked. This is because a misaligned car will cause the tires to wear unevenly, which can lead to premature tire wear. Alignment can not be done at home, so you will need to take your car to a professional.
2. Check Suspension Components
The next thing is to check the suspension components for wear and tear. This is because the larger tires will put more stress on the suspension, which can lead to increased wear and tear. If you notice any cracks or other damage, then it is best to replace the component.
3. Check Tire Pressure
The last thing is to check your tire pressure. This is because the larger tires will require more air pressure than the stock-size tires. If you do not have enough air pressure, then the tires will not be able to grip the road properly, which can lead to a loss of control.
Final Thoughts
Making the switch to bigger tires can be a great way to improve the look and performance of your car. The biggest change that will occur is in the handling. Larger tires can make your car feel more stable, but they can also make it feel heavier and less responsive. So if you’re looking for a more nimble driving experience, then going with a smaller tire might be the better option. Just keep in mind that changing your tire size will also affect your car’s suspension and fuel economy.
Now that you know about the pros and cons of bigger tires, you can make an informed decision about whether or not they are the right choice for you. Just remember to do your research and take the time to make sure that they will work well with your car’s suspension. With a little bit of care, your new tires can provide years of enjoyment. Thanks for reading!
If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. I would love to hear from you!
