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Choosing quality tire brands and what fits your driving style is a good start, but in fact, what is often ignored is the issue of wheel size. In the UAE which has a very varied climate and terrain which you drive in, it is very important to pay attention to how wheel size plays into that. The dimensions of your wheels’ diameter and width play a large role in what tires will work best, how your car rides, its handling, and also fuel efficiency. Also, if you do not look at wheel size as you buy new tires, you may end up with improper fitment that, in turn, can impair your vehicle’s performance and safety.
Wheel size, which is measured from one end to the other through the center, is a very important dimension that determines which tire will fit your car. For instance, a 17-inch wheel will only fit 17-inch tires. Trying to put on the wrong size tire not only causes an improper fit but also may damage your suspension, reduce fuel efficiency, and alter your speedometer reading. At the time of buying new tires, make sure the tire’s internal dimension is the same as your wheel’s.
The issue of what size wheels you choose for your car plays a great role in how it handles. What we see is that bigger wheels, which go with low-profile tires, tend to do great at cornering and have better response, which is very much the case with performance cars. At the same time, they also tend to ride stiffer due to their lower tire sidewalls. Also, we see that smaller wheels, which have taller tires, provide a more cushioned ride, which is great for daily driver or off-road use. The trade-off between how your car handles and how it rides is what makes wheel size so key in tuning your car to your personal needs.
Wheel Size and Ride Height: What You Need to Know
Another issue that plays into wheel choice is your vehicle’s ride height, the distance between the ground and your car's bottom. With larger wheels, you see an increase in ride height, which in turn may better outdoor visibility and performance off-road. At the same time, though, this can also raise your vehicle’s center of gravity, which in turn affects stability at sharp turns. Also, the opposite is true for small wheels, which reduce ride height. They do this to improve road grip but at the same time reduce clearance. In the UAE, which has a great mix of smooth and sandy or rough surfaces that vehicles have to go from, the choice of what wheel diameter to go with is a practical and safety issue.
Proper tire fitment is that the tire should sit tight on the wheel with no gaps or bulges. A mismatch between tire and wheel size can cause premature tire wear, poor fuel efficiency, and may also cause your brakes to perform poorly. Also in play is the aspect ratio, which we look at the tire’s height and width, which in turn affects grip and rolling resistance. Also, check your vehicle manufacturer’s guide or take it to a tire professional before you change out wheel sizes, which includes switching to a larger or smaller wheel for looks. Poor fitment isn’t just a cosmetic issue; it is a safety issue.
In the UAE, many drivers are caught between the choice of large which present a sleek look and performance, or small which offer comfort. Large wheels also tend to have wide tires that improve grip and cornering. At the same time, they add to unsprung weight, which in turn reduces acceleration and increases fuel use. Small wheels are lighter and come with more flexible side walls, which in turn provide a softer, quieter ride. The balance between performance, comfort, and practicality, in which you trade off, is based on your driving style and the terrain.
While at first it may not seem so, your choice of wheel size does affect fuel economy. Larger, heavier wheels require more power to turn, which in turn puts greater load on your engine and fuel use. Smaller wheels reduce roll resistance and require less torque to spin, which is in favor of fuel efficiency. For those that mainly do long-distance driving in the UAE, which is heavy on highway miles, choosing fuel-efficient tyre fitment that supports your wheel choice can lead to large-scale savings over time. Additionally, the importance of tyre rotation for UAE roads cannot be overstated, as it ensures even wear across all tyres, helping maintain optimal performance and extending tyre life regardless of your wheel size.
At Etarat Online, our focus is on the technical relationship between wheel size and tyre performance. We have a team of experts who we at Etarat Online put to use in helping you to choose the perfect set of tires for your car’s specific wheel dimensions, which in turn will see you get the best in terms of safety, performance, and fuel economy. As you may be doing this for an upgrade in look of your wheels or maybe in fact you have worn out tires which need to be replaced we give out in depth advice and top tier products to fit your needs. At Etarat Online, you won’t have to second-guess your tire purchase. We make sure everyone fits just right.
Changing out wheel size does, in fact, affect performance and handling as well as ride comfort. It is possible to do, but it should be done with care and proper guidance in choosing tire specifications.
Larger wheels also have lower sidewalls, which in turn reduces ride comfort. On the other hand, smaller wheels provide a smoother ride and better shock absorption.
Yes, bigger wheels with low-profile tires can improve handling and cornering, but also may make the ride harsher and hurt fuel efficiency.
Check your vehicle’s manual and get in touch with professionals at Etarat Online to make sure of proper fitment, which is based on your wheel size.
Yes we see that bigger wheels do in fact increase fuel consumption which is a result of greater weight and more rolling resistance. Also, it is very important to choose the right size for fuel efficiency.
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