When customising your vehicle, one of the most common changes people consider is altering their tyre size. Whether you’re looking to boost your car’s aesthetic appeal or enhance its performance, upsizing your tyres is an attractive option. But hold on—it’s not as simple as it sounds. If not done correctly, changing your tyre size can lead to several issues, from speedometer errors to safety concerns. So, how do you decide if it’s the right move for you? Let’s break it down.
The Common Dilemma: Should I Upsize My Tyres?
Many car owners consider upsizing their tyres for better handling, a sportier appearance, or to stand out on the road. But is it worth it? Here are some common problems you might face:
Speedometer Inaccuracy
Changing your tyre size can throw off your speedometer reading. A larger tyre covers more ground with each revolution, meaning your speed could be higher than your speedometer shows.
Handling Issues
If your tyre sizes are mismatched, it can lead to oversteering or understeering, which may reduce your vehicle’s cornering ability and overall stability.
Mechanical Concerns
Improper upsizing can cause tyres to rub against shock absorbers or fenders, especially during sharp turns or when driving on uneven terrain.
So, how can you achieve the look and performance you desire without these pitfalls? Here’s what you need to know.
Understanding Tyre Upsizing
Tyre upsizing involves replacing your vehicle’s original tyres with larger ones, and this can be done in two main ways:
Plus Sizing
This involves increasing the wheel size while keeping a similar overall diameter. This results in a larger wheel with a shorter sidewall, giving your car a sleek, sporty look but potentially altering its driving dynamics.
Section Width Upsizing
This means increasing the tyre’s width while keeping the wheel size the same. A wider tyre offers better grip and stability but can impact fuel efficiency and steering effort.
Maintaining the Overall Diameter (OD)
The key to successful tyre upsizing is to ensure that the overall diameter (OD) of the new tyre remains as close as possible to the OE tyre. The OD is calculated as follows:
Overall Diameter (OD) = 2 x Sidewall Height + Rim Diameter
A general rule of thumb is maintaining a tolerance limit of ±3% from the OE tyre’s diameter. This tolerance ensures that the vehicle’s speedometer remains accurate and that the tyre fits properly within the wheel well without causing any clearance issues. Any increase in the actual speed of the car due to tyre alteration can lead to radar flash / traffic fines.
How We Can Help
At Saeedi Pro, we understand the technicalities involved in tyre upsizing. Our experts are trained to guide you through the process, ensuring that any changes to your vehicle’s tyres are both aesthetically pleasing and technically sound. Here’s how we can assist:
Accurate Measurements
We ensure that any upsizing remains within the acceptable tolerance limits, keeping your speedometer accurate and your vehicle’s performance intact.
Professional Installation
Our team carefully installs the tyres, ensuring they don’t interfere with any part of the vehicle, which could lead to damage or safety concerns.
Customised Solutions
We provide personalised advice on the best tyre sizes for your specific vehicle model, considering your driving needs and preferences.
Post-Installation Checks
After fitting the new tyres, we conduct thorough checks to ensure everything functions correctly, from the speedometer to the handling.
Conclusion
Tyre upsizing can greatly enhance your vehicle’s look and performance, but it must be done with care. We take the guesswork out of the process, offering expert advice and professional service to ensure your vehicle performs as well as it looks. If you’re considering a tyre upgrade, reach out to us—we’re here to help you make the best decision for your vehicle.
Call 800 72 3334 (24×7) Or WhatsApp us and our professional service advisors will be happy to assist you.
