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Why get larger wheels?
- Thread starter Michelle_eriw
- Start date
Clivew
Member
Yep, all true and correct! I do think the manufacturers push the limit though for aesthetics, because the trade off for that sharper turn-in is increased unsprung weight which reduces suspension performance and grip. Also, having much less flex in the tyre reduces the torque feedback from the tyre when trying to find the maximum lateral grip limits of the tyre slip angle. If you want to drive around a corner using the tyres maximum grip, finding that point of approx 6-7 degrees of slip angle is much more of a knife edge with a low profile tyre. Thus why race cars which have a lot of ‘gentlemen’ drivers have such high profile tyres. For amateurs, having a higher profile tyre makes it is easier to drive fast on the limit of grip because the larger sidewall has more flex, and thus transmits that sidewall flex and twisting torque to the steering wheel to enable you to drive at that max grip limit easier. If you’re not going to push the car to this point, and you’re not chasing lap times, then having a low profile tyre is marketing BS nonsense done for aesthetics, and which gives reduced ride comfort and a higher likelihood of tyre/wheel damage due to road imperfections.
A wider tyre gives more grip up to a point. Force over area calculation means a wider contact patch also has less force pressing it into the ground. Due to tyre load sensitivity, the tyre produces optimum grip at a specific load. Wider tyres are also optimised due to the operating load they will have to cope with, especially on a car with a lot of downforce, and the tyre’s operating temperature. A too narrow tyre can overheat on track. On a road car, the width of a tyre is specced for totally different reasons. Efficiency, tramlining characteristics, steering weight, wear characreristics, etc. with the priority of maximum grip much lower down the list.
At the same pressure, the total contact patch size is the same. The wider tire will just widen the patch while reducing the length.
Clivew
Member
Yeah, reading back what I wrote, I didn’t word that paragraph very well. Basically, what you said! lol
qingshan
18 lr rwd fsd
Larger wheels put down a bit more footprint but really large wheels (with the low profile tire needed) look like a Conestoga wagon.
AdamMacDon
Member
And way, way worse with potholes, which is why I got aftermarket 18's (big enough to clear the performance brakes though)
And way, way worse with potholes, which is why I got aftermarket 18's (big enough to clear the performance brakes though)
Agreed. I got 19s for my winter tires and would have bought 18s at the time if I could have found some I like. I'm thinking of getting some lightweight 18s that I use for summer camping trips. Quieter, softer ride, and more efficient. Save the 20s for autocrossing and other events, at least until they get destroyed by potholes.
AdamMacDon
Member
The 20's for the model 3 seem particularly susceptible to potholes. Then there is also the range reduction, as you mentioned (although for 95% of my driving I don't really care about my range).
I really like the look of 20s and came very close to getting them. I still kinda want them but too chicken to do it. Language would get quite colourful if I hit a pothole.
AdamMacDon
Member
Yeah, and at least the roads in Vancouver are somewhat serviceable, imagine trying to drive with 20's in Victoria. One ferry ride and suddenly you're in a 3rd world country when it comes to road maintenance.
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