Are Wider Tires Better Than Narrow Tires?

Tires are available in different widths, and if you’re looking to replace yours, should you go for the same type or try something new? Many drivers prefer broad tires over narrow ones, but that doesn’t mean this type is better than the other. It simply has pros and cons that cater to certain people.

Advantages of Wider Tires

Wide tires offer benefits that make them the best choice in certain road conditions and driving situations. Here are some of the reasons why it might be good to get tires with wider tire widths:

Enhanced Look

Wide tires give vehicles a more muscular look, making them stand out on the road. So if you’re going for this aesthetic, buying wide-width tires is a good option.

Improved Traction

Contact patch refers to the area of contact between the tire and the road—and there’s more of it with wide tires, resulting in better traction and grip. This feature makes broad tires a great choice if you are an avid off-roader or often travel roads with slopes or steep inclines.

Better Handling and Stability

Wide tires usually have stiffer sidewalls and better stitching. These features help prevent the risk of rollover when making sharp turns and corners.

Increased Brake Efficiency

Wider tires boost brake efficiency because of their significant contact patch. The larger the contact patch, the greater the friction while braking, which boosts stopping power.

Disadvantages of Wide Tires

Getting wide tires also comes with drawbacks. Here are some of the disadvantages of equipping your vehicle with wide tires:

Increased Fuel Consumption

Wider tires can increase your ride’s fuel efficiency. Because they’re more “planted” to the road, they increase your ride’s rolling resistance. They’re also bigger and heavier than narrow tires, adding to your car’s overall weight.

Reduced Acceleration and Steering

Wide tires increase rolling resistance, making it more difficult for a vehicle to accelerate. The weight of wide tires also slows down vehicle speed, and in some situations, it can also make it hard to steer your vehicle.

Louder Road Noise

All tires create noise. How loud or disruptive it is would depend on the tire’s type, size, and tread pattern. Wide tires are generally louder compared to narrow ones because of their increased surface area and larger contact patch.

Higher Cost

Wider tires are usually more expensive than narrow tires because of their size. So if you’re on a tight budget, you might want to think twice about buying wider tires.

When Is a Tire Considered Wide?

There’s no benchmark for a “wide tire” because it depends on the vehicle. Usually, a tire is considered wide if it looks wide on the vehicle. For instance, a wide tire for a sedan might be a normal-sized tire for a truck or a much bigger SUV.

To determine the manufacturer-recommended tire size for your vehicle, check your owner’s manual. You can also check your tires’ sidewall to identify their width. You can also find your vehicle’s recommended tire size on the driver and passenger door jamb or the fuel door.

You can also find your vehicle’s recommended tire size on the driver and passenger door jamb or the fuel door.

–Anthony Harlin, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician

Reading Tire Sizes

A common tire dimension for a compact economy car is 205/55R16. Let’s break it down:

• “205” is the width of the tire in millimeters.
• “55” refers to the sidewall’s height and the percentage of the tire’s width.
• “R” indicates that the tire is a radial tire.
• “16” is the rim’s diameter.

If you’re not sure about anything, you can always ask a trusted professional for assistance.

When Is It Better to Use Narrow Tires?

Experts recommend using narrow tires during winter months because they perform well on snow-covered roads. They provide higher surface pressure and dig deeper into the snow, which increase traction.

Is It Safe to Put Wider Tires On My Car?

Yes, it’s safe as long as you limit your choices to tires that are no higher than 20 millimeters wider than your factory tires. Also, make sure your new tires aren’t hitting any part of your vehicle when turning.

Do Wide Tires Affect Speedometer Readings?

Yes, tire width can affect speedometer readings.

Speedometers get the vehicle’s speed by calculating the distance traveled for each wheel rotation. Broader tires have a higher circumference, which means they make fewer rotations than their narrower counterparts when traveling the same distance.

Plus, wide tires can rub against the fender well when making turns and when the suspension bottoms out while driving over large potholes or rough terrains. These conditions can make speedometer readings inaccurate.

Is It Okay to Put Wider Tires on the Rear of Your Vehicle?

It depends on the specific vehicle that you own. A number of high-performance and rear-wheel-drive (RWD) drive vehicles come with wider rear tires to improve traction and handling. This practice is commonly known as “staggered fitment.” However, if you own an AWD vehicle, you’ll have to keep the same size for the front and rear.

Getting Your Hands on Replacement Tires Compatible With Your Vehicle

It’s best to stop driving your vehicle if you have a bad tire. Thankfully, you can get a replacement that fits your vehicle with the help of CarParts.com.

Getting your hands on a new set of tires is easier than ever, and you won’t even have to take one step outside your door. To get started, use your mobile phone or computer to visit CarParts.com. Input all of your vehicle’s details such as the year, make, model, and engine into the vehicle selector.

Our tires are sourced from some of the most reliable names in the industry. Because our warehouses are strategically located all over the US, you can expect to receive your order in just a few days.

No good can come from waiting too long before replacing faulty parts. Shop now at CarParts.com.