What happens if i use bigger tires

It prevents you from getting stuck in ramps, potholes, mud, and snow. Higher road clearance also reduces the risk of damage to the underside of your vehicle. Upsizing creates a large contact patch which increases the traction of your tires. This decreases the distance and amount of time it takes for your car to stop once you hit the brakes fully. Larger tires also make handling easier, at least, when turning around sharp corners as it prevents oversteering. Moreover, the improved height increases road visibility for short drivers.

Bigger tires do a better job at absorbing shock. They allow for a more comfortable and less bumpy ride when you drive across rocky terrain. On the downside, a wider contact area reduces the responsiveness of tires to the steering wheel. These labels can be confusing if you're not sure how to read them, but once you learn the language of tires , they become more clear.

On the left side of the slash symbol, you'll find three numbers and sometimes letters. The numbers represent how wide the tires are, in millimeters, from sidewall to sidewall. The bigger this number is, the more road the tire touches. If you see a letter on the left side, it refers to the tire type. Letters you might see are:. On the right side of the slash symbol, you'll find two numbers, a letter, and two more numbers. The first set of numbers represents the aspect ratio of the tire's height to its width.

The middle letter on the right side of the slash tells you about the tire's construction method and will most commonly be "R," or radial. This means the layers of the tire run radially across it.

The last number is important, as it tells you what size wheel the tire fits. In our example, this number is 15, which means the tire fits a wheel with a inch diameter.

Wheels and tires are important components of your vehicle. Though that may seem a little obvious, many drivers don't give a second thought to the tires they choose for the cars, which can lead to many unwanted problems. Know your car and avoid making dire tire mistakes to ensure your wheels are safe and are giving your vehicle the best levels of traction possible. New Cars. Buyer's Guide. Type keyword s to search.

Today's Top Stories. Does Tire Size Really Matter? Tips on Buying New Rims and Tires The average driver may not know exactly what they are looking for when they shop for new tires , but as long as you keep a few fundamental rules in mind, replacing tires and rims is easy. Letters you might see are: "P," for passenger vehicle tire. Additional fender, bumper or suspension modifications may be needed depending on the vehicle and amount of lift. At the minimum, an alignment must be done after the kit is installed.

Again, this where a plan and talking to an expert comes in handy. With a leveling kit you can add some add some lift without breaking your budget. A leveling kit includes spacers and fittings that lift the bed and cab above the original suspension, which stays in place.

The maximum lift is usually three inches. Look for a proven wheel-and-tire combo specifically designed for your vehicle. Check out our truck tire Smart Guide to get started. And work with your local TireBuyer. By continuing to use our site, you consent to the placement of cookies on your browser. Learn more. Installation options:. Get FREE delivery, too. Shop now. Winter tires Winter wheels All about winter tires Get ready for winter The forecast calls for colder weather, with slick and icy streets.

Are you ready? Shop now for best selection. Boat trailer tires Horse trailer tires Camper tires. Check it out. Home Learning center All about truck tires Can I put larger tires on my truck? Can I put larger tires on my truck? Photos via Chevrolet.

Left, a stock Chevrolet Colorado has smaller wheels and low ground clearance. Right, the Colorado ZR2 Edition features a 3.