4x4's - Are big wheels a disadvantage?
Discussion
When I specced my car (a Freelander 2) I stuck with the factory fit alloys, which are 17". I did this because I wasn't massively keen on the aesthetics of the larger wheels, especially when it was going to cost me money, and of course there's a slight increase in tyre costs, but the main reason was that whilst I'm not planning on doing any off-roading in it (sorry, typical 4x4/SUV owner) I always assumed that the larger the rubber the better the ride.
Was I right in thinking this?
I ask as it seems that every 4x4/SUV that you see these days is on 19" or 20" alloys with very skinny tyres, and I'm wondering how much of the cars ability and ride comfort this removes?
Was I right in thinking this?
I ask as it seems that every 4x4/SUV that you see these days is on 19" or 20" alloys with very skinny tyres, and I'm wondering how much of the cars ability and ride comfort this removes?
If you are going off road a taller tyre has less rolling resistance, but still needs matching to the vehicle, which is why tractors have very tall tyres.
Like you, I always assume that a tall tyre would give a better ride, because everything else I drive, that is the case. But seemingly on cars it's not.
Like you, I always assume that a tall tyre would give a better ride, because everything else I drive, that is the case. But seemingly on cars it's not.
There is a point where bigger wheels are better, I've driven a Jeep Grand Cherokee with 15" (I think) wheels and giant balloon like tyres and it was horrible wallowy thing, particularly when cornering, but I had a go in another that was on 17s with lower profile tyres and the ride was much better.
paddyhasneeds said:
I always assumed that the larger the rubber the better the ride.
Was I right in thinking this?
As a rule of thumb, yes, the larger the sidewall of the tyre, the more suspension in the tyre. As it were.Was I right in thinking this?
paddyhasneeds said:
I ask as it seems that every 4x4/SUV that you see these days is on 19" or 20" alloys with very skinny tyres, and I'm wondering how much of the cars ability and ride comfort this removes?
Just fashion. Not that I think I've seen any on what I would call very or even skinny, tyres.JM said:
paddyhasneeds said:
I ask as it seems that every 4x4/SUV that you see these days is on 19" or 20" alloys with very skinny tyres, and I'm wondering how much of the cars ability and ride comfort this removes?
Just fashion. Not that I think I've seen any on what I would call very or even skinny, tyres.
66comanche said:
Assume he means skinny sidewall profile rather than width. I imagine something like this would be detrimental to the ride quality, every pothole would worry me that the alloy would get cracked that's for sure.
Vileness of those wheels to one side, yes, that's what I mean. How much of what you see there in terms of off-road or snow ability is hampered by wanting to look like Tim Westwood.
Jonny_693 said:
I would be more worried about looking like an utter 
!
That's because you obviously have taste. If you were the person that had those wheels fitted you'd honestly believe that everyone was looking at you with envy and longing rather than the reality of people think "What a t!t". I'm sure it's some kind of delusional disorder.
My experience of a variety of cars re-wheeled over 50 years with bigger wheels and wider tyres from the Classic Minis up to the Jeep Range Rover and X5 is that BIGGER WHEELS are USUALLY a complete no no on cars.
Manufacturers spend a fortune in designing vehicles with optimum suspension systems, unsprung weight, loading, caster and camber angles, structure of the suspension, spring rates, shock absorber characteristics etc.
The bigger wheels may look good but rarely improve ride quality or handling performance.
Classic case is 13" wheels and wide tyres on a classic Mini.
Ruins what is still one of the best handling small cars ever made. Too heavy rough ride fouls the bodywork. Hopeless.
There ain't no free lunch in life leave well alone.
Manufacturers spend a fortune in designing vehicles with optimum suspension systems, unsprung weight, loading, caster and camber angles, structure of the suspension, spring rates, shock absorber characteristics etc.
The bigger wheels may look good but rarely improve ride quality or handling performance.
Classic case is 13" wheels and wide tyres on a classic Mini.
Ruins what is still one of the best handling small cars ever made. Too heavy rough ride fouls the bodywork. Hopeless.
There ain't no free lunch in life leave well alone.
paddyhasneeds said:
Vileness of those wheels to one side, yes, that's what I mean. How much of what you see there in terms of off-road or snow ability is hampered by wanting to look like Tim Westwood.
Most of it. People/vehicle that go off road in a serious manner, either of business or pleasure, don't have those type of tyres.If you put more aggressive tyres on a normal front wheel drive car it would go quite well off road untill clearance and axle articulation came into play.
There is a line when the wheels become too big for use and comfort. 19s on FFRR are regarded as the best for ride, handling and comfort, above and you start to lose it.
If you do use it off road then your more likely to have spec'd a wheel size that will allow your off road tyre to be fitted, or have a dedicated off road set of wheels/tyres and a road set.
If you do use it off road then your more likely to have spec'd a wheel size that will allow your off road tyre to be fitted, or have a dedicated off road set of wheels/tyres and a road set.
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff