The Risks of Installing the Wrong Tire Size on Your Car

Looking to get in on the growing trend of upgrading to bigger tires but wondering how installing the wrong tire size on your car might affect its drivability, performance, and safety? Big, oversized tires are no longer just for gearheads. Some folks like larger tires because they increase the distance between the ground and the car’s undercarriage, which is great for off-road adventures. Others just love the aesthetic look of wider tires. A rundown on the potential risks and drawbacks of changing your stock tires for a different set can be helpful.

Understanding Tire Size and Fitment

During the research and development phase, your vehicle manufacturer spent lots of time determining which tires to choose for your car. The choice is made based on your car's driving dynamics, including limitations based on the chassis, suspension components, the vehicle's body, and other metrics. As such, there are many factors to consider regarding tire size and switching out your stock tires for tires of another size.

Suppose you go for tire size options that don’t fit the manufacturer's specifications. In that case, there’s a good chance that you can damage vital vehicle components and jeopardize your safety and the safety of your passengers and other drivers. For these reasons, carefully considering any tire size changes is essential. To calculate the appropriate tire size for your car, you can always use Caliber Auto Care’s tire size by VIN tool.

What are some potential ramifications of choosing the wrong tire size? Typically, putting the wrong size tires on your car, truck, SUV, van, or other vehicle can result in the following:

  1. Altered speedometer and odometer readings: Bigger tires can affect the accuracy of your speedometer and impact odometer readings and mileage tracking. This can result in speed-related risks and potential legal implications since you can’t ascertain if the tires affect your speedometer.
  2. Adverse effects on vehicle handling and performance: Picking the wrong size tires for your car can affect the steering sensitivity and responsiveness. Braking distances and braking capabilities can also be impacted. Finally, cornering stability and overall driving dynamics can suffer. All of these are potential safety concerns.
  3. The strain on suspension components: Tire size affects your suspension, so manufacturers put a lot of work into figuring out which size tires to put on every car they produce. Wrong-size tires can increase the stress on your car’s suspension system components, leading to a potential risk to vital parts, including struts and shocks. In addition, there is a link between premature wear on the suspension system and tire size.
  4. Reduced fuel efficiency and changes in MPG: Tire size affects fuel economy, and the bigger the tire, the more fuel your car burns. Lowering your MPG hurts more at the pump when refueling.
  5. Clearance issues and potential rubbing: If you don’t go with the tire size that came stock with your car, you risk your tires rubbing against your vehicle’s inner components and the body. With bigger tires, there’s more potential for clearance issues. Both of these can affect tire longevity and overall vehicle safety.
  6. Legal, warranty and insurance issues: Not all areas allow tire modifications. Local and state regulations and laws often prohibit these types of alterations. Moreover, insurance coverage concerns can arise when choosing the wrong size tires. Going with the wrong tires can also pose a risk to your vehicle’s manufacturer's warranty, resulting in voiding your coverage.

Cost-Benefit Analysis

When determining whether to make this modification to your vehicle, assessing the overall cost of upgrading to bigger tires is vital. Typically, with this upgrade, the expense goes beyond just the cost of bigger tires. Larger tires require new wheels in most cases. And if the tires are too large for your car’s wheel well, then a leveling or lift kit can help accommodate the required space. However, these kits can also negatively impact wheel alignment, which adds to the overall cost of the modification over time.

You should also weigh the perceived benefits — cosmetic and aesthetic desires or the need for off-roading power — against the possible risks of choosing the wrong size tires.

Expert Recommendations and Best Practices

Going with a tire size that the automaker does not recommend is a choice that shouldn’t be taken lightly. As such, seeking advice from tire experts and automotive professionals at Caliber Auto Care is an excellent first step.

Caliber Auto Care’s technicians can help you make an informed decision that minimizes the risks and maximizes the benefits of modifying your vehicle with tire sizes that go against the manufacturer’s design.

When it comes to tire sizes, it’s almost always best to go with the manufacturer’s recommendations. By prioritizing safety and practicing responsible decision-making along with the advice of your Caliber Auto Care team, you can determine the best course of action when it comes to whether or not modifying your stock tires is a good idea. Stop by your local Caliber Auto Care today to learn more.

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