The size of the tires does play a role in the performance of the car or SUV. This is because the tire dimensions affect the rolling resistance which in turn affects the fuel efficiency of the vehicle. In addition, it can also affect the performance of the car and can even be bad for the transmission. The reason for this is because a larger tire can actually reduce the cars effective gear ratio. With larger tires causing the tires to rotate slower to cover the same amount of ground which in turn can cause strain on the transmission. Wrong size tires can also affect the braking (ABS), handling and performance of your car. In fact, if you put larger than the recommended size tires on your car you would increase the vehicle’s gas mileage by increasing the rolling resistance. Wider tires will also hydroplane easier.
Whether you are looking for winter tires, all-season or all-weather tires the recommended tire dimensions need to be respected. The tire dimensions can be found on the sidewall. If the dimensions are 215/70R16 then you would need to buy either 215/70R16 winter tires, 215/70R16 all-weather tires or 215/70R16 all-season tires. With 215 signifying the tire width in millimeters, 70 being the aspect ratio, R the construction type (in this case Radial), and 16 the wheel diameter. In addition to these tire markings the sidewall is marked with tire type, load index, DOT symbol, tire identification number and the Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG).
To get the best performance out of your car it is important to respect the manufacturer’s recommended tire dimensions for your car and SUV. In additions, this will allow the best gas mileage by assuring the lowest rolling resistance. As mentioned above the wrong size tires effect the rolling resistance which is the resistance your car has to overcome in order to move forward. With larger tires they have a higher rolling resistance which will thereby decrease fuel efficiency. Deeper tread blocks like that found on winter tires and all-weather tires are great for grip and traction but bad for rolling resistance. There are however some advantages of larger tires as they improve handling as the wider tread faces and stiffer sidewalls allow for decreased braking distance and improved acceleration, especially in very powerful vehicles and muscle cars. Also, muscle cars offer better grip due to their wider tires, this however is due to the composition of the tire compound being softer, with this softer compound the tires need to be wider to support the weight of the car.
The dimensions of the tires are important and need to be respected for the best functioning and performance of your vehicle. This is why it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s recommended dimensions for your car or SUV. This will allow the best fuel efficiency by ensuring the lowest rolling resistance allowing the tires to be environmentally friendly.
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