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When selecting tires for 17-inch rims, it is important to consider the size and type of the rim and the intended use of the vehicle. The most important factor is to ensure that the overall diameter of the tire and wheel is correct for the application.
That is, the overall diameter of the tire and wheel must remain consistent to prevent too much or too little clearance for the wheel well, or to ensure proper handling and braking performance.
Ideally, when choosing a tire for 17″ rims you will want to get one that is an R17. That will be the best fit for most vehicles with that rim size. However, there are a lot of different sizes that will work on 17 inches rims (with some pros and cons of each).
So although the best sizes might be:
- 265/70R17
- 225/65R17
- 215/55R17
Those are far from the only options that will work with your rims.
Wheel Diameter Considerations
The diameter of the tire is measured in inches and is determined by the size of the rim. The size of the rim is typically referred to as the inch measurement.
For example, a 17-inch rim would be referred to as 17×7.5. The “7.5” indicates the width of the rim, while the “17” indicates the diameter of the rim.
When selecting a tire for 17-inch rims, it is important to ensure that the overall diameter of the tire and wheel is correct for the application. The diameter of the tire is determined by the sidewall height.
The sidewall height is the measurement from the edge of the rim to the tread of the tire. Generally speaking, it is recommended that the overall diameter of the tire and wheel should be within 1 inch of the original size for the best performance and handling.
17″ Tire Sizes Width Considerations
The tire width is also important to consider when selecting a tire for 17-inch rims. The wheel width is determined by the width of the rim. Generally speaking, the width of the tire should be within 1 inch of the width of the rim for the best performance and handling.
For example, if the rim width is 7.5 inches, the tire should be between 6.5 and 8.5 inches in width. If the rim width is 8 inches, the tire should be between 7 and 9 inches in width.
Tire Sizes Load and Speed Rating
It is also important to consider the load and speed rating of the tire when selecting a tire for 17-inch rims. The load and speed rating of the tire is determined by the weight of the vehicle and the speed of the vehicle.
The load rating of the tire is typically found on the sidewall of the tire and indicates the maximum load capacity of the tire.
It is always a good idea to choose a tire with a load rating that is equal to or greater than the weight of the vehicle. The speed rating of the tire is also found on the sidewall of the tire and indicates the maximum speed that the tire is designed to handle.
What Happens If You Put Bigger Tires On Your Rims?
As mentioned above it is best to stay within one inch of the correct tire size for your rims. But what happens if you put bigger tires on your 17 inches rims? Does anything bad happen?
Putting too big of wheels on a car is a popular modification for drivers looking to improve the look and performance of their vehicle. However, it’s important to understand that putting too big of size tires on a car can have a number of negative effects.
Size and Performance
The most noticeable consequence of putting too big of wheels on a car is reduced performance. The oversized wheels create more rolling resistance and drag, which can lead to decreased fuel economy and a decreased top speed.
Additionally, the larger size of the tires can affect the car’s handling, as the additional weight can reduce steering responsiveness and make the car less stable at higher speeds.
Tire Wear
Another issue with putting too big of wheels on a car is that it can lead to accelerated tire wear. The larger tires are heavier than the recommended size, which can cause them to wear down more quickly.
This can lead to increased tire replacement costs and decreased safety on the road.
Damage to Suspension
The third issue with too big of wheels is the potential damage it can cause to the car’s suspension. The oversized tires can put additional stress on the suspension components, leading to premature wear and failure.
This can be an expensive problem to fix and can lead to further damage to the car if not addressed quickly.
Putting too big of wheels on a car can have a number of negative consequences, including reduced performance, increased tire wear, and potential damage to the car’s suspension. It’s important to understand the risks before going ahead with this type of modification.
| Pros of Bigger Car Tires | Cons of Bigger Car Tires |
|---|---|
| Increased ground clearance | Increased fuel consumption |
| Improved traction | Less responsive handling |
| More aggressive look | Increased wear and tear on axles, suspensions, and brakes |
| Better cornering | Mileage rating may be affected |
What Happens If You Put Too Small Of Tire Size On Your Rims?
Tire size is an important factor when it comes to the performance of your vehicle. The right size of tires can give you better fuel efficiency, improved handling, and a smoother ride. But what happens if you choose to put too small of wheels on your rims?
Below I will go over some of the potential consequences of putting too small of tires on your vehicle.
Effects on Performance
One of the primary effects of using too small of tires on your rims is a decrease in performance. The overall diameter of the tire is smaller, so the entire wheel is smaller.
This decreases the contact patch of the tire, which reduces the amount of grip available when accelerating, cornering, and braking. Additionally, the smaller contact patch causes increased wear on the tire, leading to decreased tread life and a decrease in overall performance.
Effects on Comfort
Another effect of using too small of tires on your rims is a decrease in comfort. A smaller tire diameter translates to a stiffer ride, as the tire will not be able to absorb as much of the road’s bumps and vibrations.
Additionally, the smaller contact patch increases the likelihood of hydroplaning in wet conditions, which can compromise the driver’s safety due to reduced control over the vehicle.
Effects on Fuel Efficiency
Finally, using too small of tires on your rims can have a negative effect on fuel efficiency. This is due to the increased rolling resistance caused by the smaller contact patch. The increased rolling resistance causes the vehicle to require more energy to move, which translates to increased fuel consumption.
Using too small of tires on your rims can have a detrimental effect on your vehicle’s performance, comfort, and fuel efficiency. Therefore, it is important to select the correct tire size for your rims in order to optimize your vehicle’s performance and maximize its lifespan.
| Pros of Smaller Car Tires | Cons of Smaller Car Tires |
|---|---|
| Reduced overall vehicle weight | May not provide as much stability and traction |
| Improved fuel efficiency | May not be able to handle as much weight |
| Better maneuverability in tight spaces | May wear out faster than larger tires |
| Generally cheaper than larger tires |
Final Thoughts
When selecting a tire for 17-inch rims, it is important to consider the size and type of the rim, the overall diameter of the tire and wheel, the width of the tire, and the load and speed rating of the tire.
The best tire size for 17-inch rims is one that is within 1 inch of the original size, is within 1 inch of the width of the rim, and has a load rating and speed rating that is equal to or greater than the weight and speed of the vehicle that you will be putting the tires on.