Can I replace 18 inch rims with 20 inch rims?
Yes, it is generally possible to replace 18-inch rims with 20-inch rims on your vehicle, but there are a few important factors to consider before making the switch. The size of the rims can impact the overall look, performance, and safety of your car, so it's crucial to understand the implications of changing rim sizes.
Factors to Consider When Changing Rim Size
When replacing 18-inch rims with 20-inch rims, you'll need to take the following into account:
- Tire Compatibility: Larger rims typically require tires with a lower profile, which can affect the overall ride quality and handling of your vehicle. You'll need to ensure the new tires are compatible with the 20-inch rims and your car's specifications.
- Clearance: Larger rims may not fit properly within the wheel wells of your vehicle, leading to potential rubbing or interference with other components. You'll need to measure the available clearance to ensure the 20-inch rims will fit without any issues.
- Speedometer Accuracy: Changing the rim size can affect the accuracy of your vehicle's speedometer, as the larger tires will have a different circumference. You may need to have your speedometer recalibrated to ensure accurate speed readings.
- Suspension and Braking: Larger rims can impact the suspension and braking systems of your vehicle, potentially affecting the ride quality, handling, and stopping distance. You may need to make adjustments to these systems to accommodate the new rim size.
- Aesthetics: The change in rim size can significantly alter the appearance of your vehicle, so it's essential to consider whether the new look aligns with your personal preferences and the overall style of your car.
It's important to consult with a professional mechanic or tire specialist to ensure the 20-inch rims are compatible with your vehicle and that the necessary adjustments can be made to maintain safe and optimal performance.
Potential Benefits of Upgrading to 20-Inch Rims
While there are considerations to keep in mind, upgrading to 20-inch rims can also offer some potential benefits, such as:
- Improved Appearance: Larger rims can give your vehicle a more aggressive, sporty, or premium look, enhancing its overall aesthetic appeal.
- Enhanced Handling: Wider tires and larger rims can potentially improve the handling and responsiveness of your vehicle, particularly in high-performance or sports-oriented models.
- Increased Brake Clearance: Larger rims can provide more clearance for larger brake components, which can be beneficial for vehicles with high-performance braking systems.
Ultimately, the decision to replace 18-inch rims with 20-inch rims should be based on a careful evaluation of your vehicle's specifications, your personal preferences, and the guidance of a qualified automotive professional.
Can I upsize my rims?
In conclusion, upsizing the wheels and tires of your car is safe, as long as you choose the right sizes and make sure that the load capacity and speed rating are compatible with your vehicle.
What are the disadvantages of 20-inch wheels?
20-inch wheels have several key disadvantages including increased replacement costs, susceptibility to damage from road imperfections, and possibly worse ride quality because of lower sidewall cushioning. This makes them less perfect for areas with plenty of road problems or hilly terrain.
What is the difference between an 18-inch tire and a 20-inch tire?
A 20-inch wheel usually means fewer tires between the wheel and the road, while an 18-inch wheel has more rubber around it. Smaller diameters, thicker tires, and more sidewall sizes are used in 18-inch wheels. The 20-inch wheels are quite larger in diameter, with thinner tires and sidewalls.
Can I replace 18 wheels with 20?
If you're looking at going from 18-inch wheels to 20-inch, you'd be looking at "plus two" sizing. It's important to note that making any change to your wheel and tire size that's not in line with manufacturer recommendations could impact the speedometer, ADAS features, and other crucial aspects of your vehicle.
Will bigger rims damage my car?
Premature Wear and Tear. Larger wheels also mean the increased odds of premature wear and tear on the steering system. Front end steering components tend to wear out faster when the wheels are bigger.
Why do people like 20 inch rims?
Pro: Improved Handling
The first relates to performance, as a larger-diameter rim generally comes with a wider tire. Moving to a wider tire changes the shape of the contact patch where the tire touches the road. A shorter but wider contact patch helps the rubber stick better in the corners.
Is it OK to change rim size?
Upgrading tire and rim sizes may result in higher rolling resistance, increased fuel consumption, and compromised ride comfort due to more road vibrations and noise inside the vehicle. Consider these potential drawbacks before making a decision.
Do 20 wheels affect gas mileage?
The answer is affirmative. But you may wonder, “Why do bigger tires affect MPG?” It all comes down to “rolling resistance” – the force that decelerates your tires when your vehicle is in motion.
Is it OK to increase wheel size?
For a safe upgrade, the tyre size cannot be increased by more than three percent of the car's original total tyre diameter. Any difference of more than three percent is just not recommended.
How much bigger can I make my rims?
While you still need to ensure that wider tires will fit inside your wheel wells without rubbing, it's common to add an inch of width to your wheels—for example, going from a 7-inch-wide rim to an 8-inch-wide one.
