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Larger rims are often a desirable look on certain vehicle makes and models. They can produce an extremely different stance and state presence for the vehicle.

Changing Rim Diameter

When changing the rim diameter to something larger than is specified by the owner’s manual, you will need to reduce the size of the wheel, to compensate the change in height. Changing will require a change in tires as well. When you move to a larger wheel diameter (such as from 17 to 18 inches), you need tires to match. The new tires will need to have a reduced profile i.e. sidewall height, to maintain the adequate clearance for bumps and road hazards. When wheel diameter increases by one inch, the height of the tire should decrease accordingly to compensate, in order to keep the overall diameter the same. Wheels Wichita>>

For example, if the original stock tire size is 215/65R17 and you buy 18-inch wheels, the right tire for the larger rims might be 225/55R18, with the differences being the larger diameter, wider tread (225 millimeters instead of 215) and lower profile, 55 instead of 65.

Changing to a larger wheel without taking sidewall height into consideration, will eventually cause damage to the suspension, wheels or tires, not to mention inaccurate speedometer readings (More revolutions of the tire and the car is misreading the distance). The key is to match a lower-profile tire with a larger-diameter wheel. A disadvantage to changing to a larger wheel and lower profile tire is the shorter sidewalls, which can increase the chance that hitting a large pothole could damage the tire, wheel or both. Wichita Rims Dealer>>

Advantage of Larger Diameter Wheels

• Improve handling
• Improve high-speed performance

Do not forget, the heavier tire & rim may offset any performance benefits and you may be bac at square one. Therefore, the true advantage would still be aesthetics. An 18-inch tire, for example, will probably weigh at least a couple of pounds more than a 16- or 17-inch tire. In general, steel wheels weigh more than aluminum alloy wheels. Replacing a standard 17-inch alloy wheel with an 18- or 19-inch alloy rim will add weight (With exceptions).

Bigger Wheels Are More Expensive

Bigger wheels cost more money. The bigger the wheel, the more the wheels and tires will cost. In general, larger wheels and rims require more material, and will cost more. When we say more, we could be talking hundreds more per tire.