What should you check before buying tyres online for a size upgrade?

Before buying tyres online for a size upgrade, check your car's original tyre size, overall diameter, tyre width, aspect ratio, rim compatibility, load index, speed rating and wheel-well clearance. Also confirm that the new tyre and wheel combination is approved for your vehicle. Keeping the overall diameter close to the factory specification helps maintain proper handling, clearance and speedometer accuracy.

While upgrading your current tyres, it is important to consider the factors that determine the performance and functionality of a new tyre installation, like original tyre size, width and rim fitment compatibility, aspect ratio, load index capability, etc. A failure to check these factors might impact speedometer calibration, vehicle handling, performance, and safety.

At Yalla Tyres, a renowned online tyre shop, we know customers looking for upgrades for car tyres online need help selecting compatible tyre sizes. We help drivers find the perfect tyres through dedicated customer support and expert advice on tyre size selection and installation.

What is Tyre Upsizing?

Tyre upsizing refers to installing an increased-size wheel along with wider tyres, maintaining close proximity of the overall tyre diameter. It is common practice to replace a car’s 16-inch factory wheel assembly with a 17-inch or 18-inch wheel using a shorter profile tyre.

The modification allows you to get increased rim diameter without altering the total rolling tyre diameter substantially. The tyre upsizing trend is becoming increasingly popular for individuals looking for tyres online to enhance performance, handling, and appearance simultaneously.

Why Should You Consider Tyre Upsizing for Your Car?

Tyre upsizing is commonly perceived as being only for enhanced looks, but it has several benefits like:

  1. Better Road Grip : Wider tyres can provide a broader contact patch and potentially improve dry-road grip and cornering stability. However, actual traction depends on the tyre compound, construction, pressure and road conditions.
  2. Improved Cornering Stability : Wide tyres and less flexible sidewalls offer stability and reduced flex during cornering at higher speeds.
  3. Enhanced Braking Performance : A suitable wider tyre can provide greater grip and braking stability, but braking performance depends on the tyre compound, vehicle setup, road conditions and fitment.
  4. Sportier, More Personalised Aesthetics : Larger wheels and lower-profile tyres can give your car a more modern, sporty and personalised appearance.

What To Consider Before Tyre Size Upgrade?

This ten-point list is important to check when buying tyres from an online tyre store, ensuring proper fitment of your upgraded tyres.

  1. Check Your Car's Original Tyre Size

    Firstly, check the current tyre size mentioned on your tyre sidewalls or owner's manual because this information is used when upgrading tyre size.

  2. Decide What You Actually Want to Change

    Buyers should identify specific tyre modifications they need, such as changing wheel size, increasing tyre width, reducing aspect ratio, or making changes to both, before ordering online.

  3. Check Overall Tyre Diameter

    Tyres must be ordered in accordance with overall diameter requirements. Buyers are advised to select tyre sizes with differences below 3% in diameter compared to stock wheels.

  4. Check Tyre Width

    It is vital to select a tyre with a width range recommended by the tyre manufacturer according to rim specification. A tyre that is narrower or wider than the rim-recommended size cannot operate correctly when installed.

  5. Check the Aspect Ratio

    When increasing tyre size, buyers should reduce aspect ratio in order to maintain similar tyre overall height.

  6. Make Sure the New Tyre Fits the Rim

    It is crucial to confirm compatibility between the selected tyre and rim width based on compatibility charts issued by manufacturers.

  7. Check Load Index

    Do not purchase tyres below the specified load index, since manufacturers specify the highest capacity of each tyre size.

  8. Check Speed Rating

    Your chosen tyres must match or exceed your current speed ratings, as lower-rated tyres cannot handle the highest speeds achievable by your car.

  9. Check Wheel-Well and Suspension Clearance

    It is important to verify clearance space inside wheel wells and suspension systems during cornering turns without hitting any obstructions.

  10. Check Whether the New Size Is Approved for Your Car

    Verify if your selected wheel and tyre size combinations are listed on manufacturer-approved tyre size combinations required by UAE RTA regulations for renewed registration approvals.

What Are Downsides of Tyre Upsizing?

Upsized tyres deliver impressive results, but there are certain disadvantages one must consider before buying tyres online.

  1. Reduced Fuel Economy : Large tyres tend to weigh more and result in higher rolling resistance, resulting in lower fuel economy when compared to factory-fitted tyres.
  2. Heavier Steering Feel : A wider wheel requires greater steering effort to manoeuvre, hence making it difficult for the driver at low speeds like parking.
  3. Harsher Ride Quality : Low-profile tyres lack the cushioning effect offered by high-profile rubber. Hence, the car transmits vibrations and firmness when travelling over roads.
  4. Potential Damage to Wheel Arches : Inappropriate fitment of tyres causes clearance issues whereby wide tyres can come into contact with the wheel arch.
  5. Higher Long-Term Costs : Larger tyres are expensive when replaced. Also, low-profile tyres risk getting damaged by road imperfections and potholes easily.

Conclusion

Increasing your tyre size has proven benefits in terms of improving vehicle appearance, handling, and performance. Some of the most important points include overall diameter, load capacity, and speed rating since they directly influence safety. Those who wish to purchase quality tyres online may visit our special tyres deal on the Yalla Tyre website. Our experts will help you choose the right tyre size based on your vehicle type.