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Tyre Upsize Guide. Risks, Rules to know before Upsize else your Car Handling will be Impacted

Tyre Upsize Guide. Risks, Rules to know before Upsize else your Car Handling will be Impacted

Considering Tyre Upsize  Your Guide to most Important dos and donts before going for Tyre Upsize to know Differences in Handling, Mileage, Suspension of Car

 

Tyres Upsize : Worth or Waste

Tyres plays a key role in Car Drive-ability, Handling, Maneuverability. Remember your Car Contact Pitch on the road is done in form of Tyres and Correct Tyre Pressure plays a key role in the drive response and feedback.

Designed for Different Terrain Conditions, apart from Regular Use, Tyres also available in different classification for those having Specialized needs. For Instance

  • MT Tyres - Essentially means Mud Terrain tyres. For those looking for extreme Off roading or in profession like Wild Life Photography, Mountain Drives, Farms will have the best choice as Mud Terrain Tyres
  • AT Tyres: All Terrain Tyres. Care for driving on Off Roads along with Good Highways. All Terrain Tyres to be your choice
  • HT Tyres: Default Choice. Regular Tyres For City and Highway Drive

Tyre Tread varies a lot to determine the best basis drive, condition.

 

Similarly is Tyre Size. For those having drive

  • Maximum In City Drive: If you are buying Car for Local or within city Commute. Should prefer a Smaller Tyre with Higher Sidewall. For Instance a 14 Inch Wheel with R14 175/70 will be a better pick against R15 185/60 as Smaller Tyre will deliver Better Mileage and Sidewall is around 10% larger compared to 15 Inch wheel. This offers More Plush Ride
  • Mix of Highway Use: Choose Wider Tyre, Bigger Wheel as they offer Better Grip and improved Handling on Higher Speed

 

If you are looking to choose New Tyres, refer below on what to look for

  • R: implies Radial Tubeless Tyres and needless to mention are default choice in all modern age tyres.
  • RIM: Here R14, R15 Implies Wheel Size means 14 Inch Wheel, 15 Inch Wheel. Normally it is the most important factor
  • Size of Tyre - R14 165/65 - It implies that Tyre comes in 14 Inch Wheel having 165 mm Width and 65% as Sidewall Aspect Ratio.
  • Load Index: If you read Tyre Size completely, you will read it as R15 185/60 85 V - 85 Implies Load Index and in a car normally most of branded tyres have atleast 85 and above load index
  • Maximum Speed: V signifies Maximum Speed like V is for 240 km, H for 210 Km , W for 270 and Y for 300 Km. Tyres with Higher Speed Rating Generally are preferred in.

 

 

Important Consideration in Choosing Tyre

Now very Important on while Selecting Tyre is check on

Sidewall Aspect Ratio: It determines the Height of Tyre. Higher the Tyre Sidewall aspect ratio - plush the drive is in City Condition. Anything at 50% or below is Low Profile Tyres and such Low Profile Tyre fit in Wider Tyre which looks good for aesthetic reason and known for Better Braking, Better Stability as the Tyre width is on higher Side.

 

Change in Tyre Width: Wider Tyres aids better Grip and Handling on Cornering, Highway, Bad Roads, While Smaller Width Tyres offers better for In City Day Use

You can now Calculate Tyre Upsize in Seconds

Calculate Tyre Size

 

How is Tyre Upsize Done

There are generally 3 Ways in which upsize are done by Car Owners :-

  • Retain in Existing Wheels, Only Upsize Tyres of Higher Width - Upsize should not be beyond 2% Deviation in Circumference Wider Tyres
  • Upsize Both Wheels and Tyres - Generally under 2%, but to play Slight aggressive - upto 2.5% max Deviation
  • Upsize and Replace Steel Wheel with Alloy Wheels and Upsize Tyres too - This is the Most Expensive replacement and costs Significant sum Generally 2% Deviation, but to play Slight aggressive - upto 3% max Deviation

If you choose an aggressive Upsize of over 3% - your Car Handling will be Impacted along with drop in Car Mileage and impact to Car Suspension 

b2ap3_thumbnail_Scorpio-Alloys.jpg 

 

Key Difference - Smaller Tyres Vs Wider Tyres

Wider Tyres - Tyre Upsize Benefits Smaller Tyres Benefits
Increased Grip on Road due to More Surface Width Area of Tyres Low Friction - Ideal for Cars driven in Daily City Ride. Been Sidewall is thicker due to higher Aspect ratio - ride is particularly soft and comfortable
   
Better Stability on High Speed. Ideal if drive Often on Highway Light Weight - Improved Low Speed Acceleration
   
Improved Balancing & Handling even on Bad Patch Roads. With Sidewall been thinner - it adds a firmness to Ride Cost Effective been Smaller Tyres costs Significant lesser
   
Macho Feel and Drive-ability. Cars Looks Well Planted with Wider Tyres Relative Easy Steering Response with Smaller Tyres
   
Net All Benefit: Thus Ride Quality Improves Net All Benefit: Able to Deliver Better Mileage

In terms of Tyre Upsize - Make a tradeoff basis requirement and Benefits Mentioned

 

Below are the Downside Risks of Upsizing Tyres and Retaining Existing Smaller Tyre

Upsizing to Wider Tyres - Downside Risks Smaller Tyres - DownSide Risks
If Upsize Tyres with Agressive Upsize > 3% - Suspension (Link Rod, Lower Arm, Bushes, Shockers etc) are suspectible to even much faster Quicker Wear & Tear Grip and Handling Feel is always missed in Puny / Small Tyres
   
Mileage would tend to be Impacted. Extent depends on Upsize, Profile. But can dip by anywhere from 5% to 10% Can Potentially be Risky in Smaller 12 Inch, 13 Inch Wheels with Smaller Tyres - if lacks ABS and applied force brake on high Speed
   
If you care for Light Most Steering Response and drive primarily on City Roads - then should not go in for Upsizing Wheels & Tyres - as a slight weight may take away that super lightness in Steering response. Lacks Highway Dynamics. Not Ideal for Upcountry Bad Patch Roads or High Speed Drive.
   
Been the Width increases in Upsize - Ride turns out slight Firm due to Lower Sidewall Aspect Ride Lacks Firmness due to Thicker Sidewall if Driven on High Speed, Upcountry Roads

 

 

Prominent Tyre Brands / Companies 

We Love Michelin, MRF, Bridgestone, Pirelli, Yokohoma Tyres . Go Always with the Brand.

 

What are Low Profile Tyres ? Is it Recommended

Although Globally Accepted Practice is when Tyre Sidewall Ratio is 50% or less than Tyre Width then it can be called as Low Profile Tyre. For Instance R17 225/50. It means Sidewall is 50% of Tyre Width means 112.5 mm

But for Indian Road Conditions where roads are not in best shape in many areas - we feel that anything under 55% Sidewall Aspect Ratio falls under Low Profile One

The higher the Sidewall aspect ratio, Sidewall is longer and it turns in Plush Ride Experience in City Condition. Lower the sidewall aspect ratios lead to slight Stiff ride. On Bad roads - if a Car with say 50% Aspect Ratio or lower drives on speed then driving on Pothole on such a speed can damage the wheel / tyre because of lower Aspect Ratio

Even the Vehicle Suspension System should be checked in as many customer even go in with Aggressive Upsize in Sedan, Hatchback Cars where suspension tuned for comfort but reducing Tyre Sidewall Profile Ratio to 55% in Sedan, Hatch cars can end up making ride Stiff and Rough.

Low Profile Tyres are what on demand of Enthusiastic Driver who love better Cornering, Better Higher Speed stability and most important are recommended only in SUV Range where Performance Orientation is best seek for. However - one should also know that Suspension of Car should support in to get in the Best from Low Profile Tyres, else the ride can turn out more on Firm side impacting drive aspect of Car.


If Buying New Tyres - its important to buy in Tyres with Latest Manufacturing. Know -  how to decode :-

Find Tyre Manufacturing Date


Note - if you choose bigger Inch Tyres - you will be required to change Wheels too. Though - its best to choose Tyres in Same Size having More Width - if tyre size is smaller, but 13 Inch Tyres Specs is relatively smaller to our view - its best to Upgrade to 14 Inch

 

Tyre Prices

Indicative Range of Tyres basis Common Size is listed below - Each Tyre Cost

Wheel Size Price Range Wheel Size Price Range
12 Inch Tyres Rs 2200 - 2600 16 Inch Tyres Rs 4500 - 10000
13 Inch Tyres Rs 2600 - 3200 17 Inch Tyres Rs 8000 - 15000
14 Inch Tyres Rs 3000 - 4000 18 Inch Tyres Rs 15000 - 25000
15 Inch Tyres Rs 3800 - 6000 19 Inch Tyres Rs 18000 - 30000
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Comments 62

Guest - Achung Kom on Sunday, 07 April 2019 09:47

I have a Hyundai grand i10 asta with 165/65/R14 stock tyre size. The tyres are weary and almost torn.
Will it be possible to upsize it with 185/60/R14 or with 175/60/R14 without changing the wheel/alloy.
Please help.

I have a Hyundai grand i10 asta with 165/65/R14 stock tyre size. The tyres are weary and almost torn. Will it be possible to upsize it with 185/60/R14 or with 175/60/R14 without changing the wheel/alloy. Please help.
Guest - Navjyot on Monday, 06 August 2018 12:27

Suggest me best option for upsize tata tiago xt tyre 175 /65/r14 (original) to 185/55/r15 or 195/55/r15 within 2% circumference for best result

Suggest me best option for upsize tata tiago xt tyre 175 /65/r14 (original) to 185/55/r15 or 195/55/r15 within 2% circumference for best result
Guest - Vijay Yadav on Thursday, 19 July 2018 00:56

I have swift vid 2015 model with 165/80r14 tyres. Can i upgrade to 185/65r15 or 195/65r16 tyres . Which one better for my swift

I have swift vid 2015 model with 165/80r14 tyres. Can i upgrade to 185/65r15 or 195/65r16 tyres . Which one better for my swift
Guest - Gurpreet on Saturday, 07 July 2018 13:54

I have alto k10 with 155/65r13 tyres. Can i upgrade to 175/60r13 or 185/60r13 tyres or is there have any problem

I have alto k10 with 155/65r13 tyres. Can i upgrade to 175/60r13 or 185/60r13 tyres or is there have any problem
Guest - Umashankar on Friday, 13 July 2018 23:44

175/60 r13 is ideal.. 185 u loose mileage on k10

175/60 r13 is ideal.. 185 u loose mileage on k10
Guest - Rohil on Monday, 25 June 2018 22:18

I have tata tiago xt which has 175/65 R14. I want to increase the size. What do u suggest??
I want upgraded to R16
If I suggest 16 inch., 185/55/16 is OK or not

I have tata tiago xt which has 175/65 R14. I want to increase the size. What do u suggest?? I want upgraded to R16 If I suggest 16 inch., 185/55/16 is OK or not
Guest - Umashankar on Friday, 13 July 2018 23:47

195/60 r15 or 195 /55 r15 based on ur riding necessity

195/60 r15 or 195 /55 r15 based on ur riding necessity
Guest - R.Vulchi on Saturday, 10 March 2018 21:01

Hey, I’m planning to change tyres of Zen LXI which is currently 145/80 R12. Can I upsize it to 155/70 R12 or 165/70 R12?
Please suggest if it’s fine to do this and effect of the same on the overall performance.

Hey, I’m planning to change tyres of Zen LXI which is currently 145/80 R12. Can I upsize it to 155/70 R12 or 165/70 R12? Please suggest if it’s fine to do this and effect of the same on the overall performance.
Guest - Umashankar on Friday, 13 July 2018 23:40

165/70 r13 shud be ideal upg or even 165/65 for a low profile ride

165/70 r13 shud be ideal upg or even 165/65 for a low profile ride
Guest - Maninder Singh on Monday, 19 February 2018 14:29

Your comments please for upgrading Honda Jazz CVT tyre
From :175 x 65 x 15
To 185 x 65 x 15

Thank you.

Your comments please for upgrading Honda Jazz CVT tyre From :175 x 65 x 15 To 185 x 65 x 15 Thank you.
Guest - Rajesh Asana on Tuesday, 11 June 2019 17:30

have you upgraded the tyre. to which size and how it feels like

have you upgraded the tyre. to which size and how it feels like
Guest - Parthiban on Thursday, 04 October 2018 21:11

This would be fine, you will get better handling of your car and over all stability improves. Cons - watch out for mailage and sterling hardness

This would be fine, you will get better handling of your car and over all stability improves. Cons - watch out for mailage and sterling hardness
Guest - M. Parthiban on Sunday, 10 December 2017 12:14

Alto K10. VXi, 2011 model. Existing tyre size 155/65/R13. With the existing wheel size what's the best upsized tyre can be fitted. Thanks

Alto K10. VXi, 2011 model. Existing tyre size 155/65/R13. With the existing wheel size what's the best upsized tyre can be fitted. Thanks
Guest - Manish Patiyal on Tuesday, 13 February 2018 15:43

I upgraded it to 165 which gives me great stability but hard at acceleration.

I upgraded it to 165 which gives me great stability but hard at acceleration.
Guest - Dev on Wednesday, 22 November 2017 19:56

I have alto which have stick tyre 145/80R12
Can I upsize it with 185/60r13

I have alto which have stick tyre 145/80R12 Can I upsize it with 185/60r13
Guest - Shafeek on Sunday, 12 November 2017 01:59

Hi ,
Like to know the impact on mileage of upsizing my skoda rapid petrol tire from 185/60 R15 to 195/60 R15.
presently am getting 8/13 ( city/Highway)
Please advise
Thank you

Hi , Like to know the impact on mileage of upsizing my skoda rapid petrol tire from 185/60 R15 to 195/60 R15. presently am getting 8/13 ( city/Highway) Please advise Thank you
Guest - Lalit on Wednesday, 11 October 2017 18:58

I have Figo titanium which has 175/65 R14. I want to increase the size. What do u suggest??
Should i use a tyre with higher cross section in R14 or should i get it upgraded to R15 ??

Also plz suggest the expense for both.

Thanks you.

I have Figo titanium which has 175/65 R14. I want to increase the size. What do u suggest?? Should i use a tyre with higher cross section in R14 or should i get it upgraded to R15 ?? Also plz suggest the expense for both. Thanks you.
Guest - ramesh thakur on Thursday, 05 October 2017 16:17

sir i have fiat avventura diesel emotin can i upgrade tyre 205/ 60/ 16 please guid me

sir i have fiat avventura diesel emotin can i upgrade tyre 205/ 60/ 16 please guid me
Guest - puneet on Wednesday, 27 September 2017 17:35

Hello Nayan,
I would suggest go for 165/70 R14 If you want better ground clearance and comfort ride. (No difference in mileage).
If you drive mostly on Highway than go for 175/65 R14 for better grip with little increase 6mm in ground clearance. (difference in mileage 3-5 %)
185/60 R14 is 3rd option but it will strike with your front mud flaps so you have to remove it. also u will feel heavy steering (difference in mileage 5-7 %)
yokohama is better option it will last long than Michelin, you can also go for bridgeston 290, turanza.
Michelinis soft tyres and chances for puncture are more.

Hello Nayan, I would suggest go for 165/70 R14 If you want better ground clearance and comfort ride. (No difference in mileage). If you drive mostly on Highway than go for 175/65 R14 for better grip with little increase 6mm in ground clearance. (difference in mileage 3-5 %) 185/60 R14 is 3rd option but it will strike with your front mud flaps so you have to remove it. also u will feel heavy steering (difference in mileage 5-7 %) yokohama is better option it will last long than Michelin, you can also go for bridgeston 290, turanza. Michelinis soft tyres and chances for puncture are more.
Guest - Ram on Monday, 28 August 2017 01:31

Hi... I'm planning to buy honda brio and would like to change tires from 175/65 R14 to 195/55 R15 and the circumference deference is 2.13%. Does it okay? slightly Higher the 2%

Hi... I'm planning to buy honda brio and would like to change tires from 175/65 R14 to 195/55 R15 and the circumference deference is 2.13%. Does it okay? slightly Higher the 2%
Wednesday, 06 December 2023

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