Wheel Upsizing 101: A Begginners Guide
Upsizing your wheels is one of the most popular custom upgrades out there, and for good reason. Bigger wheels can completely change the look of your ride, tighten up your handling, and open the door to a world of style options. But if you just start slapping on the biggest set you can find, you might end up with a rough ride, messed-up speedometer, or worse, costly suspension issues.
Let’s break down the right way to upsize your wheels, what you’ll gain, and what to watch out for.
Why Even Upsize?
Upsizing isn’t just about flexing on the road. There are real advantages to going bigger when it’s done right:
Better Aesthetics: Larger wheels can visually fill out your wheel wells and give your vehicle a more aggressive, sportier look.
Improved Handling: Wider wheels allow for wider tires. Wider tires mean a bigger contact patch on the road, aka better grip during turns.
Sharper Braking: More grip isn’t just about corners. It can also mean shorter stopping distances.
More Style Options: Upsizing opens the door to a wider selection of wheel designs, finishes, and fits that just aren’t available in stock sizes.
Wheel and Tire Basics
Before you swap wheels, you’ve got to understand how sizing actually works. The goal with upsizing is to maintain the overall diameter of your wheel + tire combo. That way, your speedometer stays accurate, your handling stays predictable, and you don’t mess up your ride height.
Here are the key terms:
Wheel Diameter – How tall the wheel is (usually 15–22 inches).
Wheel Width – How wide the wheel is, affecting how wide your tires can be.
Tire Aspect Ratio – A percentage that compares the tire’s sidewall height to its width. Lower ratios = shorter sidewalls = sportier feel.
Example:
Let’s say you currently run 17″ wheels with 225/50R17 tires. A “Plus One” upgrade would mean 18″ wheels with 225/45R18 tires. You’re trading shorter sidewalls for a larger wheel but keeping the overall diameter nearly the same.
What Could Go Wrong?
As sweet as bigger wheels can be, there are trade-offs:
Harsher Ride: Less sidewall = less cushion from bumps and potholes.
More Weight: Larger wheels are often heavier, which can slightly reduce acceleration and fuel efficiency.
Bigger Price Tag: Upsized wheels and low-profile tires usually cost more and wear out faster.
Greater Risk of Damage: Shorter sidewalls make it easier to crack or bend a wheel if you hit a curb or pothole.
How to Upsize Without Regrets
Here’s how to make sure your upsizing adventure ends with a better ride, not a broken one.
Talk to a Pro – Work with a knowledgeable shop or tire expert who can double-check fitment and clearances for your exact vehicle.
Use a Size Calculator – Tools like 1010Tires’ Tire Size Calculator show how tire sizes affect overall diameter, speedometer readings, and clearance.
Match Specs Carefully – Bolt pattern, offset, and center bore must match or be compatible with your vehicle.
Test Fit Before You Commit – Always make sure the new setup clears suspension parts and doesn’t rub when turning or hitting bumps.
Common Mistakes to Dodge
Going Too Big: Massive rims might look good standing still, but they can ruin your ride quality and cause rubbing or suspension strain.
Ignoring Load Ratings: Bigger doesn’t always mean stronger. Make sure your new wheels and tires are rated for your vehicle’s weight.
Overlooking Speed Ratings: Tires have a max speed rating. Don’t downgrade just to fit your wheels.
Final Word
Upsizing can give your vehicle the edge in looks and performance, but it’s not just about going bigger; it’s about going smarter. Pick the right combo, mind the specs, and get expert advice if you’re unsure.
Done right, upsizing will turn heads and sharpen your driving experience.
If you’re ready to make the leap or just want expert input, contact us at Elevated Motoring, We’ll help you size up the right way.