Changing rims, 15" to 16"

[konfusion666]

What would be the reason for me to change the rims on my car?

Currently: stock alloy rims, 15"
Tire size: 185/60/15 (I think)

is there any reason (or advantage) for getting new 16" rims at the same time as my tire replacement this spring?

the rims seem to be in decent shape for the most part, but may have the occasional tiny rust stain in a few places.

[warpdrive]

Going +1 in size is a very common upgrade.

Reasons to do so:
- Looks of course
- a bigger/wider rim will allow you to choose wider and more performance oriented tires (wider, more aggressive tread) for more grip in summer.
- Your tire profile will be lower, so your handling will feel more solid.
- Now you'll have a second set of rims (one for summer, one set for winter). You can put some winter tires on the old set, and save your new set from the salt. Now you will have the best of everything, best grip for the summer, best grip for the winter.

[rc51]

Depending on the vehicle typically 'upsizing' is done mainly for esthetics. Most performance vehicles already come with properly sized wheels/tires that are matched to the suspension and steering systems.

Keep in mind, that upsizing the rim will force to reduce the profile (to keep the overall ratio as close to OEM) otherwise you can get computer errors, speedo out of spec etc. Going lower profile will give you a rougher ride.

[rc51]

(wider, more aggressive tread) for more grip in summer.
.

More grip isn't really the prime function of tread. Tread is there to channel water away thus preventing hydroplaining and thus indirectly more grip. Tire compound and tire pressures affect 'level of grip' more than anything else.

[00project]

if u are upgrading for looks, 1 inch is not gonna make much of a difference, i would recommend at least 17....

in general, a larger rim = a heavier rim = slower acceleration.
as mentioned your cornering will be more responsive, but you will sacrifice abit of comfort.

if your upgraded rim/tire combo is also wider, you might notice that when driving over poorly maintained roads that your steering wheel will pull you to one side or another - because ur wider tire is now more sensitive to irregularities on the road

ive seen some guys with accords that upgraded from 15" to 18, even 19...
17s might be alright depending on what car u have

[nx2k]

my 16" rims weigh less than my 15" ones, so unsprung weight can be an advantage

[warpdrive]

Tread is there to channel water away thus preventing hydroplaining and thus indirectly more grip. Tire compound and tire pressures affect 'level of grip' more than anything else.

I guess my sentence was badly phrased. The tread design of performance tires (either larger solid blocks, or even no tread) is targetting toward higher performance. My point still stands....Plus One sizing allows you to choose more performance oriented tire models

[warpdrive]

Most performance vehicles already come with properly sized wheels/tires that are matched to the suspension and steering systems.

His tire size of 185/60R15 hints that his car is not likely a high performance vehicle. Often, upsizing from a 60 series profile to a 50 series is a good idea provided he buys a wheel that doesn't weigh too much.

[jaigandhi5]

also remember putting slimmer(low pro) tires can also make a ride a bit more rough...

i notice that when i go from my 205/45/16 to 195/65/14.

[cereal83]

I don't think a 15 to a 16 would do much, now a 15 to a 17 or 18 would make it look better and if you spent the money on decent tires, would make driving a bit better

[konfusion666]

well there seems to be a wider selection of tires available for 16" so it'll help in that area at least.

still not sure if i'll do this... will decide when the spring arrives.