Wheels and Tires

Using a wider rim

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  • Sep 15th, 2020 10:34 am
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Newbie
Nov 25, 2018
5 posts
1 upvote

Using a wider rim

Checking rims for winter tires and interested in one set but the width is larger 17x7.5 than original 17x7.0. If the backspace is not an issue, what would be the impact? How come compact cars using wider rim than compact SUV? SUV would benefit from a wider rim? Thanks
11 replies
Deal Addict
Mar 30, 2010
3083 posts
1445 upvotes
GTA
Generally you match rim width to tire width - within the tire manufacturer's defined range
Newbie
Nov 25, 2018
5 posts
1 upvote
The rim is good for the tire. But what about the car? The rim is wider than OEM one. How is that gonna impact the car? Or no impact?
Member
Jun 11, 2015
499 posts
530 upvotes
Vancouver, BC
lyfeca wrote: Checking rims for winter tires and interested in one set but the width is larger 17x7.5 than original 17x7.0. If the backspace is not an issue, what would be the impact? How come compact cars using wider rim than compact SUV? SUV would benefit from a wider rim? Thanks
Wider rim + original tire or wider rim + wider tire?

If you mean the former, it can make it much easier to scuff your rims. Other than that, very little impact.

If you mean the latter, it will SLIGHTLY increase traction in the dry and SLIGHTLY hurt traction in snow.

Also, remember if you go up in width on the tires you may need to go down on the sidewall.
Newbie
Nov 25, 2018
5 posts
1 upvote
Plan to use original tire size 225 65r17. How could it be easier to scuff the rim? The backspace is the same.
Member
Jun 11, 2015
499 posts
530 upvotes
Vancouver, BC
lyfeca wrote: Plan to use original tire size 225 65r17. How could it be easier to scuff the rim? The backspace is the same.
A) wheels will stick out more

B) wheels will be less protected by the tire
Deal Fanatic
Jul 26, 2007
7579 posts
5272 upvotes
Toronto
Wider rim might rub the suspension components like the shocks or struts, control arm, tie rods, sway bar if offset isn't taken into calculation for bigger rims.
Deal Fanatic
User avatar
Nov 14, 2003
6675 posts
5466 upvotes
LaLaLand
lyfeca wrote: Plan to use original tire size 225 65r17. How could it be easier to scuff the rim? The backspace is the same.
If you're using a wider wheel you could use a wider tire size also otherwise it might look like a Model-T. Also with wider wheel/tires, there is a worry about fender rub.
Deal Expert
User avatar
Jun 12, 2007
20805 posts
6622 upvotes
London
lyfeca wrote: ...How come compact cars using wider rim than compact SUV? SUV would benefit from a wider rim? Thanks
SUV often allow the use of tire chains and need additional clearance around suspension parts to facilitate this. Compact cars often say in their owners manuals that tire chains can't be used.
Deal Expert
Oct 7, 2010
15536 posts
5790 upvotes
7 or 7.5 very similar. Should be ok of both rim and tire if they same width.
Deal Guru
May 1, 2012
10538 posts
11427 upvotes
Toronto
Input your wheel/tire information into this calculator and read the difference. If you're good with it, you're fine. No reason for anyone to speculate anything.

Also wheels are more than just diameter and width. You need to account for the offset

https://www.wheel-size.com/calc/

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