It’s easy to think that any tire will do, as long as we can fit it on the wheels of your car, but that’s not exactly the case! In reality, each model is designed to handle a specific type of tire. That’s why it’s important to make sure you don’t get the wrong size tire.
There are several problems with using a different size tire than the one recommended by the manufacturer. Not only will tire wear be accelerated, but you may even increase your risk of accidents. And as this list of three examples proves, that’s just the beginning!
Rubbing with the wheel well
This first problem occurs when a tire is installed too high in a wheel well that is too small. While it may seem to fit at rest, while driving, the action of the suspension can cause it to rub against the inside of your car’s body. With a tire that’s too wide, it’s also possible for the rim to rub against the suspension system. In both cases, the result is the same: accelerated wear for both your tire and your car’s mechanical systems!
Increased instability
The width of a tire is very important to support the weight of your vehicle. With the wrong size tire, the change in the center of gravity greatly affects stability while driving. Braking distance is also affected, making every stop unpredictable and, therefore, more risky. An improperly adjusted tire can also raise the bumper of your vehicle, which can cause significant damage in the event of an impact.
If the conditions are bad, as they often are during the winter here in Canada, the effects are even more drastic! On icy roads, this could even lead to loss of control and skidding on turns.
Tachometer inaccuracy
The tachometer, for those of you who don’t know, is the dial on the dashboard that displays your engine’s rotation frequency. It is this information that allows your car to calculate the speed at which you are going. Indeed, it’s pretty logical: if your wheels turn 100 times, they travel 100 times their circumference! You can already see the problem. These captors are calibrated to a certain tire size. Use the wrong size tires, and your car doesn’t know how fast it’s really going!
At least the solution to all of these problems is pretty simple: check with your vehicle manufacturer to make sure you have the optimal size for your model! Luckily, all tire companies, from Michelin to Pirelli, have a wide range of sizes to choose from. On Blackcircles.ca, it’s even easier to choose the right one!
