What tyre width to go for?

Tyre width is one of the key aspects of driving performance and comfort for the driver and passengers. Learn about the best tyre width for your car. Find out how changing the car manufacturer's recommended size will affect grip and fuel consumption.

When choosing new tyres, it is a good idea to compare expert and user opinions.

What exactly is tyre width?

Width is one of the constituents of tyre size and is one of the key parameters for tyres. It is the distance in millimetres between the two sides of a tyre, determined once the tyre is mounted on the rim and properly inflated.

Narrow tyres are typically used for small city cars and electric cars, while the widest tyres are used for sports cars. The wider the tyre, the lower its profile and vice versa.

Tyre width and grip – are they correlated?

Many wonder if wider tyres are better. It depends. Such tyres have a greater surface area in contact with the surface, which directly translates into better grip on dry roads and shorter braking distances. It also means that torque is transferred more effectively to the road surface, resulting in improved acceleration.

However, you should bear in mind that there are both advantages and disadvantages in using a tyre that is wider than the basic size. The increased tread surface area increases the susceptibility to aquaplaning, as more water needs to be repelled when driving on wet tarmac. Wide tyres will also underperform on uneven surfaces with numerous potholes.

Therefore, when looking for an answer to the question of whether to choose wider or narrower tyres, it‘s worth bearing in mind both the impact of this parameter on the driving properties and the current season. Read on, and you will find out how it affects the safety and comfort of your journey.

Wide car tyres and fuel consumption

The effect of tyres on the amount of fuel consumed is one of the most important factors considered by those looking for a new set. Sports driving enthusiasts who care about the good appearance of their vehicle will unfortunately not be happy with the following. Tyre width contributes to the car's grip and appearance but also has a significant impact on the fuel consumption.

The wider the tyres, the higher the cost of travel will be. Why? If you choose a wider model than the basic one, you should expect an increase in rolling resistance. The increased coefficient of friction translates into more force required to move the vehicle. As a result, a higher car tyre width can increase the average running costs of your car by negatively impacting fuel consumption.

Some drivers choose to change the width of their tyres only during the winter period.

Summer tyres – wider or narrower?

Wondering if you can fit wider tyres for summer? Sure you can – just as long as you remember to fit them in accordance with the vehicle manufacturer's instructions.

Drivers tend to travel at higher speeds during the summer season. When driving fast, it is highly desirable to have better cornering grip and shorter braking distances – which is exactly what wide tyres provide. This directly translates into higher overall comfort of driving.

Remember, however, that wider tyres at the rear and front will generate more noise and increase fuel consumption, thus affecting driving economy. If you are faced with a summer downpour, they may also perform less well in displacing water, requiring more care to avoid skidding.

What tyre width for winter?

When the surface is wet, covered with snow or slush, narrower tyres will perform much better, as they are less prone to aquaplaning and can reduce the risk of skidding. What is more, they also offer lower rolling resistance, thus reducing the amount of fuel consumed.

Which winter tyres – wider or narrower – are suitable for cars with more powerful engines? Manufacturers often homologate tyres slightly narrower than summer models. Outside the city, roads tend to be less thoroughly and less frequently cleared of snow, posing a greater challenge for many drivers.

Although narrow tyres will look slightly less attractive on sporty vehicles, they will significantly increase safety and comfort levels when driving on snow or ruts.

Can I fit tyres of different widths on the same axle?

The law forbids the use of tyres of different widths on the same axle. They must be identical in terms of size, i.e. profile height, width and rim size. Nor can they differ in model, tread pattern, load and speed index or degree of wear.

The exception is the spare wheel, but this should only be used when necessary. Meanwhile, the law allows the use of different tyres on two axles. However, this may adversely affect vehicle handling and the operation of the ABS and ESP systems.

How to choose the right tyre width?

Wider tyres have a good effect on grip and driving on dry roads, yet they increase fuel consumption. But significantly wider tyres can also impair vehicle performance and lead to overloading of the suspension system, which is not adapted to oversized tyres. For this reason, you should always follow the manufacturer's instructions when choosing a new set. You can find them in the vehicle manual and on stickers on the driver's door or the fuel filler flap.

Remember that the wheels should not extend beyond the outline of the car. If you desire more prominent wheel rims that protrude slightly or are level with the wheel arch and the tyre is set deep, consider fitting additional mudguards. Also, check that such tyres will comply with the homologation for the body and engine of your car.

It is also worth checking the tyre width if you have bought a second-hand car. Make sure the fitted tyres are the correct size. If not – compare them with the manufacturer's recommendation or go for a replacement that you think will have the best effect on the overall appearance of the vehicle.