One of the easiest ways to improve the look and performance
of your vehicle is by plus sizing wheels and tires.
Plus sizing refers to increasing wheel/rim diameter, and
possibly increasing the section width of the tire, while decreasing the aspect
ratio/section height. This results in a
wider contact patch and a sportier look.
By maintaining the overall diameter of your tire, plus
sizing won’t interfere with your vehicle’s speedometer accuracy, torque and
traction control systems.
You can plus size your wheels and tires from ‘zero’ to
‘three’ or more in some cases.
- Plus Zero – This method uses the same wheel diameter as the original equipment (OE), but it’s match with a tire that has a larger section width and smaller aspect ratio. For example, replacing an OE 175/70R14 tire with a 195/60R14 tire would be a proper PLUS ZERO fitment. *Note that this may require a replacement wheel to maintain proper rim width for the new tire.
- Plus One – This method uses a wheel diameter that’s one inch larger. When you do this, you’ll also need to change your tire size as well. For example, for 215/55R16 OE, the proper PLUS ONE fitment could be 235/45R17, both have 25.3” overall diameter. Meaning the overall diameter is still the same.
- Plus Two – This method uses a wheel that’s two inches larger in diameter. For example, going from an 18” wheel to a 20” wheel, and, of course, changing your tire size to best fit for your vehicle.
Now let's discuss the Pro's and Con's of Plus Sizing.
The Pro's - First of all, you'll be cool if you Plus Size.
The bigger the diameter, the cooler you are (at least some folks think so). The
biggest benefit from Plus Sizing is the increased road handling. By increasing
the wheel diameter (and maintaining the original overall diameter), the height
of the tire sidewall diseases. This has the effect of less tire sway or roll,
and increases the stability or cornering ability of your ride. Other than those
2 attributes, I'm hard pressed to come up with more Pro's.
The Con's - The first thing that comes to mind is the loss
of suspension. By decreasing the side wall of the tire, you will increase the
effect of road bumps, potholes, expansion joints and all the other deformities
of our roads and highways. Road noise will be increased also. In addition to
the loss of ride comfort, you will also experience a loss of free time. I come
to this conclusion based on the theory that the bigger the wheel, the more time
it requires to keep it shining. Another Con is the tire mounting folks that
have to put these tires on these wheels (20" and up) aren't real thrilled
with the whole concept.
Plus Sizing is not a bad thing when done properly. Note, from the picture below that regardless of the differences in rim size, the overall diameter of the 3 tyres still remained the same(24'')
See effect of wrong tyre plus sizing
