Boosting Road Safety: The Advantages of Upgrading Wheels and Tires with a New Package

October 8, 2024
Tabe de Vries

Upgrading your wheels and tires isn't just about making your car look more stylish. It's also about enhancing performance and safety. Remember those old-school 'mag wheels'? They were light, but prone to corrosion and even fire. Today's alloys are safer, more stable, and frequently lighter.

Larger wheels and tires can increase your vehicle's contact patch, the amount of tire that touches the ground at any given time, which can improve grip. This is especially important if you've upgraded your engine for more power. But it's not as simple as just slapping on bigger tires. You need to consider factors like wheel well clearance to avoid rubbing issues.

https://depositphotos.com/photo/tires-dark-background-concept-changing-tires-seasonal-using-tires-snow-622716600.html

Benefits of Upgrading Wheels and Tires with a New Package

Embracing the evolution of wheels from old-school mag types to modern alloys brings several benefits to you. It's not only an aesthetic upgrade but also a performance and safety enhancement. This shift has you immersed in the dynamics of rims beyond their appealing look or how they complement your car’s colour. It transitions you into the nitty-gritty of weight, strength, and even fire resistance where older wheel types presented more risks.

Pure magnesium wheels offered lighter options but carried the burden of easy corrosion. Worse still, they could catch fire in an accident. Substituting water for a fire extinguisher would only intensify the flames, a nightmare for any vehicle owner. Modern-day wheel improvements incorporate safer, more stable magnesium alloys, or more frequently, painted or chromed aluminum alloys that mitigate such issues. Innovations have even given birth to ultra-lightweight carbon-fibre wheels, though their high cost keeps them at arm’s length for now.

Choices abound today in the area of upgraded wheels. They range from your economy car fitted with 17-inch wheels and 40-series tires to numerous other styles and sizes. This great variety becomes beneficial when you appreciate that tire and wheel changes can augment your contact patch, letting more rubber meet the road. It's especially crucial for cars with potent engines that need a solid grip for optimal performance.

serious stones white mobile phone sophisticated

Improved Performance

The upgraded wheels and tires package brings with it a suite of performance benefits. Let's explore some ways your ride could significantly benefit from this upgrade, right from enhanced handling to superior traction.

Enhanced Handling

Swapping for better tires can uplift your vehicle's composure on the road. High-quality tires hold the road with more tenacity, especially on curves and while maneuvering uneven terrains. Rigidity in sidewalls enhances stability, reducing body rolls and blessing your ride with predictability. From wriggling through city traffic to tackling the twitchiest corners, upgraded tires can make your commute smoother and tension-free. Plus, the reduced road noise is like the cherry on top, making your drive quieter and relaxing.

From a broader perspective, these tiny tweaks to your tire setup can play an integral role in dodging mishaps, particularly when nasty surprises pop up unannounced in the form of slippery surfaces.

Better Traction

Upgraded tires are a game-changer when it comes to grip. Whether it's zipping through pouring rain or cruising on dry asphalt, a superior tire can arm your vehicle with better grip, thereby preventing skids or hydroplaning. Greater traction can prove to be a lifesaver during high-speed maneuvers or sudden stops, providing timely response when you need it the most.

But the benefits of improved traction aren't just confined to safety. Better traction equals rapid acceleration and deceleration, directly influencing your vehicle's performance. High-performance tires, designed for superior road grip, can be your best friends on highways or race tracks, where losing grip is not an option.

Besides, top-notch tires are armed with reinforced treads and sturdier sidewalls that make them resistant to punctures, reducing the chances of on-the-move blowouts. That's particularly handy when your track's rugged or you're due for an off-road adventure.

Enhanced Aesthetics

When it comes to enhancing your vehicle's appearance, a wheel and tire upgrade can make a world of difference.

Stylish Appearance

Let's face it, the right set of wheels and tires can dramatically amplify the aesthetic appeal of any vehicle. You can say goodbye to that stock look and embrace a stylish, distinctive look that turns heads wherever you go.

Before alloy wheels - often referred to as 'mag wheels' - became the standard, steel wheels were a common choice. These offered durability and were cost-effective but fell short in the style department. Then came magnesium wheels, lighter and stronger than both steel and aluminum, but their high corrosion rate and potential fire risk made them less suitable for everyday use. The aluminum alloy wheels you see on vehicles today are a safer, more versatile alternative, offering both style and stability.

Be it a swanky sedan or an off-road beast, larger, better-looking wheels and tires can add a sense of aggressiveness and strength to your vehicle. Not only do they make your vehicle look more sporty and contemporary, but they also contribute to its resale value.

Personalization Options

An upgrade to your wheels and tires isn't just about performance enhancement or a better look. It's about making a personal statement. With upgraded wheels and tires, your vehicle will stand apart from the crowd, reflecting your unique taste and personality.

You may consider alloy wheels that have been painted or chromed, or even ultra-lightweight carbon-fibre wheels. But, keep in mind, these options tend to be more expensive than an alloy set.

From a variety of sizes to choose from, from compact 15-inch wheels to extravagant 18-inch alloys, to numerous design preferences - be it a minimalist matte finish or an ostentatious shine - the possibilities are limitless. But, it's essential to strike a balance between style and function. Larger wheels might reduce the vehicle's steering angle and if done incorrectly, it can harm your vehicle's suspension system and generate inaccurate speedometer readings.

car tires showcased inside automobile workshop

Increased Safety

Upgrading your wheels and tires is not just a style statement. In fact, one of the key reasons why many opt for larger wheels and tires is the increased contact patch - specifically, how much tire touches the ground at any given time. In other words, upgraded wheels and tires boost vehicle safety by providing more grip to the ground especially after tuning your vehicle's engine for more power.

There are two notable methods to increase the tire's contact patch: make it longer or wider. A longer patch of tire tread means the diameter of tires you're using is more. While this works better on four-wheel drive trucks, caution is required when implementing this on passenger cars as the tires could rub against parts of the car including the wheel well.

Remember: Steer clear of purely magnesium wheels. Why? Well, although these wheels are lighter and as strong as aluminum, they corrode easily if not properly sealed. Worse still, they can even catch fire in an accident. Burning magnesium wheels, intensified by water, continues to be an example during firefighting courses today due to the severity of these mishaps.

Choosing the Right Wheels and Tires: Mobile-Tire's Guide to Safety, Style, and On-the-Go Convenience

Enhancing your wheels and tires is not merely a cosmetic upgrade but a crucial decision for better road safety. Whether you choose alloy wheels or invest in the superior carbon-fibre alternatives, the right selection can dramatically improve your vehicle's traction and handling. It's essential to prioritize a balance that accounts for wheel well capacity and appropriate tire dimensions over merely selecting the lightest wheels. Avoid the temptation of pure magnesium wheels due to their increased risks, and consider aluminum or magnesium alloys for a dependable and smooth driving experience. With Mobile-Tire, this decision becomes even more convenient, offering mobile tire changes for a variety of wheels, directly to your location. This investment into your vehicle's safety, efficiency, and aesthetic appeal is invaluable, marrying safety with style seamlessly through informed wheel and tire upgrades.

Author

Tabe de Vries

Tabe C. R. de Vries, known in publications as Tabe de Vries, is a Strategic Advisor for Mobile-Tire Inc., with a rich background in the Municipal & Public Services, Engineering-Consulting, Water & Utilities, and Automotive industries. Graduating from Dalhousie University with a Bachelor of Commerce Degree in 2019, Tabe's comprehensive business education has equipped him with the analytical and problem-solving skills essential to his role. Tabe's professional journey began with supporting Cole Engineering as a Business Analyst, followed by a role as Systems Analyst II at the Ontario Clean Water Agency. His current position at Mobile-Tire Inc. leverages his diverse experience, allowing him to consistently deliver innovative solutions that transcend traditional approaches. His proprietary works include Engineering-Consulting KPI guidebooks, business transformation program planning documents, and asset management reports. As a Certified Automotive Tire Service (ATS) Technician of the Tire Industry Association, Tabe's expertise extends to hands-on automotive tire service, tire sales, wheel swaps, and tire changeovers. Outside of his professional life, Tabe enjoys spending time with family, watching movies, and reading philosophy. His passion for automotive technology, strategic impact, and versatility has inspired his career path, contributing to the success of Mobile-Tire Inc. One of Tabe's notable accomplishments includes supporting a $27 million business transformation program, where he played a vital role in driving the success of this complex initiative. His advice to aspiring professionals emphasizes developing a strong foundation, embracing continuous learning, and honing solutions-delivery skills. Tabe stays informed through continuous research, monitoring industry news, and engaging with professional networks. His unique combination of technical proficiency, strategic thinking, and deep industry knowledge sets him apart in his field, making him a valuable asset to Mobile-Tire Inc. Connect with Tabe on LinkedIn and explore his insights into the automotive industry, business transformation, and more.

EMAIL US

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
Name

STAY IN TOUCH

SIGN UP to RECEIVE LATEST NEWS AND OFFERS