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Can I have a small wheel with big tires?

I want to boost my car’s height without messing with a lift kit installation. If I can, I thought it would be easier to focus on the tires instead. Can I have a small wheel with big tires?

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Melanie Mergen · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Small wheel, big tire—now that’s an easy way to turn heads on the street! It’s possible that you could have a small wheel size with big tires—they’ll just have to have the correct wheel diameter size.
What’s most important when you pick your new tires is that they’re compatible with your vehicle and that they don’t negatively affect how safe it is for you to drive it.
If you’re looking to update your car’s look with small wheels but big tires, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind:
  • Make sure the tires don’t rub against any parts of your car—including when making turns
  • If your goal is to increase your vehicle height, the lifting effect it has is going to depend mainly on how much clearance your vehicle allows for your tires
  • Wider tires can give you better handling on the road, but increasing your tire height might require a narrower tire to fit properly inside your wheel well
  • If you’re not sure whether a set of tires will work with your vehicle, don’t hesitate to get a mechanic’s opinion
You’ll also want to be mindful of how the tire size you pick might affect the accuracy of your speedometer, since it typically bases its reading largely off your vehicle’s standard tire size. Increasing your tire size can also reduce fuel economy and make steering a little more difficult, so keep those factors in mind as you look for your new set of tires.
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