18 Inch Wheel Homepage

Question: Should i put 18 inch wheels on my sport compact?

(Posted by: john_mgd on 2008-04-02 18:35:34)

My current 16 inch wheels are very plain and boring. I'm not getting flashy crome rims or anything really wacky, just some nice, more attractive silver color aluminum wheels. Of course I've always heard that larger wheels improve a car's handling. What are the advantages and disadvantages to going big? Would I have to get my speedometer recalibrated? 2000 toyota celica if it makes a difference

Posted by: Alex on 2008-04-02, 19:27:00

Well the width of the tyre is what helps handling and grip, not so much the diameter of the wheels....However, the bigger the wheel you go, the slower the acceleration you get, but generally better top end As for the speedo - if the change in wheel diameter can be compensated by getting a much lower profile tyre, you might be ok. Personally I would go with 17 " if I was you but make sure the tyre width is much wider...That said, tyre width only helps in dry conditions, if you're driving on wet roads, the narrower tyres will help, because it is quicker for the water to drain out of the sides. If you loose grip on a corner with wider corners, it's harder to regain control, but you can push the car (in the dry) a lot more in the first place.. As you can see, swings and roundabouts :)

Posted by: Sean G on 2008-04-02, 18:38:48

On what car? but yeah prob would have better control or w/ e on it but dont necessarily have to have it recalibrated i think...

Posted by: abruzziauto on 2008-04-02, 18:52:35

I wouldn't change the wheels unless you plan on keeping the car a long long time, you will never get the money back when you sell. Save the money for putting work under the hood, the celica could use real horsepower more then a set of after market wheels.

Posted by: dakotadude1993 on 2008-04-03, 07:18:08

Depends on the car. it makes it ride like crap, if you have any bumpy roads your more likely to have broken belts in the tires.they look ridiculous a lot of times it does improve handling not necessarily traction if you just get a regular size speed rated tire you'll get better traction. if your going with the same overall diameter tire just a bigger rim you don't need to have your speedometer calibrated.