Originally Posted by
Simonr23
Ooh, the wheel question has stumbled in to my area of expertise
Originally Posted by
Simonr23
It can get very (very) boring, but the short version is that bigger diameter rims are about visual appeal. Almost always there is a grip deficit vs smaller.
Weight and it’s related negatives (unsprung mass, centripetal forces) the thinner sidewalls of the tyres equal less grip.
On the smoothest racetrack and with the perfectly matched tyres to it (and the weather at the time) can give a more consistent ‘feel’- but not outright grip.
Larger circumference tyres though, will often improve peak grip(longitudinal traction(accel/braking), moreso than lateral), but again, the extra weight can negate some of the handling benefit.
Wider tyres can often improve peak grip, but may also cause an increase to the sudden loss of grip- once the tyre has crossed its grip threshold (snap oversteer/understeer and skidding(abs activation) or aquaplaning) due to decreased pressure on the (now larger) contact patch.
Thanks for that Simonr23, that is a really informed description but it kinda makes sense, I think lol
I'm looking at changing the R-Line wheels as 1. they weigh 30kgs each and 2. they somehow quite brittle.
I had to drive through resurfacing works and the two passengers side wheels chipped on the rim! VW want $1500 each for these, which is ridiculous!!! I know I can get them repaired but what's stopping it from happening again. So I figured I'll changed the whole set to aftermarket and if it happened it'll most likely won't cost $1500 each.
I know my tyres are 255/40R20, if went the wheel size like tigger73's wheels 20x9 and got say a 275/40R20 there wouldn't be much overall grip as such + unsafe at higher speeds?
Would staying with the same sized wheels 20x8.5, I think (R-Line) and run a higher 45 or 55 wall tyre be more beneficial, also without altering the speedo much? Would in turn give me greater comfort and clearance but lower higher grip and more tyre flex into corners?
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