How Your Tires Impact Your Driving Experience

The tires and wheels you choose for your Volvo vehicle significantly impact how it drives. Tires are the only parts of your car that come into contact with the road, and they can affect things such as fuel economy, ride quality, and handling. It's a similar story with the size of the wheels you choose. Once you learn more about the factors to consider, you'll no longer view your choice as simply an aesthetic decision. Even if your desired vehicle style plays a role, your primary consideration when finalizing your tire choice should be performance and safety.

Does Wheel Size Affect How My Car Drives?

Yes, wheel size will impact how your Volvo drives. Generally, larger wheels add more weight to your vehicle, which can improve grip on rough or wet surfaces. However, the extra weight can reduce your fuel economy, resulting in more frequent trips to the gas pump. The additional weight may also impact how your car handles since it may prove less responsive to steering.

Wheels are available in different materials, including steel, aluminum, alloy, and carbon fiber. Due to their lightness, carbon fiber wheels are a popular choice in luxury or high-performance sports cars. They allow for larger wheels that are lighter than many smaller wheels made from a heavier material.

But smaller wheels are generally lighter and provide better handling on tight corners or busy roads. They can also help improve fuel economy since the engine doesn't have to work as hard to move the extra weight of larger wheels. However, smaller wheels may reduce ride quality, making bumps and uneven road surfaces more noticeable inside the vehicle.

The size and style of your wheels can also impact your car's suspension. For instance, larger wheels are heavier and can strain your suspension more than smaller ones. This may be just fine if you have a tuned-up or tough suspension built to handle any strain increase.

How Can Tires Impact Your Drive?

Like the wheels they're attached to, tires can significantly affect your vehicle's performance on the road. Factors to consider are the width and size of the tires and their specific design. Wider tires are often better for off-road driving or conditions where your car needs more grip because the broader area of rubber gripping the road helps improve traction and control.

On the other hand, thinner tires are great for sports cars or city driving due to their agile handling and reduced friction on smooth roads. Because of their reduced friction, they also tend to have an advantage in fuel economy.

You also need to consider the specific tire type on your wheel. Here in the Mission Viejo, California, area, we don't often see weather cold enough for seasonal tires, but it's worth keeping in mind the significant difference between summer, winter, and all-season tires, especially if you must drive in parts of the country where adverse weather conditions play a role. For example, winter tires improve grip on slippery surfaces. However, they can reduce fuel economy and performance on dry summer roads, so you need to change them with the seasons.

Off-roaders will be familiar with all-terrain tires, which are usually chunkier than standard tires and have broader treads to improve grip. Much like winter tires, these tires are excellent for uneven ground, mud trails, and gravel paths. However, they're less effective on paved surfaces, where slimmer, more dynamic tires offer better aerodynamics, grip, and handling.

Tips When Shopping for Wheels and Tires

When choosing tires and wheels, it's essential to consider your driving habits. Do you primarily drive on city streets or highways? Do you occasionally go off-road for weekend trips with your family? Or do you drive a high-performance sports car meant for the track? Your answers to these questions will help you determine the most suitable tires and wheels for your needs.

Another vital issue to keep in mind is cost. Wheels made from high-performance materials or with eye-catching designs will cost more than standard steel wheels. So, you'll need to decide whether you're prepared to pay more for the best performance or ideal look for your vehicle or if you're happy settling for a basic setup that will do just fine for most daily driving situations.

Finally, if you're still unsure, your owner's manual is a great place to look for advice. Most auto manufacturers recommend the type of tires to buy for your vehicle. The recommendation will usually include a tire brand and their size so that you can place your order at a reliable parts department or tire center. Don't forget to explore any parts or service specials on offer.

Shop for Tires and Wheels at Volvo Cars Mission Viejo

Are you ready to shop for a new set of tires or wheels for your Volvo? Our Volvo Cars Mission Viejo dealership has a well-stocked parts center where you can find the right ones for your vehicle. If you're unsure about your choice or want professional advice, you can rely on our Volvo team members to keep you right. At our Mission Viejo service center, we can change your tires, inspect your existing tires, and perform tire rotations to extend their life span. Don't hesitate to contact us today to learn more.