Wider Tire on 21" Rim or Higher Profile on 20" Rim
10-07-2018, 06:41 PM
#1
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Wider Tire on 21" Rim or Higher Profile on 20" Rim
If I'm trying to achieve a little less harsh ride on 21" rims without dealing with the hassle of buying smaller 20" rims. The tires on the 21 are 255/40/21 and as you know tire selection is limited to summer tires. It seems some owners have switched to 265/40/21 because you get more options in that size for all season tires. So does the wider tire give a smoother ride, more forgiving going thru potholes, even though the profile is unchanged? Or do I need a higher profile tire to achieve that?
10-07-2018, 09:19 PM
#2
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Technically it should provide a better ride because of more sidewall but practically I’m not sure since the increase in sidewall won’t be much. I’m not sure you’ll notice a huge difference in ride quality though if anything, it should improve.
10-08-2018, 07:11 AM
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Yea, I know the increase in sidewall is negligible and may not provide the results I'm looking for. Hence, I'm wondering if those who have the 21" rims and went to a wider tire (265/40/21 instead of OEM 255/40/21), will that help going thru potholes and did it make the ride more forgiving on harsh roads? I don't live in snow country so don't need a winter setup, but certainly have so a lot of roads that are crappy and always under construction.
10-08-2018, 08:01 AM
#4
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I haven't done it with the SQ5, but I have put wider tires on factory rims before, moving up by 10 or 20 in treadwidth. Ride difference was little to nil.
To really have an impact you will need to go to a 20 inch wheel. Maybe even a 19, its hard for us to quantify how much change you are looking for.
To really have an impact you will need to go to a 20 inch wheel. Maybe even a 19, its hard for us to quantify how much change you are looking for.
10-08-2018, 08:16 AM
#5
I doubt you'll get a more comfortable ride by going with a wider tire, but the difference going from my 21" summer set, to my 19" winter set is HUGE.
Now I know winter tires have a softer compound vs. summer performance tires, so that might contribute a small bit, but that added sidewall is so much quieter and softer. I do still prefer the 21" summers when the weather is warmer, but my preference isn't for comfort and quietness...which is why I bought a SQ5 and not a regular Q5.
Now I know winter tires have a softer compound vs. summer performance tires, so that might contribute a small bit, but that added sidewall is so much quieter and softer. I do still prefer the 21" summers when the weather is warmer, but my preference isn't for comfort and quietness...which is why I bought a SQ5 and not a regular Q5.
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