Effect of Rim Size on Emergency Handling

[casw]

Which do you think would give better handling in an emergency on-pavement driving situation -- 15 inch rims or 17 inch ones -- assuming the same profile, brand, & condition tire? Or are they the same? 15 inch everything is a lot cheaper than 17 !

 

[98xjjeep]

Well a tire with less sidewall will be more responsive on road. But when driving a lifted vehicle i dont think you will notice that much.

 

[adam greene]

i had 15s on my tj then switched to 17s and could tell a little better handling

 

[MarsFab]

The smaller the sidewall the less sidewall roll. I think more importantly you should look at the offset of the wheel. The offset and height of the wheel/tire effect the scrub radius. A negative offset wheel will have a larger scrub radius than a zero or positive offset with the same size tire. The larger the scrub radius the more hard braking and quick evasive maneuvers will be negatively effected. In other words if you have a wheel that makes your tires stick out really far then theres more leverage on the steering components that will make the vehicle dart and dive when you jab the brakes. Either wheel with a zero or slightly positive offset will be just about the same as the other you will just have less sidewall flex with the taller wheel.

 

[casw]

So..... if I put all this together right, it seems that the larger wheel with just enough offset to give adequate tire clearance of the suspension would be a good way to go if I have the $ and the smaller wheel with just enough offset to clear if I don't. May need to sign up for OT at work.

 

[MarsFab]

Well put. Yep that's pretty much what I was saying.