Can I replace 14 inch wheels with 16 inch? Experts and automobile mechanics say that as long as the new 16-inch wheels fit within the vehicle’s tire size parameters, it is entirely possible.
However, such a replacement greatly impacts the overall performance and riding quality of your vehicle. For example, a larger wheel comes with the additional weight, which may affect your vehicle’s fuel economy and so on.
This article will look at the detailed pros and cons of upgrading to 16-inch wheels from 14-inch ones, including their differences.
Can I replace 14 inch wheel with 16 inch?
Yes, you can replace 14-inch wheels with 16-inch wheels. But, you have to check the size parameters of your vehicle’s tire size and the clearance between the wheel and any mounted components such as brake discs or calipers.
You should also be aware that changing the wheel size may have an effect on your vehicle’s suspension calibration. For example, if the vehicle was designed to use 14 inch wheels, switching to 16 inch could cause it to perform less effectively than with the original wheel size.
Moreover, larger wheels mean a bigger rolling radius, so your car’s handling characteristics could be affected. Furthermore, there are other factors to consider, such as the strength and rigidity of the wheel and tire combination.
What are the impacts of replacing 14 inch wheels with 16 inch?
As you know, you can replace the 14 inch wheels with the 16 inch wheels. But what are the impacts? Let’s know both the advantages and disadvantages of this replacement.
Advantages of replacing 14 inch wheels with 16 inch:
Here are some advantages of replacing 14 inch wheel with 16 inch wheel:
- More aesthetic appeal.
- Better handling and stability when cornering and heavy braking.
- More grip on all types of roads.
- Larger brake discs allow for shorter stopping distances and improved heat dissipation.
- Higher load capacity for heavier vehicles.
Disadvantages of replacing 14 inch wheels with 16 inch:
Here are some disadvantages of replacing 14 inch wheel with 16 inch wheel:
- Increased weight can affect performance and fuel economy.
- They are more expensive than standard-sized wheels.
- Reduction in acceleration and speed due to the additional weight.
On the whole, replacing 14-inch wheels with 16-inch ones is possible, but it comes with certain risks and drawbacks.
Comparison chart of 14 vs 16 inch wheels
When it’s about replacing 14 inch wheels with 16 inch wheels, you should know all the differentiating factors, so you can compare. Here is a chart below-
| Factor | 14 inch wheel | 16 inch wheel |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | Light | Heavy |
| Sidewall | More | Less |
| Smooth riding | More | Less |
| Fuel efficiency | More | Less |
| Speed | Better | Less |
| Look | Less appealing | More appealing |
| Overall control | Basic | Better |
| Grip | Less | More |
| Acceleration | Better | Hard |
| Impact on engine | Less | More |
Detail comparison of 14 vs 16 inch wheels
Here are the detailed comparison between 14-inch wheel and 16 inch wheel, regarding all the factors. Read thoroughly to know them.
Weight
- Bigger wheels are heavier than smaller ones.
- Wheels’ weight impacts the fuel economy.
The 14 inch wheels are smaller in comparison to the 16 inch wheels. So, the 16 inch wheel is heavier than the counterpart. The additional weight of the bigger wheel affects the performance and fuel economy.
Sidewall
- The sidewall or wheels means the thickness of the wheels.
- Bigger wheels have shorter sidewalls than bigger wheels.
The 16 inch wheel has a shorter sidewall than the 14 inch one. For that reason, 16 inch wheels are less comfortable than 14 inch ones. The difference is noticeable on road bumps, where you can feel the vibration.
Smooth riding
- The size of your wheel considerably affects the smoothness with which you can navigate and maneuver your vehicle.
- Smaller wheels provide more smooth riding experience.
The 14 inch wheels provide a smoother ride than 16 inch ones. This is due to the softer suspension setup of smaller wheels, which provides more cushioning. The larger 16-inch wheel can cause a harsher ride due to its stiffer setup.
Fuel efficiency
- Wheel size has a huge impact on fuel economy and mileage.
- As large the wheel is, the more fuel it consumes.
The 14 inch wheels are more efficient than 16 inch ones when it comes to fuel economy and mileage. This is because the lighter weight of the 14 inch wheel provides less resistance on the road, resulting in better efficiency.
Speed
- Wheel size has an impact on the speed of the vehicle.
- Bigger wheels always add extra weight to the vehicle, which impacts the speed.
The 14 inch wheels are lighter than the 16 inch ones, so they offer better speed. The extra weight of the larger wheel affects its acceleration and reduces its speed. However, the difference is not very noticeable in daily driving conditions.
Look
- Wheels have a considerable influence on the overall appeal of any vehicle.
- For luxury vehicles, larger wheels are typically pre-installed.
16 inch wheel provides a more luxurious and aesthetic look than 14 inch wheel. It gives your vehicle an upscale look and makes it stand out from the crowd. So, if you want to upgrade your ride with a more luxurious feel, 16 inch wheels are the way to go.
Grip
- Grip means the power of adhesion between the tire and the road surface.
- For more grip on the road, bigger wheels are preferred.
The 16 inch wheel offers better grip on all types of roads due to its larger contact patch. With a bigger wheel, you don’t need to worry about traction and control even in wet conditions. The increased size also allows for better handling and cornering.
Acceleration
- Ease of acceleration depends on wheel size.
- Smaller wheels give quicker and easy acceleration.
The 14 inch wheels boast quicker acceleration when compared to 16 inches due to their lighter weight and lesser rolling resistance. This will give the vehicle a superior boost in speed, resulting in an effortless driving experience.
In contrast, the bigger wheel’s extra heft impedes its ability to accelerate rapidly, which can cause it to take longer periods before reaching your desired velocity.
Impact on engine
- The size of your wheels directly influences the performance and efficiency of your engine.
- Bigger wheels have a higher fuel consumption rate, which puts extra strain on the engine.
The 16 inch wheel has a greater load than the 14 inch one, which causes extra strain on the engine. This leads to higher fuel consumption and lower overall performance. The bigger wheel may also cause premature wear and tear on the engine, resulting in costly repairs down the line.
However, smaller wheels are more lightweight and provide less strain on the engine, resulting in better fuel economy and increased performance.
How to replace 14 inch wheels with 16 inch?
Determined to update your wheel from a 14-inch one to 16 inches? Here’s a simple step-by-step guide on quickly and easily replacing it.
Step 1: Make sure your vehicle supports the 16-inch wheels. Check the manufacturer’s specs to make sure that the larger wheel won’t cause your vehicle to go faster or carry more weight than it was designed to.
Step 2: Remove the existing 14-inch wheels from the vehicle by loosening the lug nuts with a suitable wrench. Once all five nuts are off, you can lift the wheel off by hand.
Step 3: Clean the hubcap area to ensure that it’s free of dirt and debris before installing the new 16-inch wheel.
Step 4: Place the 16-inch wheel onto the hubcap and align it correctly with its lug nut holes. Use a torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts and make sure that they’re securely fastened.
Step 5: Mount the tire onto the 16-inch wheel rim with a suitable pressure gauge and inflate it to its recommended PSI level.
Step 6: Follow the same procedure for all four wheels, and then you can return to the road with your newly updated ride.
Read Also: Are Bigger Wheels Better for Off Road?
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences between 14 inch and 16 inch wheels?
To the casual observer, the distinction between 14 inch and 16 inch wheels may be limited to size. Yet when examined more closely, it becomes clear that this choice also significantly impacts performance and ride quality.
16 inch wheels provide superior grip, slower acceleration and increased engine strain. In contrast, 14 inch wheels offer more rapid acceleration, better fuel economy, and lighter weight.
What are the disadvantages of changing wheel size?
Changing wheel size has many drawbacks. The biggest drawback is poor fuel economy because larger wheels demand more energy to turn. Larger wheels increase rotational mass, which slows acceleration.
Increased wheel size can also cause speedometers to misread speed. Even larger wheels demand more effort to operate, accelerating drivetrain wear on axles and CV joints. Debris and potholes may harm tires with large wheels.
Does wheel size matter?
Yes, Wheel size always matters. Bigger wheels demand more power to operate, affecting performance and mileage.
Larger wheels move farther with each revolution, which affects speedometer accuracy. Due to higher friction from road contact, bigger wheels wear out faster and may need to be replaced more often.
Conclusion of Can I Replace 14 Inch Wheels With 16 Inch?
There is no one rule that can be used to figure out the best wheel size for any given vehicle. 16-inch wheels provide more road grip and a more elegant appearance than the smaller 14-inch wheels. But the bigger wheels also put more strain on your engine, which causes you to use more gas.
If you decide to upgrade your 14-inch wheels, simply follow the instructions outlined above, and you’ll have a brand-new look in no time. If you have more queries, you may also contact us.
