Will Oversized Tires Void Your Warranty?
There are all kinds of upgrades for your vehicle to enhance its performance and make it capable of conquering various terrains. A tire upgrade is a common modification for vehicles, but before you decide to go for this kind of upgrade, it is essential to know a few things. For example, will oversized tires void your warranty? How do you ensure you can improve your car’s performance without having your warranty claim denied? This guide explores this topic to help protect your investment.
Key Points
• Oversized tires will impact the vehicle’s performance, which may impact warranty coverage.
• Oversized tires have better off-road capabilities and improved aesthetics
• Oversized tires may damage specific vehicle components and increase fuel consumption
• Understanding your vehicle manufacturer’s guidelines is important when considering tire modifications
Will Oversized Tires Void Your Warranty?
The short answer is NO. Larger or oversized tires will not void your entire warranty. But as with any guidelines, there are factors you need to understand and consider to avoid such a problem.
If the larger tires cause damage to your vehicle, such as a dent or a component going out prematurely due to increased angle or stress from the bigger tires, that can void your warranty. However, the burden to prove that the modification to a bigger tire caused the problem is on the insurance provider. For example, if the bigger tire damaged the driveshaft, axle shafts, or wheel bearings, then your warranty for these parts may be voided, but they cannot void the entire warranty for the vehicle.
This is why it is important to refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations on tire selection and sizing for your vehicle to avoid voiding the warranty, for your vehicle’s performance, and for your safety.
Pros & Cons of Having Oversized Tires
Assuming you have done your research about your vehicle manufacturer’s tire recommendations and the specifications for the tires, then you need to understand the advantages and disadvantages of an oversized tire.
Pros
Improved Traction
Bigger tires have larger rubber and treads. This means more contact patches with the road. The more contact patch your tire has, the better the grip. This means your vehicle will have an improved handle and traction on a straight road. The increased contact patch means less chance of hydroplaning or skidding.
Moreover, bigger tires have wider and stiffer sidewalls. This will help the tire from flexing at high speed, helping your vehicle’s stability through uneven surfaces.
Higher Ground Clearance For Better Off-Road Performance
If you are looking to go off-road with your vehicle, a bigger set of tires will add a couple or more ground clearance to your vehicle. This is extremely helpful in climbing rocky and steep terrains, shallow water, etc.
The deeper and broader treads of all-terrain or max-traction tires also have a grip on loose and uneven terrains and can tackle sharp rocks, etc. Use this guide on mud tires vs all terrain tires to find the right tires for your offroading needs.
Shorter Braking Distance
Since oversized tires have more contact patch with the road, it has higher friction. This allows the vehicle to stop at a shorter distance, which means better braking performance. However, for improved braking, there should be a good balance of the rubber compound. Tires with harder compounds don’t offer enough grip, while soft compounds can be too sticky and wears out sooner.
Improved Aesthetics
Oversized tires, which is usually paired with bigger rims and higher suspension, adds aesthetic appeal to your vehicle. While some people opt to upgrade their tires for off-roading, some choose big wheels for the looks and style as it is one way to add curb appeal for the vehicle.
Cons
Increased Fuel Consumption
All those extra rubber and increased contact patches with the road mean added weight for the vehicle. This added weight requires more engine power to spin, which means increased fuel consumption. Also, the engine will have to work harder during acceleration and at higher speeds. If your vehicle has a powerful enough engine, then the increase in fuel consumption may be negligible. Moreover, modern wheels made with aluminum and magnesium alloy can help keep the overall weight of the vehicle down.
Change In Handling
The increase in height from larger and oversized tires also means higher center of gravity for the vehicle, not to mention the lifting required to accommodate bigger wheels. The change in center of gravity affects the vehicle’s handling by increasing the body roll and load transfer. Vehicles with bigger tires may suffer less stability when braking and cornering, especially at high speed. Moreover, the increased contact patch of the rubber on the road can make the steering a little harder, plus the added weight can weigh the vehicle’s steering down at low speed.
Poor Acceleration and Lower Top Speed
A bigger tire (those with larger and taller diameter) will affect the vehicle’s final drive ratio, slowing the vehicle’s acceleration and top speed. Not to mention the added weight from more rubber and more friction from the increased contact patch to the road. It is said that every inch of increase in tire size from the original diameter or height, could decrease the vehicle’s top speed from 1 to 2 miles per hour.
The Bottom Line
Upgrading your vehicle’s tires to an oversized set of tires can have plenty of benefits, not to mention the improved aesthetic appeal. However, it also has its drawbacks, which you need to consider. Suppose you are looking to change your tires to bigger ones. In that case, it is crucial that you follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on the maximum size tires for your vehicle to avoid voiding its warranty, for your vehicle’s performance and longevity, and more importantly, driving experience and safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do bigger tires increase gas consumption?
Absolutely, yes. Larger tires are heavier, have more contact patches, and have higher rolling resistance, requiring more engine power. The harder your engine works, the more fuel it consumes.
Do bigger tires give better ride?
Generally, bigger tires, especially those with thicker treads, will make a stiffer ride. However, depending on the tire’s specifics (such as the rubber compound and dimensions) will contribute to smoother ride quality and better handling and stability.
Are bigger tires bad for vehicle’s transmission?
While bigger tires don’t have many negative effects on the engine components, the story can be different for the transmission. Bigger and heavier tires may cause more stress to the transmission, especially to the bands and clutches.
