Tire size vs wheel width

[bjkadron]

Ran into this recently and wanted to post it because I know for handling situations a lot of people lean towards "What is the widest tire I can fit on my wheel?"
Here is a link to a tire-rack test: Tire test Where they compared different width tires on various width wheels. I posted the main results below as pictures but all the subjective results are in the video.

I think the fact that the wider tires were slower in some situations has to do with the weight and power of the test car. So keep that in mind.

 

[mvh]

The data tables in the Tire Rack tire description pages also list the manufacturers recommended rim widths for each size of tire.

 

[DionR]

I would guess the issue with the widest tire on the rim not being the fastest is because the tire is pinched and probably loses some tread contact with the asphalt. Plus, the tread is probably able to squirm more sideways on the wheel compared to a narrower tire that better fits the rim. Just my theories though.

 

[bjkadron]

The data tables in the Tire Rack tire description pages also list the manufacturers recommended rim widths for each size of tire.

Yep, this is just to add some clarity on which end of that range is best.

I would guess the issue with the widest tire on the rim not being the fastest is because the tire is pinched and probably loses some tread contact with the asphalt. Plus, the tread is probably able to squirm more sideways on the wheel compared to a narrower tire that better fits the rim. Just my theories though.

Agree. Makes sense when you consider the subjective responses too.

 

[273]

From what I understand is optimal width is mainly do to heat, more heat you create the wider the tire you need to dissipate it, similar to rotor sizes.

So if your not asking much out of your tires you probably don't much width and tire compound will probably make a bigger difference for most.