Will larger tires affect speedometer accuracy, rubbing, or ride quality?

Upgrading to larger tires is one of the most popular modifications for trucks and SUVs, but it does come with a few things to be aware of. Here is what to expect when it comes to speedometer accuracy, rubbing, and ride quality after going to a bigger tire size.

Speedometer Accuracy

Larger tires have a bigger circumference than your factory tires, which means they cover more ground with each rotation. This can cause your speedometer to read slightly lower than your actual speed. The bigger the difference between your new tire size and your factory tire size, the more noticeable this discrepancy will be.

If speedometer accuracy is important to you, a tuner or recalibration tool can be used to correct the reading for your new tire size. Many local shops can handle this as well.

Rubbing

One of the most common concerns with larger tires is rubbing against the fenders, suspension components, or wheel wells. Whether or not you experience rubbing depends on several factors:

• The size difference between your new and factory tires
• Your wheel offset and backspacing
• Your suspension setup and ride height
• Whether your vehicle has been lifted or leveled

A properly lifted or leveled truck will generally have more room for larger tires without rubbing. If you choose an Easy Fit option through our guided fitment tool, rubbing should not be an issue. If you go with an Aggressive Fit option, some trimming may be required.

Always do a proper test fit before finalizing your installation to check for any clearance issues. Turn your steering wheel fully in both directions and check all four corners for contact with fenders and suspension components.

Ride Quality

Larger tires can affect your ride quality in a few different ways depending on the type of tire you choose:

• All-terrain tires: Offer a good balance of on-road comfort and off-road capability with minimal added noise
• Mud terrain tires: The aggressive tread pattern can create more road noise and a firmer ride on pavement, which is completely normal
• Larger overall tire size: A taller tire with more sidewall can actually absorb bumps better in some cases, while a wider tire may feel more planted and stable

Keep in mind that some additional vibration or road noise after installing larger, more aggressive tires is completely normal and not necessarily a sign of a problem.

Other things to consider

Going to a significantly larger tire size can also have some effects on your vehicle beyond ride quality and speedometer accuracy:

• Larger, heavier tires can slightly reduce fuel economy and acceleration
• Braking distances may be slightly affected with significantly larger tires
• Your suspension and drivetrain components may work a bit harder with larger, heavier tires installed

Not sure what tire size is right for your setup?

Use our guided fitment tool on our homepage to find the best options for your year, make, and model. You can also reach out to our sales team and we will be happy to help you find a tire size that looks great and works well for your specific vehicle and driving needs!