Going Big On Your Wheels And Tyres?
New Zealanders have a strong affinity for their 4×4 vehicles. Whether it’s heading out with the boat on the weekend, taking it off-road for a good old kiwi adventure, or just hauling your stuff around town for work – we do love our four wheel drive vehicles!
Given the suitable terrain and landscape, one of the most common modifications people undertake on their 4x4s is upgrading to larger wheels and tyres. This type of modification enhances off-road performance, increases ground clearance, and provides a more aggressive appearance. However, this seemingly straightforward adjustment can involve numerous considerations.
If you are wanting bigger wheels and tyres for your vehicle, there are two primary factors to consider…will it fit? And is it legal?
4×4 Tyre Upgrades
Many 4 wheel drive vehicles permit minor plus-size adjustments to the width and profile of tyres, and the same principle applies to wheels, where the key values are wheel width and offset. If you go too big, you risk the tyres rubbing against your guards. Choosing a wide, low offset wheel may result in the fitment protruding beyond your guards. Choosing the right off-road tyre is important for your application, here are some 4×4 tyre upgrade tips to get you started.
- All Terrain Tyres (A/T): Suitable for paved roads with good grip with moderate driving on dirt, gravel, sand, and light mud.
- Rough Or Rugged Terrain Tyres (R/T): A more aggressive tyre compared to the A/T tyre, provides enhanced capability in challenging off-road environments while providing a respectable level of comfort on-road.
- Mud Terrain Tyres (M/T) AKA mud tyres or muddies, this tyre type is intended for extreme off-roading scenarios, where you will encounter rocks, deep mud and loose dirt. While they excel in the rough stuff, M/T’s are known for being the least comfortable for on-road driving. These types of tyres are characterised by their thicker and more aggressive design, featuring widely spaced treads for superior grip on loose surfaces. The sidewalls are typically reinforced and puncture-resistant for added durability.
Tyre Sizing Recommendations
You can increase your tyre size by 5% from the factory-installed tyre size without needing certification. Any increase beyond this will require certification, provided that the wheel and tyre fit appropriately within the guards.
In certain situations, you may need to add flares to accommodate this upgrade, which typically does not require certification as long as the wheels and tyres do not extend more than 25mm beyond the unmodified original body panels.
Wheel Upgrades
To complement the 4×4 tyre selection, suitable wheels must also be chosen. Durable steel and alloy wheels are commonly used on 4×4 vehicles, offering maximum strength and compatibility with these tyres.
- Steel Wheels: These are highly durable and more cost-effective and are the preferred choice for challenging terrains, but can be quite heavy, which may negatively impact fuel economy.
- Heavy Duty Alloy Wheels: These are more often lighter than steel and provide a broader range of styles. They enhance driving performance and fuel efficiency but may be more expensive, and some designs may be less resilient to harsh terrains.
Wheel Sizing Recommendations
The most popular diameter sizes for 4×4 offroaders range from 14 to 17 inches, providing a good balance of tyre sidewall for optimal grip levels.
The smaller the diameter size of your wheels, the higher the tyre sidewall profile will be. Conversely, larger diameter wheels correspond to a thinner, lower profile sidewall.
4×4 Suspension Lifts
A common upgrade when enhancing your wheels and tyres on a 4×4 is to invest in a suspension lift. You can legally raise your suspension by up to 50mm, and any increase beyond this will require Low Volume Vehicle certification, along with body lifts, aftermarket control arms, or air-assisted suspension.
For further advice on suspension lifts and the NZ regulations, please get in touch with Mag & Turbo or consult the Low Volume Vehicle Technical Association.
At Mag & Turbo, we have been assisting our customers for over 30 years in making informed choices regarding their wheel and tyre upgrades. We specialise in tailored advice best suited to your individual preferences and driving needs. Don’t hesitate to give us a call to discuss your 4×4 tyre and wheel upgrades today!
