It may seem obvious, but a car’s wheels are extremely important to both the safety and performance of your Ford. Many models have different options available from the factory, and your Ford dealer can help you decide what’s right for you, whether you’re configuring a new vehicle or simply buying new tires.
As specialists in Ford vehicles, your local dealer can help you navigate the variables to ensure the best fit for your car, budget, and style.
Wheel and Tire Size
In general, the larger the diameter the wheels are, the lower the profile of the tires needs to be in order to fit within the wheel well. Low profile tires are stiffer, which can enhance handling at the expense of ride comfort. Larger wheels will also put more torque on the road, for better acceleration, but are also heavier and can impact fuel economy.
It’s easy to overlook the width of your wheels, since it’s not something that’s easy to see from the outside of your car. Wider wheels increase the contact patch (the amount of tire actually connecting your car to the road), which improves traction. The downside is that they decrease fuel economy. For this reason, you will often find narrower wheels on cars that target maximum efficiency, such as the electric Ford Mustang Mach-E.
Tire Speed Rating
All tires have a top-rated speed, which can be found on the tire’s sidewall markings in the form of a code from A to Z. In general, the further into the alphabet, the higher the speed rating. Each vehicle will have a recommended speed rating listed in the manual and/or decals. Tires with lower speed ratings are generally less expensive, but beware of the lowest ratings, which might not be suitable for sustained highway driving.
Seasonal Variation
New vehicles usually come equipped with all-season tires. This is fine for the majority of drivers, but you may need to switch to dedicated winter tires as the seasons change, depending on where you go. Winter tires have specialized tread and materials to provide enhanced traction in the cold and snow.
Picking the right wheels and tires for your Ford is a choice that should not be overlooked. Wheel size, environmental conditions, and how you drive are all important considerations to make sure you’re getting the most out of your vehicle. If you’re looking for advice on the best wheels and tires for your Ford, be sure to visit us at Chestatee Ford in Dahlonega, GA.
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