From cruising through the wide-open desert to making your way up a rocky mountain trail, if you’re a Jeep owner, then you know that having the right set of wheels and tires is essential to enjoying the full potential of your off-roading experience. But with so many different tire sizes and types on the market, choosing the perfect combo and finding the right tire aspect ratio for your Jeep can seem like a daunting task.
Not to worry, 4WP is here to help. In this Jeep owner’s guide to choosing a wheel and tire combo, we’ll teach you everything you need to know about how tire sizes work, what the different aspects of a tire mean, and how to find the best tire size for your Jeep.
How Tire & Wheel Sizing Works
One of the most common questions 4WP gets from Jeep owners is, “How do tire sizes work?” But to answer that question, there are a few more things you need to know about how tire sizing works.
Tire diameters are measured in inches. The first number you’ll see on a tire size is the diameter, followed by the width. For example, a 33×12.50 tire like Mickey Thompson Baja Legend EXP would be 33 inches in diameter and 12.50 inches wide.
The next measurement you’ll see is the aspect ratio. This is calculated by taking the tire’s width and dividing it by the tire’s height. The aspect ratio is represented by a percentage and usually falls between 30 and 75. A lower aspect ratio (closer to 30) means that the sidewall of the tire is smaller, while a higher aspect ratio (closer to 75) means that the sidewall is bigger, therefore increasing comfort and off-road ability.
Lastly, you have the wheel diameter. This is the measurement of the wheel itself and is usually between 15 and 22 inches. The wheel diameter, combined with the tire’s width and aspect ratio, will determine how tall or short your tires are.
If that sounds like you’re taking high school math all over again, don’t worry, 4WP has you covered. You can get in touch with one of our off-roading experts, who will help you choose the right size tire and wheel combo for your Jeep.
Wheels, on the other hand, are measured in diameter and width. For example, a 15×8 wheel would be 15 inches in diameter and 8 inches wide. The wider the wheel, the better it is for stability and traction.
When it comes to wheels, choosing the right offset is also a crucial step for getting a perfect fit. The offset is the distance from the hub mounting surface to the centerline of the wheel. A negative offset means the hub mounting surface is closer to the inside of the wheel, while a positive offset is when it’s closer to the outside of the vehicle.
What Different Sizes Can Provide
As you might have guessed, wheels and tires come in all different shapes and sizes (as long as they’re round). But what you might not know is that each size offers its own set of benefits and drawbacks.
For example, a smaller wheel like a 15×8 like the Mickey Thompson Sidebiter II will be lighter and allow you to run a bigger sidewall tire than a larger wheel like a 20×9. This can benefit off-roading because it reduces the unsprung weight and can help you get that much-needed traction.
Larger rims, on the other hand, can offer better ground clearance and help give your Jeep that great stance and aggressive look. Just keep in mind that you might have to sacrifice some tire size if you go too big.
Tips For Choosing the Right Wheel / Tire Combo
Now that you know a little bit more about how tire and wheel sizing works, it’s time to start thinking about the different types of tires on the market and what they can offer your Jeep. The tips listed below will be crucial to choosing the right wheel and tire combo for your ride.
Where Are You Going?
Consider what type of off-roading you’ll be doing. Is rock crawling over obstacles your thing? Or maybe you prefer bashing through mud pits? Answering this question will help you determine what size tire and wheel you need.
For example, if you’re planning on doing a lot of rock crawling, then a smaller wheel like a 15×8 with taller sidewalls is going to give you the clearance and traction, mud bogging, dunes, and so on.
Get a Grip
Choose a tire with the right tread pattern for your needs. You wouldn’t go mountain climbing with a pair of basketball shoes. The same goes for off-roading. You need a tire with the right tread pattern to grip the terrain.
Mud tires, like the Nitto Mud Grappler, are designed for, you guessed it, mud! The deep tread and aggressive sidewalls will help you power through the muck and get to your destination.
Sand tires, like the Mickey Thompson Baja MTZ P3, on the other hand, have a more open tread pattern that helps to prevent sinking and gives you the traction you need to cruise through the sand.
Think About Your Budget
Getting the best of the best can be tempting, but it’s important to consider your budget when choosing a wheel and tire combo. There are plenty of great options on the market that won’t break the bank.
The bottom line is that you don’t need the most expensive tires and wheels to have a great time off-roading. Just do your research, find a combo that fits your budget, and enjoy the ride.
Get the Right Size
When it comes to choosing a wheel and tire combo, size does matter. Wondering how to find tire size? It’s actually pretty simple. A quick glance at the sidewall of the tire will give you all the information you need.
And of course, when it comes to getting the look you want, choosing the right size is essential. A bigger wheel can give your Jeep a more aggressive stance, while a smaller wheel can help you get the clearance and traction you need for off-roading.
Now that you know a little bit more about choosing the right wheel and tire combo for your Jeep, it’s time to start shopping around. 4WP has a great selection of options to choose from. So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and start exploring!
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