If you change your wheel size does it cause the speedometer to mis-read?

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If you change your wheel size does it cause the speedometer to mis-read?

In your reply to HH of Salford on 29 December you advised him to replace his 22-inch wheels with 18, 19 or 20-inch wheels. If he (or she) does that the speedometer and trip meter would be reading higher than they should be. The smaller the wheel the greater the error. Perhaps it would reduce the risk of being caught breaking the speed limit, but not very satisfactory on the whole.

Asked on 9 February 2013 by PH, Brixham, Devon

Answered by Honest John

No they wouldn't because the whole point is to keep the rolling circumference of the tyres the same. Going to a smaller rim size puts more tyre profile between the rims and the road and greatly benefits ride comfort, is less susceptible to damage and the tyres are much cheaper to replace.

Tags: wheels and tyres speedometer wheel sizes

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