2020 Explorer Platinum Tire Downsize

[soundeditor76]

Hey guys, I wanted to get your expert opinion on whether I can downsize from 21 to 18 (losing 3 inches on the wheel diameter), will that impact only the speedometer, or will it impact traction control and other things?

I am asking this because I have the OEM 21's and need to throw on chains in the winter where I live (requirement), It seems 21" is a no-go for chains. I am thinking about buying 18" rims and throwing on smaller AT tires.

Thanks!

 

[themishmosh]

It won't affect anything if overall diameter is roughly the same. I run 255/65/18 in the winter.

 

[soundeditor76]

It won't affect anything if overall diameter is roughly the same. I run 255/65/18 in the winter.

Cool, I'm going with that tire size then, do you run chains on them?

 

[MikeHTally]

Wheel diameter alone is irrelevant. It's tire diameter that affects fuel mileage, torque and indicated speed.

 

[peterk9]

Cool, I'm going with that tire size then, do you run chains on them?

Welcome to the Forum.
That size is a perfect match for 255/55R20. For winter you may want to try a narrower tire width. A 245/55R18 is about 1/2 in narrower and still falls within the 3% maximum diameter variance at -1.6%. I believe that many of those that have gone with an 18" wheel bought the 18" steel police interceptor wheels which are not cheap unless you are in Canada.

2020-2023 Ford Spare Wheel LB5Z-1015-B | Auto Nation Ford White Bear Lake

2020-2023 Ford part # LB5Z-1015-B - Spare Wheel

parts.autonationfordwhitebearlake.com

Peter

 

[soundeditor76]

Welcome to the Forum.
That size is a perfect match for 255/55R20. For winter you may want to try a narrower tire width. A 245/55R18 is about 1/2 in narrower and still falls within the 3% maximum diameter variance at -1.6%. I believe that many of those that have gone with an 18" wheel bought the 18" steel police interceptor wheels which are not cheap unless you are in Canada.

2020-2023 Ford Spare Wheel LB5Z-1015-B | Auto Nation Ford White Bear Lake

2020-2023 Ford part # LB5Z-1015-B - Spare Wheel

parts.autonationfordwhitebearlake.com

Peter

I actually have the 275/45R21, would that make a difference in the calculation.

 

[peterk9]

I actually have the 275/45R21, would that make a difference in the calculation.

That would still only be a 1% difference. The tire width would go from 10.8" to 10". This is the site I use most often 275/45 R21 vs 255/65 R18 Tire Size Comparison Table with Graphic Visualization (inch difference)

Peter

 

[soundeditor76]

That would still only be a 1% difference. The tire width would go from 10.8" to 10". This is the site I use most often 275/45 R21 vs 255/65 R18 Tire Size Comparison Table with Graphic Visualization (inch difference)

Peter

Great thanks!

 

[jr230]

just watch that your brake calaper has clearance find manfacture on rotar size. but of pd models have 18 more likely 18 work and theres 2 bdementions on wheela wheel diamater overall tire diamater and wheel with. a 75 aspect tire is taller than 65 aspect . tall rims with 45 can be shorter than small diamater wuth 75 s i had a s 10 205 75 15 stock, previous owner put mags 255 45 17 same overall highth but wider. harsher ride but handled better but both wore out fast