Can Oversize Tires Damage a Transmission?

Are large tires good for your transmission?

A car's transmission connects your engine to your wheels. If the transmission is overwhelmed and damaged due to oversize tires, the wheels will not receive the proper output from your engine, note experts at HandymanUSA.

Manufacturer Standard

The right size tire for the right size car.

Bowles Automotive in Mooresville, North Carolina, advises keeping the size tires originally installed on the vehicle, as you will get the best performance by conforming to manufacturing standards. However, if the power of oversize tires is required, such as in inclement weather or a rough terrain, you should be able to ride on oversize tires safely.

Oversize Affects

You will not go as far, nor as fast, on oversize tires.

With oversize tires, you will not be able to drive as fast, mileage may be lower and you will see more wear on the transmission and gears due to the extra weight. However, if oversize tires are used sparingly, such as seasonally, these changes should be non-damaging.

Slight Size Changes

If the transmssion goes, your car is in major trouble.

CarsDirect reports that you can use oversize tires with little difficulty if it's a size or two higher than normal. If tires any larger than that are used without first modifying the vehicle, the transmission is more likely to break down.

References

• HandymanUSA: Transmission Clunking, Poor Shifting
• CarsDirect: How to Pick the Best Mud Tires for Your Situation
• Bowles Automotive: Tires
• TrieRack: Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems

Resources

• Smogtips: Transmission Trouble Codes