Picking between 18" and 20" wheels can be a challenge - especially as both options have their own set of advantages and potential drawbacks dependent on your driving style!
Follow along TuffAnt's comprehensive guide for picking the best option for you.
Where are you primarily driving?
Are you mostly in the city?
20 inch wheel often come with lower profile tyres, which enhance the vehicle’s handling characteristics by reducing sidewall flex and results in more precise steering and better cornering stability, especially at higher speeds. This can be a real advantage for regular roads!
18-inch wheels allow for a taller tyre sidewall, which provides better cushioning over rough terrain and reduces the risk of tyre damage. The larger sidewall also means better deflection and traction on uneven surfaces like rocks, mud, and sand.
What car have you got?
If you have a Defender v8 or Range Rover then 20" wheels will be the most practical option for your car given the size of the brakes and rotors.
What look are you going for?
18-inch wheels tend to give your Land Rover a more rugged and utilitarian look, which aligns with its off-road capabilities and appear more purposeful when paired with all-terrain tyres.
If you’re going for a more stylish or aggressive look, 20-inch wheels might be the better choice. They fill out the wheel arches more completely, which gives the vehicle a more commanding road presence.
Do you need brake upgrades?
If you have New Defender D300* or P400* you will need to upgrade your brakes to fit 18" wheels.
When considering an upgrade to 18” wheels for your Land Rover, you may be wondering the impact on the vehicle's warranty, insurance, and performance. Fortunately, completing all four required steps—Brakes, Fitting, Certification, and Wheels—ensures that your factory warranty remains intact and your insurance is unaffected, provided you notify your insurer of any modifications. The upgrade retains the original braking performance, as it uses the same rotors and brake pads, validated through ADR Level 1 testing. For convenience, TuffAnt offers a streamlined one-step solution at select locations, where they handle the entire process for you, except choosing your new tyres. It’s important to note that this certification process must be performed at an approved service location and cannot be done independently.
So, why not 19-inch wheels?
Although this may seem like the perfect compromise, the tyre options for 19 inch wheels are not at the same quality and do not have the same availablity as their 18" and 20" counterparts. Further, sourcing them in remote places is next to impossible, and there are no good options for offroading.
Overall, the right choice is the best one for your individual preferences! We're always happy to chat about options so give us a call for expert advice.
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