[skwks]

Some posters have suggested replacing the 20" tires on the I6 SEL and Limited with 18".

I like the idea, but am wondering about the effect this would have on the speedometer/odometer, and the antilock braking system, and perhaps suspension and steering.
The speedo/odo would both be reading high (since each wheel rotation covers less distance than what the sensors and displays were calibrated for), and the ABS uses wheel speed as an input.

Does anyone know whether this can be recalibrated -- by the dealer, or maybe by an aftermarket software fix?

 

[Pontanius Black]

ABS/ESP propably won't mind. It's more about difference in speed than real speed vs. measured speed.

But you could just find tires for the 18" that matches the circumference of the 20" wheels, which would be the correct way of doing it.
Also, don't pick tires that are too narrow, as that could have unwanted or even dangerous consequences on your steering and handling.

 

[dpc166]

Yup, this in post #2. Just get as close to if not match the circumference of the 20" wheel and tire combo on the 18" wheel (bigger sidewall tire on the 18" wheel) and you're good to go.

 

[skwks]

Yup, this in post #2. Just get as close to if not match the circumference of the 20" wheel and tire combo on the 18" wheel (bigger sidewall tire on the 18" wheel) and you're good to go.

Thanks. It turns out that the 225/55/R18 has the same circumference as the 245/40/R20. But the 18 is 8.9" wide vs. the 20's 9.6". Since the cars are the same except for trim, shouldn't the difference in width not make much difference in handling, etc.?
(A good website for comparing tires is at Tire Size Comparison)

 

[dpc166]

Thanks. It turns out that the 225/55/R18 has the same circumference as the 245/40/R20. But the 18 is 8.9" wide vs. the 20's 9.6". Since the cars are the same except for trim, shouldn't the difference in width not make much difference in handling, etc.?
(A good website for comparing tires is at Tire Size Comparison)

Yeah, a width difference that small isn't going to affect handling much and you will have less rolling resistance and drag with skinnier tires. I think the overall unsprung weight difference between 18 and 20" is the biggest factor (probably saves about 30 lbs in weight).

 

[Theblackstig]

Some posters have suggested replacing the 20" tires on the I6 SEL and Limited with 18".

I like the idea, but am wondering about the effect this would have on the speedometer/odometer, and the antilock braking system, and perhaps suspension and steering.
The speedo/odo would both be reading high (since each wheel rotation covers less distance than what the sensors and displays were calibrated for), and the ABS uses wheel speed as an input.

Does anyone know whether this can be recalibrated -- by the dealer, or maybe by an aftermarket software fix?

Before you do any of that you need the car, and you need to know why the 18's are more efficient. Is it weight, Foot print, the overall OD?

 

[HandyAndy]

There's an excellent video here which is relevant to this discussion.
H do have an 18" combo for the Ioniq 6, but for some reason aren't offering this in UK! I've read in the past that the tyre mfrs will do a special deal to supply expensive low-profile tyres as OEM fitting, this way they have the customer locked into expensive replacements when time comes to replace them!

Also the low-profile (20") ones tend to be very grippy rubber (high Rolling Resistance), very sporty etc, while the 18" are a less grippy, softer feeling tyres, but with a much lower rolling resistance, so aimed at the eco-gentle-driver guys.

 

[dpc166]

There's an excellent video here which is relevant to this discussion.
H do have an 18" combo for the Ioniq 6, but for some reason aren't offering this in UK! I've read in the past that the tyre mfrs will do a spcial deal to supply expensive low-profile tyres as OEM fitting, this way they have the customer locked into expensive replacements when time comes to replace them!

Also the low-profile (20") ones tend to be very grippy rubber (high Rolling Resistance), very sporty etc, while the 18" are a less grippy, softer feeling tyres, but with a much lower rolling resistance, so aimed at the eco-gentle-driver guys.

Yeah, it's a great video and I did this comparison calculation with my Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid between the stock 18" wheels and going down to 17" wheels. It wasn't quite enough difference to go out and buy 17" wheels, but would be nice if the car came with that size.

 

[Theblackstig]

Width is the real issue I think.

On my bolt I actually upsized a smidge with my winter tires but they are also a little bit narrower. They are freaking heavy but I can still squeak out 4mi/KWH with the heat off in 45-55 weather. I would expect close to the same on the oe tire

My 18" summer rims and tires will be the same width and over all height as the factory 17" rims and tires but it will much lighter than the OE setup.

I'm curious to see how that plays out but if I can get the 4.5-5.5 MI/kwh during nice weather I'd be super happy. Also a a flat 6 second 0-60 will be nice too.

 

[Deanoldo]

So, this is kind of an unrelated and possibly stupid question, but since these undoubtedly don't have a spare tire, do you just get a couple of cans of fix-a-flat? Other cars I've owned that didn't come with a spare had run-flat tires. I'm assuming EVs don't since the run-flats weigh a ton...

 

[Theblackstig]

So, this is kind of an unrelated and possibly stupid question, but since these undoubtedly don't have a spare tire, do you just get a couple of cans of fix-a-flat? Other cars I've owned that didn't come with a spare had run-flat tires. I'm assuming EVs don't since the run-flats weigh a ton...

My car (chevy bolt) came with factory self seals, but honestly I keep a plug kit and and cheap amazon tire inflator. I drive a lot and have had a lot of cars but I've personally never had anything more than a nail.

 

[asterix2112]

A guy from Switzerland just posted 2 videos on YouTube testing the car (1 hr and 30 min, in English, great videos). The thing that REALLY annoyed me is that he was driving a fully loaded Limited AWD with 18" wheels! So in some countries (Switzerland at least) you can get 18" wheels on the Limited. But not USA, no....

(Wonder if it might have to do with Switzerland being mountainous with snow, and 18" are more all season...)

 

[Theblackstig]

A guy from Switzerland just posted 2 videos on YouTube testing the car (1 hr and 30 min, in English, great videos). The thing that REALLY annoyed me is that he was driving a fully loaded Limited AWD with 18" wheels! So in some countries (Switzerland at least) you can get 18" wheels on the Limited. But not USA, no....

(Wonder if it might have to do with Switzerland being mountainous with snow, and 18" are more all season...)

Or the roads suck, Americans like there bling though lol, I'm already planning 19's for my car and maybe steelies for the winter?

 

[theSeb]

Roads don’t suck in Switzerland. Can confirm. Their police do.

 

[Theblackstig]

Roads don’t suck in Switzerland. Can confirm. Their police do.

I wasn't sure but I assumed so because of the amount of snow.

 

[JmbIoniq5]

I have narrow 18 lightweight forged wheels on my Tesla Model 3P - Summer set, wide with sporty/sticky tires, still better range than stock. Then I have a narrow set with dedicated winter tires for trips to the mountains - even with winter rubber, the 3P gets range like the regular long range. It's all about less wind resistance for smaller diameter and and width, then weight and rubber compounds. And the narrow width (7.5") for real snow driving is better for traction, you are not floating/slipping on top of snow. Even in the stuff going on in Tahoe this winter, no issues whatsoever with traction. I want an Ioniq 6 and the very first thing I would change out is the same type of wheel setup that I have for my Tesla. It makes a huge difference.

 

[zamafir]

There's an excellent video here which is relevant to this discussion.
H do have an 18" combo for the Ioniq 6, but for some reason aren't offering this in UK! I've read in the past that the tyre mfrs will do a special deal to supply expensive low-profile tyres as OEM fitting, this way they have the customer locked into expensive replacements when time comes to replace them!

Also the low-profile (20") ones tend to be very grippy rubber (high Rolling Resistance), very sporty etc, while the 18" are a less grippy, softer feeling tyres, but with a much lower rolling resistance, so aimed at the eco-gentle-driver guys.

Thanks for posting, literally everything EE tackles is amazing!!