Can I change my tires to add more sidewall without changing rims?

[MoJo]

Hi there!

As title states I would like to add more sidewall to make the cushioning of the tire better while not having to change the rims of the car. I could purchase tires for the car from any website to fit but I was wondering if it would mess up any instruments or even mess with the clearance of the tire in the wheel well.

I am currently running stock 19" on my '19 GT.

Thanks to anyone who took the time to look into this!

 

[MerlintheMad]

The manual says don't do that. The reasons are all those that you mentioned. If you're going to go with more sidewall, you need a smaller wheel; then caliper/strut clearance becomes the issue, requiring spacers to make clearance possible. Kia just says don't mess with changing wheels and tires sizes: they would say that, since this all gets into warranty denial territory (and I'm sure also that they want you to enjoy your car, not mess it up).

(Welcome "into the open", by the way. )

 

[Aarvix]

Meh my tires are about 1" larger OD than stock, no issues (I went with bigger wheels and upsized the tires to keep the sidewall the same).

Your handling will probably suffer and your speedo will be off, but not the end of the world.

 

[SoCalSHO]

Check out 1010tires.com, they have a tire size calculator that will show your options. Tire Size Calculator - Tire and Wheel Plus Sizing

 

[M'Kehyah]

I went with new 19" rims with all four 225/45/19 (versus 225/40/19 (f) stock) to have more sidewall (close the wheel well gap). No issues at all! Fits just fine.

Do it.