Dear brothers
I finally found and reserve 'the only Yukon XL 2008 new car with all the specifications & options I like ’ . However, one thing is disturbing me : It has 20-inch aluminum wheels. My question is : what is the advantage and disadvantage of such
20-inch wheel, and why it was made “as a better option!” replacing the 18-inch wheel.
Thank you.
Looks(or better yet that term bling), there is no functional value to getting into those sizes.
It depends on your use for the Yukon. Larger wheels are more prone to damage when used roughly. But, if it’s cornering and cool looks that will seldom if ever go off road and you don’t mind the slighly stiffer ride or the more expensive replacement tires, go for it.
Otherwise, you could trade “down” for wheels and tires on a existing model on the lot.
The advantage is your car will look ghetto.
Ditto!
If one aspires to look like an urban purveyor of illicit substances, those big wheels and ultra low-profile tires are ideal. On the other hand, if one wants practical wheels and tires that are resistant to damage from potholes, those wheels and the related tires are more of a curse than anything.
Tell the dealer that you will only take the car if they lose the silly wheels. They will be able to sell them to some idiot at a profit, so they will probably agree to swap them out.
I have to agree the real reason for them is the ghetto look. Frankly I think they look silly, but they are not on my car so you should not care what I think about the looks.
They will be more prone to damage. If you hit a pot hole, they can easily bend the rim. They may be a pain to keep looking good and they are actually weaker than steel rims - only the very expensive racing alloy wheels are stronger.
On the other side they will give you more road feel. If you are into performance, that is good. If you are into a silky smooth ride, that is bad.
However remember that a set of wheels and tyres are not all that expensive and if you take the OEM’s off as soon as you buy it, you should be able to sell them for a good price.
In general, a larger diameter wheel allows bigger calipers and rotors. I’m not sure about your particular application. Consult dealer. But just wait till you ruin one of those wheels in a pothole and price out a new one.
I have a car with larger alloy wheels. I would rather have steel wheels. The ride is harsh and any large bump or pothole will terminate a wheel. A friend collected from at least two highway contractors as he continually had to replace his wheels on a ZX while navigating construction on the roadway. The only possible benefit is they may be a little lighter than steel, resulting in less unsprung weight. Hardly worth it.
It’s a looks thing. Whether it’s going to be subject to damage at every pothole is largely going to be a function of the tire size that’s mounted on them. And whether you pay attemtion to the road ahead. I’ve been driving around in the northeast, land of potholes, on alloy wheels with 215x45/17 tires since 2005 without damage.
Alloy wheels have no real advantage over steel wheels except looks. Mine came on the car. I would not have ordered them as an option. But when I was a younger man I did put fancy aluminum wheels on my car. And I did like the look.
the 20 inch wheels have a 55 series while the 17s have 70 series, atleast with the 07, tirerack doesn’t list the Yukon for 08, though the 18s should be a 65 series
If you want to keep the 20" but get steel 18" or smaller…I have a 4 Runner that came with the larger 17" alloys. For winters, with research the dealer wouldn’t help me with, I find out it has the Tundra fron suspension. Therefore, steel Tundra !6" which were quite cheap, fit as well with 70 instead of 65 series. Moral…don’t limit your search to just the Yukon line…any large truck made by GM that year is worth a look.
a 55 aspect ratio on a Yukon size tire, which must have a section width of at least 215 mm, should be fine with an attentive driver on board.
The chart I looked at showed a 60 series tire on the 18" and a 45 series tire on the 20s.
That’s a huge differerence in ride comfort and as mentioned, it was done as a sales gimmick by providing the “hood” look.
Personally, I have no desire for a 35 through 45 series tire since it rides rougher on average, wheels are more prone to damage, etc.
You can see how the enthusiasm for these wheels can wear off pretty quick by checking Craigslist. There’s droves of used 20s and 22s for sale.
You could apply a little leverage on the sale by telling them you will take the vehicle if they will put a set of 18s on and allow you to keep the 20s.
Once home, put the 20s up for sale. Some wannabe gangsta will probably jump on them.
The only possible benefit is they may be a little lighter than steel, resulting in less unsprung weight.
Most are really heavier. The very very expensive ones used on non-street legal racing cars tend to be lighter. The street look-alikes are not the same thing.
andrew j Is right you dont need to change those rims to bigger rims because when you need to change the tires some tires range up to 400$ on 20 inch rims, and the other reason is that in my opinion if the truck is 4x4 you cant really use it anymore because you have to be carful not to bust them, and it is a real pain to park the truck because you might scrath the rims and finally the truck will attract thives.
If someone were into performance and road feel, WTH would they be considering a sumo-class SUV in the first place?