Getting the Right Tires and Wheels in Sterling Heights
June 2, 2019
A lot of people get custom wheels in Sterling Heights. When you do this yourself (over the internet . . .) you could run into trouble if you're not careful. Sometimes, once they're mounted, they just don't fit right. The tires rub in turns or on bumps. You don't want that.
Consulting your Sterling Tire & Auto tire professional can ensure you get the right fit. First he'll ask you a series of questions about your Sterling Heights driving needs and what you want in your new wheels. Now, not every wheel can go on every car. Care must be taken so that tires and wheels are not too large or that the wheel is centered too far towards the outside or the inside so the tires rub.
If you don't want to make any modifications to your vehicle, you would need to focus on the wheels that would fit. With trucks, some people in Sterling Heights like much bigger tires so they need a suspension lift.
Also, most Sterling Heights drivers don't realize that you need to keep the rolling diameter of your new tires – the overall height of the tire – very close to what came from the factory in order for your vehicle's anti-lock brakes and stability control systems to work properly.
The computers that control these systems are calibrated to a certain size tire. When you go bigger or smaller, the computer doesn't know what changes you made so it can't tell how fast you're going. This, of course, means it sends commands to the brakes and traction control that are based on the wrong speed. If you go with a different rolling diameter, your vehicle engine control computer can be reprogrammed for the new tire size.
Either way, there are hundreds of wheel and tire choices to choose from in Michigan. You can pick the style of wheel you want and then talk with your friendly and knowledgeable Sterling Tire & Auto tire professional about how big the wheel should be – and how to select the right tire for your vehicle. Your Sterling Tire & Auto service advisor will help you find the best tire to meet your style, performance, ride and handling needs in Sterling Heights.
Sterling Tire & Auto
34701 Van Dyke Rd
Sterling Heights, Michigan 48312
586-264-7775
Need Service?
More articles from Sterling Tire & Auto
The Car Fluid Most Drivers Forget—And Why It Matters
August 23, 2026
Heres an automotive part you might not be familiar withthe differential. Its a component that transfers power from the driveshaft to the wheels. Its called a differential because the left and right drive wheels travel at different speeds when you make a turn. During that turn, the wheel on the ... More
Save Your Tires and Fuel: Why TPMS Is More Than a Warning Lightc
August 16, 2026
You know that little light on your dashboard that looks like a tire? Dont ignore it. Its a lot more than a warning light. Its trying to tell you something that can protect your tires, improve your fuel economy and keep your vehicle traveling safely down the road. Its called TPMS. The abbreviati... More
That Clunk Isn’t Normal: Why Your U-Joints Need Lubrication (Lubricate U-Joints)
August 9, 2026
If youve noticed a clunk when shifting from park to drive, accelerating from a stop or letting off on your accelerator, it may be your vehicle warning you about dry or failing U-joints. Those are small, critical components in your drivetrain that allow the driveshaft to flex as your suspension mo... More