Upgrade your Toyota Estima’s performance and handling with a tire size adjustment. Discover the impact of changing tyre size on Toyota estima on comfort, safety, and vehicle compatibility. Explore the optimal tire size options for your Estima.
Changing Tyre Size on Toyota Estima
The Toyota Estima is a popular minivan that has been sold in many markets around the world since 1990. It is known as the Toyota Previa in some countries. The Estima allows for a decent amount of customization when it comes to tyre size. However, there are some important factors to consider before changing the tyre size on a Toyota Estima.
Is it Possible to Change the Tyre Size on a Toyota Estima?
Yes, it is possible to change the tyre size on a Toyota Estima. The wheel wells and suspension have enough clearance to accommodate slightly larger or smaller tyres than the factory size. However, the maximum plus sizing that is recommended for the Estima is a 10% increase in section width and diameter over the original size.
Some key considerations when changing tyre size on an Estima:
- The speedometer may be affected and read lower than actual speed with larger tyres
- Larger tyres may rub against the fenders at full lock or over bumps
- Smaller tyres may make the ride rougher and impact handling
- Fuel economy may decrease slightly with larger, wider tyres
- Load capacity of the tyres must be maintained if carrying heavier loads
As long as you choose a responsible size and check for rubbing and clearance issues, resizing the tyres is an option on the Estima. Consulting with a qualified tyre shop is advisable before purchasing replacement tyres in a different size.
What are the Original Factory Tyre Sizes for the Toyota Estima?
The original equipment tyre sizes for the Toyota Estima vary slightly depending on the model year and trim level. Here are the OE tyre sizes for different variants of the Estima:
- 1990-2000 Estima Emina: 185/70R14 88S (minivan models)
- 1990-2000 Estima Lucida: 185/70R14 88S (minivan models)
- 2000-2006 Estima TCR10: 215/65R16 98H
- 2000-2006 Estima ACR30: 215/65R16 98H
- 2006-Present Estima Hybrid: 215/65R16 98H
The tyre section width, aspect ratio, wheel diameter, and load/speed rating are specified in the above sizes. For example, 215/65R16 98H means a 215mm section width, 65% aspect ratio, 16 inch wheel, and a load index/speed rating of 98H.
What Tyre Sizes Can I Upgrade to on a Toyota Estima?
When upgrading the tyre size on a Toyota Estima, it is recommended to stay within 10% of the original size for the best performance, ride quality, and fit.
Here are some example tyre size upgrades that are possible in most trim levels:<div class=”table-wrap” markdown=”1″>
| Original Size | Upgraded Size |
|---|---|
| 185/70R14 | 205/75R14 |
| 215/65R16 | 235/75R16 |
| 215/65R16 | 225/70R16 |
The maximum increase that is recommended is 10% wider and 10% taller than the OE tyres. Going more aggressive than a 10% size increase risks rubbing, mechanical issues, and impacts to handling and ride. Consult an experienced tyre shop to verify fitment before purchasing upgraded tyre sizes.
Will Larger Tyres Fit on my Estima’s Wheels?
When increasing tyre size, it is important to check that the new tyres will properly fit on the existing wheels. The wheel width needs to be wide enough to properly seat and seal the new tyres.
Generally, upgrading the tyre width by 10% on a Toyota Estima will work with the original wheels, assuming they are in good condition. For example, going from 215mm width tyres to 235mm width tyres is normally fine on factory Estima wheels.
However, if you wanted to make a more aggressive change in size, upgrading the wheels may also be required. A qualified tyre shop can advise if new wheels are needed when significantly increasing tyre size for your Estima.
What Needs to be Done to recalibrate the Speedometer for New Tyre Size?
When installing upgraded tyres that are larger in overall diameter than the factory size, the Toyota Estima’s speedometer will read lower than the actual vehicle speed.
To recalibrate the speedometer for the new tyres:
- The ECU (engine computer) needs to be reprogrammed with the new tyre diameter information.
- This ECU reprogramming is done by a professional automotive technician with specialized software and equipment.
- Toyota dealers can perform the ECU recalibration, or independent shops may also offer this service.
- Expect to pay 1-2 hours labor for ECU programming when recalibrating the speedometer.
The exact speedometer calibration procedure can vary between model years. Providing the technician with the new tyre height information and having them follow Toyota service recommendations will ensure the speedometer reads accurately again.
How Do New Tyre Sizes Affect Gearing and Drivetrain?
Installing larger diameter tyres on a Toyota Estima effectively lowers the gearing and final drive ratio of the drivetrain. This has several effects:
- Acceleration will be slightly slower
- Engine RPM at highway speeds will be reduced
- Fuel efficiency may decrease slightly
- More vibration and noise may be evident at high speeds
Conversely, smaller diameter tyres would increase gearing and cause higher RPM on the highway.
For tyre upgrades within 10% of the original size, these drivetrain effects are modest. But more substantial tyre size changes could necessitate regearing the final drive to restore normal engine RPM ranges while driving.
Will Changing Tyre Size Affect Handling and Ride Quality?
Upgrading to significantly wider tyres can impact handling characteristics on the Toyota Estima. Wider tyres may provide more cornering grip and responsive steering feel. However, the ride quality may suffer if too wide of a tyre is installed on the Estima.
Likewise, switching to a much smaller tyre can make the ride overly firm and impact handling in corners. Sticking close to the OE tyre sizes minimizes negative impacts to ride and handling.
Some effects on handling and ride when changing Estima tyre sizes:
- Wider tyres increase steering response and cornering grip
- Narrower tyres reduce body roll in turns but hurt ride comfort
- Smaller diameter tyres make steering more sensitive
- Larger diameter tyres improve ride quality but decrease responsiveness
Consulting a professional tyre shop will help identify the ideal tyre sizing to improve performance without compromising ride comfort and handling on your Estima.
Do I Need to Upgrade Wheels if I Get Wider Tyres?
When upgrading to significantly wider tyres on a Toyota Estima, you may need to also install wider wheels. The general rule of thumb is:
- Up to 10% wider tyres will work on stock wheels
- 10-20% wider tyres may require slightly wider wheels
- Over 20% wider tyres will definitely need wider wheels
Wheels that are too narrow for larger tyres can cause improper seating and sealing of the tyres on the rims. It can also alter the tyre contact patch and handling in undesirable ways.
Test fitting the new tyres on the existing wheels is the best way to determine if new wheels will be required. Tyre and wheel shops can advise you on optimal wheel widths for new tyre sizes you are considering for your Estima.
What is the Process for Changing Tyres and Wheels?
Here are the steps for changing the tyres and wheels on a Toyota Estima:
- Acquire new tyres and wheels (if needed) that meet your desired sizing
- Use a wheel balancer and tyre changer to swap out the old tyres and mount the new ones on wheels
- Install the newly mounted wheel and tyre assemblies on the vehicle
- Torque the wheel lugs nuts to Toyota’s specified tightening torque
- Recheck torque after initial test drive
- Have the ECU reprogrammed by a technician to recalibrate the speedometer for the new tyres
- Have a four wheel alignment done to account for geometry changes from new wheels and tyres
- Dispose of old tyres and wheels properly if not keeping as spares
Take care when test driving on new tyres/wheels and allow time for the speedometer recalibration to avoid driving with inaccurate speed readings.
FAQ on Changing Tyre Size on Toyota Estima
Is it safe to put bigger tyres on my Estima?
As long as you upgrade tyre size responsibly within a 10% range of the factory size, safety is not compromised. Ensure proper wheel fitment and avoid rubbing against fenders. Also recalibrate the speedometer to maintain accuracy.
What tyre sizes give the best performance gains?
More modest increases like going from 205mm to 225mm width provide good performance gains without the drawbacks of excessive size increases. Prioritize proper fit and speedometer calibration over large diameter or width changes.
Do I need a lift kit if I install larger tyres?
Larger tyres that maintain similar overall diameter to stock size will not require a lift kit. But significantly increasing tyre height may require suspension modifications for adequate clearance.
Should I get new wheels right away if I plan on upgrading tyres down the road?
If you know you’ll be upgrading tyre width substantially later on, it can be wise to purchase wheels appropriately sized for those future tyres from the start. This avoids having to buy new wheels later.
Can small variations in tyre size between axles be problematic?
It’s ideal to maintain the same tyre diameter front and rear. But small variations within 10-20mm diameter difference should not cause major issues on the Estima.
Conclusion
Changing the tyre size on a Toyota Estima opens up possibilities for improved performance, grip, and appearance. With some reasonable limits on size and careful planning, larger or smaller tyres can be a great modification. Stick close to 10% size increases, perform test fitting, recalibrate the speedometer, realign the system, and make drivetrain adjustments if needed. While some compromise is inevitable, you can resize your Estima’s tyres tastefully by selecting the right wheel and tyre package for your goals. Consult experienced tyre technicians to dial in the perfect upgraded tyre and wheel package.