Just like wheel spacers, stretched tires are just another one of those few aftermarket mods that get either a lot of love or a lot of criticism. When you hear of tire stretching, chances are the first thought that comes to your mind is accurate. The term “stretched tire” refers to a tire that has a smaller width than the wheel it is being mounted on. Typically, the size difference ranges from one to three inches. This results in the sidewall of the tire stretching out toward the edge of the wheel to give it a very unique, show-quality look. So if you have a narrow tire that you are trying to fit onto a wider set of wheels, you may be interested in tire stretching.
Before we delve deeper into this aftermarket phenomenon, it’s important to note that stretching your tires offers no real performance benefits. While some say it ensures less play during the loss of traction or fights shoulder roll, professional racers tend to stay away from stretching their tires and there has also been no substantial proof that it has any positive impacts on vehicle performance. With that said, let’s discuss the safety, legality, and reasons behind this type of modification.
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Are Stretched Tires Safe?
The short answer is: it is not inherently dangerous to stretch your tires. However, there are some important things to note. Stretching something over a surface that is wider than it is meant for in and of itself sounds quite risky. With that being said, the safety of stretched tires primarily depends on the amount of stretch you decide on.
Tires are engineered so that the bead is 90 degrees perpendicular to that of the bead seat area. When you stretch the tires, this bead is not seated properly and a poor seal is a consequence. If you are driving your vehicle rough or hit a pothole, sudden tire deflation is possible. Tire stretching can also cause irregular tread wear so it is important to do your research and not go overboard with the stretching for durability purposes.
Some of the most commonly reported problems are curbing the alloy, deflating tires, and increased risk of blowouts. When you stretch a tire, there is excess stress and heat on it which makes it easier to tear or puncture. You also become more prone to de-beading and deflating. Lastly, with stretched tires and little to no sidewall, there is virtually no protection for your wheels. One wrong move or unexpected curb and, just like that, your wheels are ruined.
Are Stretched Tires Legal?
Over the last few years, stretched tires have grown increasingly popular among car enthusiasts. In legal terms, it is neither here nor there as this modification fits into somewhat of a grey area because there are no concrete laws against it. Before you go ahead and stretch your tires, consider the state you live in and check to see if stretching your tires is legal there. In most cases, while it happens to be frowned upon, the act is not actually illegal. In most states in the USA, however, it is illegal to have stretched tires that stick out beyond the sides of your vehicle.
Be careful with your insurance, though, as it has been said that some people had theirs voided or rejected because of stretched tires. Therefore, you may face some difficulty getting your car insured with them or even have the company nullify your policy if you don’t inform them beforehand about your modification. The best thing to do, if you absolutely have to or want to stretch your tires, is to keep the stretch to a minimum and look for acceptable ranges as per the tire brand you are working with. Generally, these manufacturers will have tire catalogs displaying such guidelines online.
Can You Stretch Your Own Tires?
The quick answer is yes and there are many guides online to help, but professional installation is always strongly suggested. The problem with this, though, is that most mechanics refuse to carry out this process for fear of compromising your safety. For this reason, chances are that you may have to actually go down a DIY route if you are interested in stretching your tires. Please take extreme caution attempting this process as it can be incredibly dangerous. If you are going to attempt to stretch your own tires, make sure you have a fire extinguisher handy for backup. We also highly recommend you only mildly stretch your tires if you really have to.
Basic DIY Guide to Tire Stretching:
1. Select a popular tire brand and choose a set of tires that will fit your car’s make and model.
2. Use a soap and water mixture and apply it to the bead of the tire with a spray applicator or brush. This allows the tire to slip on with minimal friction.
3. Use a flammable spray around the inner tire.
5. Connect an air compressor to the tire.
6. Light the flammable substance you applied on the inner tire.
7. When the tire is fully beaded, compress it to the proper PSI.
To Do or Not To Do
In conclusion, tire stretching is safe but can be unsafe when improperly done. Whatever the reason is for you wanting to stretch your tires, it is important that you seek out a professional in the automotive industry to perform the process. Ultimately, it’s your choice based on the build you are trying to achieve, just be aware of the risks involved with this type of mod. You should be fine stretching your tires if you are building a show car, trying to achieve a very specific fitment style, or merely want to show off more wheel than tire. You should not stretch your tires if you engage in any sort of high-performance driving, travel on harsh roads, or are trying to maximize your traction. So, while we do not encourage tire stretching, we do understand that sometimes you have to do it for that perfect show setup.
Popular Tires for Stretching:
