How big are the base Bronco tires?

Nov 15, 2022

If you want to treat your Bronco with a set of new aftermarket wheels and tires, you first need to educate yourself about tire size and what you get by increasing or decreasing your overall tire footprint. So, how big are base Bronco tires?

Base Ford Bronco tires come in a variety of sizes depending on the model and the trim level, but most of them are equipped with 255/70R16 tires, 255/75R17, 255/70R18 tires, 265/70R17 tires, 285/70R17 tires, and 315/70R17 tires. These range from entry-level Ford Bronco models all the way up to the top-spec Ford Bronco Sasquatch models.

What Are The Benefits Of Large Tires On A Ford Bronco?

Ground Clearance
Traction
Track-Width and Centering
More Control

Do Larger Tires Offer More Ground Clearance?

By enlarging the size of your tires, you are effectively lifting your Bronco off the ground which inherently increases your maximum ground clearance. This is essential when driving over uneven terrain as it lowers the chances of damaging your undercarriage. With greater ground clearance you also benefit from better approach and departure angles.

Do Larger Tires Offer More Traction?

A greater tire surface leads to more consistent contact with the road at all times. Consequently, your Bronco will distribute its weight better across all four corners and thus maintain better traction with the road. This will also increase heat-absorbing mass which means that your tires will be able to control their temperature better which also aids in traction.

Do Larger Tires Increase Track Width and Help With Centering?

Yes, a set of larger tires will make your track wider which will be useful when you approach obstacles with your tires first. If you pair this with a nice stubby/short front bumper, your lateral approach angle is also going to be better which will give you more flexibility and safety while climbing over rocks. Furthermore, larger tires will increase leverage on your steering components which aids in tire self-centering,

Do Larger Tires Offer More Control?

As mentioned previously, a set of larger tires will help with better weight distribution across all corners of the car and thus make your car feel a lot more stable. Even though larger tires may not aid in high-speed control, they do make a big difference while on an off-road trail. You will be able to climb steeper angles and you will have more of the tire absorbing impacts while descending from an obstacle.

What Are The Drawbacks Of Larger Tires On A Ford Bronc?

Increased Fuel Consumption
Heavier Steering and Slower Acceleration
They Are Expensive
Accelerated Drivetrain Wear

Do Larger Tires Increase Fuel Consumption?

With additional weight across all four of your corners, your tirerolling resistance is bound to increase. This refers to how much energy is needed to rotate the tires and how hard the engine needs to work in order to provide that energy. With the added weight and a bigger circumference of the tire, your fuel economy is likely to suffer.

How Do Large Tires Affect Performance and Steering?

If your steering assembly needs to manage more weight to make a turn, it inevitably leads to heavier steering which can become tiresome if you often drive your car around town. This will also affect your 0-60mph times and your top speed as your engine needs to work harder to rotate your tires. If you are all about speed and acceleration, you ought to avoid enlarging your tires too much.

Are Larger Tires More Expensive?

The general rule of thumb is: The bigger you go, the more expensive your tires and wheels get. If you go for a set of larger wheels and tires from the factory, your additional costs might not be as exaggerated. However, if you go through the aftermarket route, you will play a considerably higher price as larger wheels and tires do come with a premium.

Do Larger Tires Accelerate Drivetrain Wear?

Yes, they do. If you increase your tire size by a small amount, your drivetrain components will not suffer all that much. However, if you increase your tire size by quite a lot, this will strain your transmission, your brakes, your CV joints, your axle, your differential, and many other associated mechanics.