What Car? Q&A - Can bigger wheels cause problems?

I've just agreed to buy a 54-plate Toyota Avensis from my local dealer. It's a T2 model, but the dealer has replaced the usual 16-inch steel wheels with 17-inch alloy wheels and low-profile tyres. Will the larger size of wheel cause any problems?
Alex Anderson

A: The larger wheel size shouldn't cause any problems, as long as the alloys are from another Toyota Avensis. If the wheels have been sourced from elsewhere, then you should check that the 'offset' is correct.

The offset is the distance between the centre of the wheel and its inside edge. If the measurement is incorrect for the Avensis, the car's handling may be adversely affected.

Assuming your dealer has fitted suitable alloys, the car may have slightly more grip (depending on the width of the tyres). Also, many people think alloy wheels improve a car's image and this might work in your favour when you come to sell it.

Expect a slightly firmer ride because of the low-profile tyres, but otherwise you shouldn't notice any significant differences.