Choosing the right tire size for your 2017 Ford Explorer Base is super important for a smooth and safe ride. Getting it right affects everything from how your SUV handles to its fuel efficiency and even the accuracy of your speedometer. Let's dive into the specifics of the 2017 Ford Explorer Base tire size and explore why making the right choice matters.

Understanding the Importance of Correct Tire Size

So, why is nailing the correct tire size such a big deal? Well, the right tires ensure your Explorer performs as the engineers intended. They optimize your vehicle's handling, braking, and overall stability. Think of it like wearing the right shoes for a marathon – too big or too small, and you're in for a world of discomfort and potential problems.

First off, handling and stability are significantly impacted by tire size. Correctly sized tires provide the optimal contact patch with the road, which means better grip and control. This is crucial, especially in adverse weather conditions like rain or snow. Imagine trying to navigate a slippery road with tires that aren't designed for the job – not a fun scenario, right? The correct tire size ensures that your Explorer responds predictably to your steering inputs, giving you confidence behind the wheel.

Secondly, braking performance is closely linked to tire size. Larger or smaller tires than recommended can affect how quickly and safely your vehicle comes to a stop. The tire's contact area directly influences the effectiveness of your braking system. With the right tires, your Explorer can achieve optimal braking distances, reducing the risk of accidents. It’s all about having that extra margin of safety when you need it most. Think about those emergency stops – you want to be sure your tires can deliver the necessary grip to bring you to a halt quickly and safely.

Fuel efficiency is another area where tire size plays a crucial role. The rolling resistance of your tires affects how much energy your engine needs to expend to keep your vehicle moving. Incorrectly sized tires can increase rolling resistance, leading to decreased fuel economy. Choosing the right tire size helps maintain the optimal balance between grip and efficiency, saving you money at the pump. Over time, these savings can really add up, making it a smart choice for your wallet and the environment.

Finally, tire size affects the accuracy of your speedometer and odometer. These systems are calibrated based on the original tire size specified by the manufacturer. If you deviate from this, your speedometer might display an inaccurate speed, and your odometer might record incorrect mileage. This can lead to issues with speed limits and maintenance schedules. Staying with the recommended tire size ensures that these systems function as intended, giving you accurate information about your vehicle's performance and condition.

OEM Tire Size for the 2017 Ford Explorer Base

For the 2017 Ford Explorer Base model, the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) tire size is 245/60R18. This means:

• 245 represents the tire's section width in millimeters.
• 60 is the aspect ratio, indicating the tire's sidewall height as a percentage of its width.
• R18 denotes that the tire is a radial tire designed to fit an 18-inch wheel.

Sticking with this size ensures that your Explorer maintains its factory-specified performance and handling characteristics. Using this specific size guarantees that all the vehicle's systems, from the antilock brakes to the traction control, work as they were designed to. Plus, you won’t have to worry about clearance issues or any rubbing against the wheel wells, which can happen with larger or differently sized tires. It's like making sure all the pieces of a puzzle fit together perfectly – everything just works better when it's all aligned.

Why Stick to the OEM Tire Size?

• Maintains Vehicle Performance: The 245/60R18 size is specifically chosen to optimize the Explorer's handling, braking, and ride quality. By sticking with this size, you ensure that your vehicle continues to perform as intended.
• Ensures System Compatibility: Your Explorer's various systems, such as the speedometer, odometer, and ABS, are calibrated to work with this tire size. Deviating from it can lead to inaccuracies and potential issues.
• Prevents Fitment Issues: Using the OEM tire size eliminates the risk of clearance problems, ensuring that the tires don't rub against the vehicle's body or suspension components.

Alternatives and Considerations

While sticking with the OEM size is generally recommended, there might be situations where you consider alternative tire sizes. Maybe you're looking for a slightly different look, improved off-road performance, or better handling in specific conditions. However, it's crucial to approach such changes with caution and do your homework.

Plus Sizing

Plus sizing involves increasing the wheel diameter while decreasing the tire's aspect ratio to maintain approximately the same overall tire diameter. For example, you might consider a 19-inch or 20-inch wheel with a lower profile tire. The goal is to improve handling and aesthetics without significantly altering the vehicle's dynamics. However, this can sometimes affect ride comfort, as the lower profile tires have less sidewall to absorb bumps.

Upsizing

Upsizing typically refers to increasing the tire width to provide a larger contact patch with the road. This can improve grip and handling, especially in dry conditions. However, it can also increase rolling resistance, potentially reducing fuel efficiency. Additionally, wider tires might be more prone to hydroplaning in wet conditions, so it's essential to consider the trade-offs.

Downsizing

Downsizing involves decreasing the tire size, often to improve fuel economy or winter traction. Smaller tires can have lower rolling resistance, which can help save gas. They can also provide better grip on snow and ice due to their narrower width, which increases the pressure on the road surface. However, downsizing can negatively impact handling and braking performance, so it's not always the best option.

Things to Consider When Choosing Alternatives

If you're thinking about deviating from the OEM tire size, keep these points in mind:

• Overall Diameter: Maintaining the same overall tire diameter is crucial to avoid speedometer errors and ABS issues. Use an online tire size calculator to compare the overall diameter of your current tires with potential alternatives.
• Load Capacity: Ensure that the replacement tires have a load capacity equal to or greater than the original tires. This is essential for safety, especially if you frequently carry heavy loads or passengers.
• Clearance: Check that the new tires won't rub against any part of the vehicle, including the suspension, wheel wells, and brake components. Consult with a tire professional to ensure proper fitment.
• Professional Advice: Before making any changes, talk to a knowledgeable tire specialist who can provide guidance based on your specific needs and driving conditions. They can help you weigh the pros and cons of different options and ensure that you make an informed decision.

Where to Find the Right Tires

Finding the right tires for your 2017 Ford Explorer Base doesn't have to be a headache. Here are a few places you can check out:

• Local Tire Shops: These shops usually have a wide selection and can offer expert advice. Plus, they can handle the installation for you.
• Online Retailers: Websites like Tire Rack and Discount Tire offer extensive tire catalogs and customer reviews. You can often find great deals and have the tires shipped directly to your home or a local installer.
• Ford Dealerships: Your local Ford dealer can provide OEM replacement tires and ensure they're the correct size and specification for your Explorer.

Maintaining Your Tires

Once you've got the right tires, keeping them in good shape is key. Regular maintenance can extend their lifespan and keep you safe on the road.

• Check Tire Pressure Regularly: Use a tire pressure gauge to check the pressure at least once a month and before long trips. Inflate your tires to the recommended pressure, which you can find on a sticker inside your driver's side doorjamb or in your owner's manual.
• Rotate Your Tires: Rotate your tires every 6,000 to 8,000 miles to ensure even wear. This helps prevent premature wear and extends the life of your tires.
• Inspect for Wear and Damage: Regularly inspect your tires for signs of wear, such as uneven tread, bulges, or cuts. Replace your tires if you notice any of these issues or if the tread depth is below the legal limit.
• Get a Wheel Alignment: If you notice that your vehicle pulls to one side or your tires are wearing unevenly, get a wheel alignment. This ensures that your tires are properly aligned with the road, which improves handling and extends tire life.

Conclusion

Choosing the right tire size for your 2017 Ford Explorer Base is a critical decision that affects your vehicle's performance, safety, and fuel efficiency. Sticking with the OEM size of 245/60R18 is generally the best option, as it ensures optimal handling, braking, and system compatibility. However, if you're considering alternative sizes, be sure to do your research and consult with a tire professional. With the right tires and proper maintenance, you can enjoy a smooth and safe ride for years to come.