Can you have a staggered fitment on any vehicle?
While it is possible for any vehicle to have a staggered setup as long as the specifications match, it is not ideal for every vehicle application. Vehicles that are 4-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive should be specifically designed for staggered setups, as switching from a square setup can cause issues with traction control and other safety features. Performance vehicles and Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) cars are the ideal application, as they will see the most benefits from a staggered setup.
What are the benefits of staggered fit wheels and tires?
Staggered wheels and tires allow for you to increase performance of your vehicle’s traction and handling without having to do major modifications. By having a wider tire and wheel, your cornering speeds increase, as well as your ability to put power down. Aesthetically it also creates a more aggressive, performance-based look to your vehicle.
What are the drawbacks of staggered fit wheels and tires?
Having a staggered setup means you cannot rotate your tires, and in some cases results in different rates of tire wear between the front and rear axles. By not being able to rotate your tires, it is likely you will wear through tires faster, meaning higher maintenance costs. Going from a square setup to a staggered setup also means you can lose fuel efficiency under normal driving conditions due to higher rolling resistance on the wider tires.
Do staggered wheels come with guaranteed fitment?
At Canadawheels we offer guaranteed fitment for all staggered setups. Only vehicles where a staggered setup is possible will be shown the “Staggered Fitment” filter as an option. From there we will show you all available combinations for your vehicle, so you can pick and choose exactly the spec you are looking for.
Can Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) cars have staggered setups?
Yes! It is possible for Front Wheel Drive cars to have staggered setups, however this is called a “reversed staggered” setup. This is when the front wheels are wider than the rear wheels, as this is where the power is being put out by the vehicle. This allows for better straight line speed and traction, however the wider tires can create issues with handling in the form of understeer. It is recommended you stick to a squared setup if thats what your vehicle came with from the factory, as most FWD vehicles are not designed to handle a staggered setup.
Can All-Wheel Drive (AWD) cars have staggered setups?
Yes! It is possible for All Wheel Drive cars to have staggered setups, however this is a tricky setup. Due to differentials and traction control modules, you must keep the overall diameter of the wheels and tires as close to factory as possible. This is because if your wheels are very different from the factory setup, the traction control can have incorrect readings, resulting in incorrect power distribution. It is recommended you stick to a squared setup if thats what your vehicle came with from the factory, or consult with your local dealership/shop to ensure there are no possible issues before purchasing a staggered setup.
What are some common vehicles that can have staggered setups?
Most Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) Performance vehicles are fitted with staggered setups to allow for better traction when trying to get the power down. You usually see these setups on vehicles like the Ford Mustang Chevrolet Camaro, Porsche 911s and many other vehicles of this category. You also see this on higher performance AWD vehicles like the BMW X5 M or the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG.
