A question for those who have installed bigger tires (e.g. 235/70/16):

do the tires increase the turning circle?

As a matter of curiousity I looked up some turning circles on Edmunds
Wrangler basse 32.8
Wrangler Rubicon (extra off road options) 36.7
Element 34.9

As plus of the Element's tight turning circle is that it is easier to turn around on a narrow forest road if the going gets too tough. It also makes negotiating very tight switchbacks easier, though it has been a long time since I've driven that narrow of a road.

paulj

Hi: I had 235/70/16 snow tires on all winter and did not notice a difference in turning circle. I definately find the tight turning circle a bonus when I get lost. Pull a U turn almost anywhere.

Been running 235/70/16 Bridgestone Dueler A/T Revos since a week after buying my E. Did not notice a difference in turning radius whatsoever. This car has and incredible turning radius--comes in handy when you need to make a U-turn in a tight spot.

Turning circle is mostly based upon wheelbase and track width. Two things that really don't change much with tires. You will throw off your speedometer with a larger diameter tire, and your accleartion will hurt however.

The short wheelbase on the Element certainly is great for manuverability, but when you start towing things, you'll be wishing you had a bit more wheelbase when those crosswinds pick up. ;)

I also have the 235/70/16 Bridgestone Dueller Revos since 8k miles (at over 22k now) and never noticed a wider turning radius than from what the stock tires had.

I was thinking that the tires might not turn as far if larger. But if the limiting clearance is with the strut tower rather than any part of the wheel well then I can see where size would have little effect on turning circle.

paulj