Choosing the Right Tires and Wheels for Your 2022 Ford Bronco

How to Fix Tire Considerations

Upgrading the tires on your 2022 Ford Bronco is a common desire for many owners looking to enhance its appearance and performance. As one owner shared, "I’m pretty new to the car world and literally know nothing in regards to adding things on. I wanted to add 35” tires to my 25 Big Bend (17” wheels)." While tire size and type can significantly impact your Bronco’s capabilities, there are several factors to consider before making a change. This guide covers key considerations reported by owners, focusing on aspects like lift requirements, package options, snow performance, and the impact on fuel economy. We'll also address the "value package" that some owners have encountered during the purchase process.

Symptoms

Many owners consider upgrading their tires for aesthetic reasons. Owners often aim to achieve a more "beefy" look. This usually involves increasing the tire size, which can impact the overall stance of the vehicle.

Another common reason for considering new tires is to enhance off-road performance. As one owner mentioned, "I have the badsquatch and has been on trails a bunch with it. I personally think 35” is a nice balance of off-road performance while maintaining comfort." Selecting the right tire size and type can improve traction, ground clearance, and overall capability on various terrains.

Owners also report the importance of considering snow performance when choosing tires, especially for those who live in areas with harsh winter conditions. Stock tires, such as the Sasquatch package tires, often perform well in snow. However, some owners may still prefer dedicated snow tires for optimal grip and safety.

Finally, upgrading to larger tires can impact fuel economy. Heavier tires require more energy to rotate, which can decrease the miles per gallon (MPG) your Bronco achieves. As one owner noted, "Didnt know how much heavier they were. I have the 2.3 and get around 17pm average. (I live in the pnw and we got a lot of hills) that being said, i absolutely love them." Therefore, it’s important to balance the benefits of larger tires with the potential decrease in fuel efficiency.

Most Likely Cause

The primary cause for considering tire changes on the 2022 Ford Bronco appears to be a desire for a specific aesthetic or performance upgrade related to tire color. While seemingly superficial, color is intertwined with the overall visual appeal and can influence the perceived ruggedness or style of the vehicle. Often the tire color is part of the overall wheel and tire package. Owners frequently customize the color of their wheels (which impacts tire appearance) to match the vehicle's paint or achieve a desired contrast. Aftermarket options allow for almost any color.

How to Diagnose

Diagnosing whether you need new tires or a different wheel and tire color scheme involves a few key steps:

1. Assess Your Needs: Consider how you primarily use your Bronco. Do you mostly drive on paved roads, or do you frequently go off-roading? What type of terrain do you encounter? Understanding your needs will help you determine the appropriate tire type and size.

2. Evaluate Your Current Tires: Check the condition of your current tires. Are they worn down, or do they still have plenty of tread? Are they suitable for the type of driving you do? If your tires are old or not performing well, it may be time for an upgrade.

3. Consider Lift Requirements: Determine if you need to lift your Bronco to accommodate larger tires. As one owner questioned, "Reading somewhere it might need to be lifted? I don’t have the Sas package (obv) and am just trying to make it look more…beefy lol." Larger tires may require a lift to prevent rubbing against the fenders.

4. Evaluate Wheel Options and Color: Think about the style and color of wheels you want to pair with your new tires. Different wheel designs and colors can significantly impact the overall look of your Bronco. Consider how the wheel color will complement the vehicle's paint color.

5. Consult Tire and Wheel Experts: Visit a reputable tire shop and speak with experts. They can provide valuable insights and recommendations based on your specific needs and vehicle.

Step-by-Step Fix

Here's a step-by-step guide to selecting and installing new tires, focusing on owner experiences and considerations:

1. Determine Desired Tire Size: Research the maximum tire size you can fit on your Bronco without a lift. If you want larger tires, determine the necessary lift height.

2. Choose a Tire Type: Select a tire type that matches your driving needs. All-terrain tires are a good option for a mix of on- and off-road driving, while mud-terrain tires are better for serious off-roading.

3. Select Wheels: Choose wheels that complement your tires and vehicle's style. Consider the wheel size, offset, and bolt pattern.

4. Purchase Tires and Wheels: Order your chosen tires and wheels from a reputable retailer. Ensure that the tires and wheels are compatible with your Bronco.

5. Install the Lift Kit (If Necessary): If you're installing a lift kit, follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. This typically involves removing the old suspension components and installing the new lift kit components.

6. Mount and Balance Tires: Have a professional tire shop mount and balance your new tires on the wheels. This ensures proper tire wear and a smooth ride.

7. Install Wheels and Tires: Install the new wheels and tires on your Bronco. Torque the lug nuts to the manufacturer's specifications.

8. Test Drive: Take your Bronco for a test drive to ensure that the tires and wheels are properly installed and that there are no rubbing issues.

9. Adjust Alignment (If Necessary): If you installed a lift kit, you may need to adjust your Bronco's alignment to ensure proper handling and tire wear.

10. Enjoy Your New Look: Step back and admire your newly upgraded Bronco!

Parts and Tools Needed

• New Tires (Size and Type Determined by Your Needs)
• New Wheels (Size and Style Determined by Your Needs)
• Lift Kit (If Necessary)
• Lug Wrench
• Torque Wrench
• Jack and Jack Stands
• Wheel Chocks

Owner mentions of lockers and lifts are also parts to consider when upgrading tires.

Real Owner Costs

The cost of upgrading tires and wheels on a 2022 Ford Bronco can vary widely depending on the size and type of tires, the style of wheels, and whether or not you install a lift kit. Here are some real-world cost examples based on owner reports:

• Tires Only (Stock Size): A set of four new tires in the stock size can range from $800 to $1500, depending on the brand and type.
• Tires and Wheels (No Lift): A set of four new tires and wheels can range from $1500 to $3000, depending on the size and style.
• Tires, Wheels, and Lift Kit: A set of four new tires and wheels, plus a lift kit, can range from $3000 to $6000 or more, depending on the quality of the components and the complexity of the installation.

Labor costs for tire mounting, balancing, and lift kit installation can range from $100 to $500, depending on the shop and the complexity of the work.

Some owners have also mentioned encountering a "value package" during the purchase process, which can include items like window tint and wheel locks. As one owner stated, "Has anyone ever had this value package thrown at them? I was able to talk down the price to a fantastic deal that I would move forward with and then they slapped this on." Negotiating the price of this package or removing unwanted items can help reduce the overall cost. "Tint is for front windows only, so $150-250 tops? Wheel locks, built in on most models." ($150) as reported by one owner.

Prevention

To prevent issues related to tire wear and performance, consider the following:

• Regular Tire Rotations: Rotate your tires every 5,000 to 7,000 miles to ensure even wear.
• Proper Tire Inflation: Maintain the correct tire pressure as recommended by the manufacturer.
• Wheel Alignment: Get your wheels aligned regularly to prevent uneven tire wear.
• Avoid Overloading: Do not overload your Bronco beyond its maximum weight capacity.
• Inspect Tires Regularly: Check your tires for cuts, bulges, and other damage.

By following these preventive measures, you can extend the life of your tires and ensure optimal performance and safety.

What Owners Say

Real experiences from FORD owners:

Owner Experiences

"I’m pretty new to the car world and literally know nothing in regards to adding things on. I wanted to add 35” tires to my 25 Big Bend (17” wheels)." — JMonies19 (source)

"Reading somewhere it might need to be lifted? I don’t have the Sas package (obv) and am just trying to make it look more…beefy lol." — JMonies19 (source)

"Has anyone ever had this value package thrown at them? I was able to talk down the price to a fantastic deal that I would move forward with and then they slapped this on." — tantheman35 (source)

Real Repair Costs

"Tint is for front windows only, so $150-250 tops? Wheel locks, built in on most models." — NsRhea (source)

FAQ

Q: How long does it take to fix this tire consideration? A: The time required to upgrade your tires and wheels can vary depending on the complexity of the job. Replacing tires with the same size wheels can take a few hours. Adding a lift kit can take a full day.

Q: Can I drive with improper tire size? A: Driving with tires that are too large or too small can cause damage to your vehicle and affect its handling. Ensure to check the specifications from the manufacturer.

Q: Is this a common issue on the 2022 Ford Bronco? A: Wanting to upgrade or change the stock tires is a common consideration among 2022 Ford Bronco owners. It stems from the desire to customize the vehicle's appearance and improve its performance based on individual needs.

Q: DIY vs mechanic - what's recommended? A: Replacing tires and wheels is a relatively straightforward job that can be done DIY if you have experience. However, installing a lift kit is best left to a professional mechanic due to the complexity and potential safety risks.

Q: How does tire size affect fuel economy? A: Larger, heavier tires can decrease your Bronco's fuel economy. As one owner shared, they noticed a decrease in MPG after switching to bigger tires.

Q: Do I need a lift kit for larger tires? A: It depends on the tire size. Some owners have successfully installed slightly larger tires without a lift kit, while others have needed a lift kit to prevent rubbing.