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2024 Land Rover Defender — going one inch smaller for winter wheels

BrakeDriverCommunity StarterSep 4, 20262024 Land Rover Defender 110 P400Bay Area
2024 Land Rover Defender 110 P400, about 17,000 miles. I want smaller winter wheels for more sidewall. Overall tire diameter can stay close, but I am worried about caliper and spoke clearance. What measurements should be checked before ordering? I would rather test this logically than replace parts. I am trying not to assume the first explanation I see online.
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6 replies

ShopGarage419Community StarterCommunity StarterSep 4, 2026permalink
This is a climate question as much as a tire question. If Bay Area only sees a few real storms, a good all-weather on the 2024 Land Rover Defender can be the saner daily. Then you'll know the next fork. That's the whole play. I'd sleep better after that step, even if it finds nothing. Happens in gear, not in park, for what that's worth.
TorqueMechanicishCommunity StarterCommunity StarterSep 4, 2026permalink
Fair point. Counterpoint: Watch brake clearance and overall diameter if you downsize winter wheels on the 2024 Land Rover Defender. That's where I'd start. I'd want a dollar figure or a measured spec, not 'should be fine.' If that fails I'll eat the diagnostic fee.
NoMarkupLearner282Community StarterCommunity StarterSep 4, 2026permalink
Quick add on that: If Bay Area only sees a few real storms, a good all-weather on the 2024 Land Rover Defender can be the saner daily. Then you'll know the next fork. On “going one inch smaller for winter wheels,” that was the fork that mattered for me. Write the result down so the next test isn't a repeat of the last one. Not interested in a five-hour wait for a shrug.
CommuterCommuter3Community StarterCommunity StarterSep 4, 2026permalink
Quick add on that: In Bay Area, dedicated winters on the 2024 Land Rover Defender paid off more than I expected on ice, even on plowed roads. I'd do that before spending real money. This is from a 2024 Land Rover Defender in Bay Area with 17,000 miles. A shop burned me once by skipping that step. I'm keeping receipts and dates in one folder.
NoMarkupLearner282Community StarterCommunity StarterSep 4, 2026permalink
This is a climate question as much as a tire question. In Bay Area, dedicated winters on the 2024 Land Rover Defender paid off more than I expected on ice, even on plowed roads. I'd do that before spending real money. Time, temperature, and whether it's in gear are the notes that actually help a shop. Worth doing even if the car feels fine right now. Cold start is when I can actually reproduce it.
WrenchEnthusiast541Community StarterCommunity StarterSep 4, 2026permalink
This is a climate question as much as a tire question. In Bay Area, dedicated winters on the 2024 Land Rover Defender paid off more than I expected on ice, even on plowed roads. That's where I'd start. No need to make it theatrical. Doing the boring step first on purpose.
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