wheels and mpg - Toyota Yaris Forums

eric_edge · 07-05-2011, 04:37 AM

pardon the newbish nature of the question.

how will tire and wheel size affect mpg? i.e. larger rims v. smaller rims, fat tires v. low-profile tires

and how drastically will lowering a car affect mpg?

im looking to pick up a yaris soon (my '94 camry finally died

) and would like to strike some balance between the car's natural fuel efficiency and absolute rolling teardrop sexiness when it's on a nice set of wheels.

AppleJacks716 · 07-05-2011, 01:24 PM

When i change wheels, which is a 5lb difference per wheel, my gas milage changes 3 to 4 mpg.

rningonfumes · 07-05-2011, 01:27 PM

Larger, wider= less MPG.
Larger, lighter (more expensive) = maybe neutral change. ....emphasize maybe.

Basically use the stock wheels for a gauge. If you put anything grippier or wider, or heavier the difference will eat up the mpg.

Lowering actually helps out with the mileage as more air is forced over the car.

Drive the new car for a month to see your mpg before the change.

wildmongoose26 · 07-05-2011, 01:44 PM

More narrow tires will increase MPG since there is less contact patch.
Wider wheels will decrease MPG.
Heaver wheels will decrease MPG.
Lighter wheels will increase MPG.

Note that if you change the rolling diameter of the wheel the speedo will be slightly off and skew the MPG a little since your speedo will read off as well.

Angela

07-05-2011, 04:37 AM	#1
eric_edge View User's Garage Drives: '11 3dr white Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: SF Bay Area Posts: 65	wheels and mpg pardon the newbish nature of the question. how will tire and wheel size affect mpg? i.e. larger rims v. smaller rims, fat tires v. low-profile tires and how drastically will lowering a car affect mpg? im looking to pick up a yaris soon (my '94 camry finally died ) and would like to strike some balance between the car's natural fuel efficiency and absolute rolling teardrop sexiness when it's on a nice set of wheels.

07-05-2011, 01:27 PM	#3
rningonfumes Drives: Yaris Sedan 5MT Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: SoCal Posts: 865	Larger, wider= less MPG. Larger, lighter (more expensive) = maybe neutral change. ....emphasize maybe. Basically use the stock wheels for a gauge. If you put anything grippier or wider, or heavier the difference will eat up the mpg. Lowering actually helps out with the mileage as more air is forced over the car. Drive the new car for a month to see your mpg before the change. __________________

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07-05-2011, 01:24 PM	#2
AppleJacks716 Drives: 2010 5 Door Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 92	When i change wheels, which is a 5lb difference per wheel, my gas milage changes 3 to 4 mpg.

07-05-2011, 01:44 PM	#4
wildmongoose26 Drives: 09 5dr Yaris Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 443	More narrow tires will increase MPG since there is less contact patch. Wider wheels will decrease MPG. Heaver wheels will decrease MPG. Lighter wheels will increase MPG. Note that if you change the rolling diameter of the wheel the speedo will be slightly off and skew the MPG a little since your speedo will read off as well. Angela