Which tire configuration use more fuel?

[Loren]

In theory, the tire with the larger diameter should give slightly better gas mileage. But, as Tamago points out, you need to be sure to correct your MPG calculations because the change in tire diameter is going to make the odometer inaccurate.

[karl lee]

My question is only base on the height of tire sidewall. Let's assume the odometer meter is correct.

I heard somewhere that shorter sidewall(lower profile) will have a better rolling resistance compare to taller. And also tire is slightly lighter. Therefore, should be better mileage for shorter sidewall tire.

Please share your view.

Thanks.

[scape]

Originally Posted by Loren

In theory, the tire with the larger diameter should give slightly better gas mileage. But, as Tamago points out, you need to be sure to correct your MPG calculations because the change in tire diameter is going to make the odometer inaccurate.

if it's mostly in town driving, i'd think a larger diameter might make matters worse.

[SilverGlow]

Originally Posted by Loren

In theory, the tire with the larger diameter should give slightly better gas mileage. But, as Tamago points out, you need to be sure to correct your MPG calculations because the change in tire diameter is going to make the odometer inaccurate.

True, but at some point the MPG will actually go down over a smaller tire because as the size goes up, torque goes down.

In general, big tires do better for highway driving, and smaller for city driving because the smaller driving tires have more torque (pulling power) then larger tires....however for mostly highway driving (little stop and go) a bigger tire will provide better MPG, but again, only up to a certain size, then as the tire gets bigger MPG actually gets worse.