Basic question.... larger wheels... better, worse or same gas mileage?
01-23-2002, 02:32 PM
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Basic question.... larger wheels... better, worse or same gas mileage?
Lame as far as questions go on here.... but I had to know. Sometimes you have to suck it up and ask the silly questions.
01-23-2002, 02:42 PM
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So, based on your scientific observations, do you really think your gas mileage went down 14%...
...because of 18" wheels? I think not. A taller wheel/tire combination (i.e., 235/40-18's that are 1.7% taller than OEM 225/45-17's) should probably theoretically allow better gas mileage since you are turning 1.7% less RPMs for any given speed; although your trip computer and odometer will understate mileage and MPG 1.7% as a result of this swap, and the tires may weigh a tad more, so there is more resistance involved, although probably not enough to offset the 1.7% difference.
When I had an '86 Suburban and put tires on roughly 10% taller than stock, I think my mileage did increase a little bit, and I'm certain the acceleration slowed, since that effectively gave it 10% higher gearing in the transmission.
When I had an '86 Suburban and put tires on roughly 10% taller than stock, I think my mileage did increase a little bit, and I'm certain the acceleration slowed, since that effectively gave it 10% higher gearing in the transmission.
01-23-2002, 02:51 PM
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I'm a bit rusty on my physics, but the longer radius means greater torque is needed to turn the
wheel so it would require more energy to be expended to turn the wheel. Taner had a good point it depends on the weight of the wheel.
My first thought is that bigger wheels would equal lower gas mileage, but there are a few factors that could influence that.
anyone.... anyone....
My first thought is that bigger wheels would equal lower gas mileage, but there are a few factors that could influence that.
anyone.... anyone....
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01-23-2002, 02:57 PM
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Chalk it up to curiosity. I've come to terms with the gas mileage. even with that i'm not alone...
you don't come from driving a japanese econo car into a gas guzzling german sports sedan and not notice the difference.
I just wanted to see if my logic was correct in explaining the impact of larger versus smaller wheels.
mmmmkay
I just wanted to see if my logic was correct in explaining the impact of larger versus smaller wheels.
mmmmkay