205/55/15 Tires and Fuel Efficiency

[landrym28]

Good day folks,

Did a search for this with no results (for my specific tire size, anyway). I'm currently running 205/50/16's on my Yaris, and was thinking of down sizing (so to speak) to 205/55/15's. I've noticed a bit of a decrease in fuel efficiency in running 16's, would the gas mileage increase with the drop down to 15's? Would a wider tire affect FE?

Thanks,
Matt

[thebarber]

wheel/tire weight is the largest factor

i run lightweight 15's w/ 205's and get way better mileage than with my 14" alloys and 185 winter tires...

[landrym28]

Yeah, I knew weight plays a huge factor for sure. I'm in the process of moving, so money I had set aside to get the car lowered and a sway bar, etc. is being put to that for the time being. Running 205/55/15's has a similar height than 205/50/16's (from what I can remember), so other than tire size/height, there shouldn't be a drastic change in wheel gap.

I also wanted 205 because running 185's makes me look like I'm driving my car on popsicle sticks..just too skinny of a tire for me.

-Matt

[thebarber]

205's are nice. i run 205-50-15's (though i HAVE run 55's) but my oem tire is 175-65-14 which is a bit shorter than what they use now

the 55's eat up wheel gap, thats for sure.

i would spend the extra on light wheels....its worth the money, trust me.

[why?]

It is mostly about the weight of the wheel. Although another thing is if the tire/wheel height is different the mileage you are going will be different than what the car is telling you.

I agree with lightweight wheels, they just make everything so much better.

[landrym28]

Thanks for the input! I might hold off for the time being, considering I just bought new tires for my 16's this past winter. I'm only getting about 100km/tank less than I was with my other 15s (It could be worse I guess). Right now, it might not be worth buying lightweight wheels & new tires. I would have to sit down and work out the costs. For the amount I would spend, it would probably take a few years worth of buying extra gas to offset that costs.

Considering the tires are new, I might just wait until they're worn down and need to be replaced, then switch to 15s then.

-Matt

[marlondog]

I currently have 195/55/15s, but will change the out for 205/55's once the tires wear out. I've had them before, and there was a slight decrease in mileage compaired to the 185/60's. They fill in the wheel gaps, and give your car a "don't f with me" stance. They will also give your wheels some extra cushion and sidewall. 15's with little tires look pretty silly on our cars, so 205/55's or 195/55's will do the job.:thumbsup:

[thebarber]

bah, my car looks fine w/ 205-50-15's....and i don't rub