wheels and mpg

[eric_edge]

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 :cry:) 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]

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

[rningonfumes]

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]

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