Rims, Tires, and MPG

[Pavel Olavich]

My question is very general, as I realize there may well be many factors.

What effect does replacement rims/tires have on MPG?

I want to replace the OEM steel wheels and the tires, not so much for looks, as for better MPG....what kind of rims/tires should I be looking at?

I'm ignorant on this topic so any advice I can get would be helpful.

Thanks!

[rwseattle]

Everyone has a different opion about this topic. You should do a general seach on Yarisworld and you will find 10+ Q & A. I drive LB with 16" 215/45/16 and NF210 lower springs. I don't see a change in MPG.

[Pavel Olavich]

Everyone has a different opion about this topic. You should do a general seach on Yarisworld and you will find 10+ Q & A. I drive LB with 16" 215/45/16 and NF210 lower springs. I don't see a change in MPG.

Going to a bigger rim, do you feel a decrease in torque at the front wheels?

I already did a search for what I posted originally but could not find anything that address specifically my question...

[PetersRedYaris]

A narrow light weight wheel/tire package is what you want for max MPG. The stock tires are narrow and have a low rolling resistance but you could save some weight with aluminum 15 inch wheels. Tire width increases drag a bit.

[PetersRedYaris]

Going to a bigger rim, do you feel a decrease in torque at the front wheels?

I already did a search for what I posted originally but could not find anything that address specifically my question...

Loss of power is due to a weight increase, not size increase. Take two wheels identical except for size and the bigger wheels will always weigh more.

[elsteverino889]

Ok the stock steel rims weigh 16.0 lbs, when you go to purchase your new rims just ask for the weight of each rim. I was researching this 2 nights ago and unless you wanna stay at 16's to not to lose power and u want 18's or somethin prepare urself to pay like $2000 for 16lb 18's.

[mikeukrainetz]

I actually read an interesting article which quoted wind resistance as being the worst contributor to low fuel economy as mpg decreased exponencially with speed. It also said a big factor was wheels - large wheels will obviously net poor fuel economy but the interesting part was wheel design. The more open the wheel design the less mpg, a closed wheel as ugly as it may look netted amazing mpg results. They refered also to skirted cars from back in the day like the old porsche racers.

Those moon type wheel covers some have been sporting on here might be a good buy.