Do Tires Affect MPG?

From all-season tires to performance tires, there’s certainly no shortage of great tire options on the market today. But if you’ve got efficiency on your mind, you might be surprised to find out which factors matter the most. Do tires affect MPG? Absolutely, and in this guide, we’ll go through the answers to common questions like:

• Do bigger tires affect MPG?
• Do bigger wheels affect MPG?
• How much does tire weight affect MPG?

Do Bigger Tires Affect MPG?

First, do bigger tires and wheels affect MPG? Yes, and this is because of increased rolling resistance. What is rolling resistance? It’s the friction between your tires and the pavement that causes your car to slow. The larger the tires, the greater the rolling resistance. That means there’s more friction to overcome when driving on a larger set of tires, while smaller tires will glide more efficiently on the Oceanside roads.

How Much Does Tire Weight Affect MPG? 

Another reason that bigger tires and wheels decrease your fuel economy is due to the extra weight. How much does tire weight affect MPG?

• Smaller objects are easier to put into motion than larger ones. When you drive on a set of larger tires and wheels, your engine has to work harder than it would for a smaller set. If you’d prefer larger tires with better efficiency, consider asking our service team about low-weight tires.
• Because smaller objects require less engine power to get going, smaller tires and wheels are a very good choice for stop-and-go city traffic. You might be surprised by just how much those extra MPGs add up over a year of Poway travels!
• While smaller tires are great for city driving, larger tires can actually be beneficial on the highway. Larger tires cover more distance with every rotation compared to a smaller tire, so you could experience increased highway fuel economy in Carlsbad.

Visit Quality Chevrolet to Shop Tires in Escondido

Whether you’re looking for a fuel-efficient set of tires in Oceanside or just a quick tune-up at the service center, the team at Quality Chevrolet is here to take care of all of your automotive needs. Contact us with your questions about tire care in the Escondido area or stop by to shop tires today! We’d be happy to help you find the tires that you need at a price that fits your budget.