When you think about gas mileage, there are a number of things that come to mind that could have a bigger or smaller effect on how much fuel your car will use. Many people think that driving style is the most important thing when it comes to fuel consumption, but there are many more aspects that play a big role, one of which is tire type and size.
In this article, we’ll talk about the connection between tire size and fuel consumption, as well as what happens when you have larger, smaller, narrower, or wider tires.
Larger wheels and tires are among the most common modifications on any muscle car because they instantly transform the car’s visual appeal significantly. Although most muscle cars look pretty good from the factory, there are unlimited options when it comes to aftermarket wheels that can customize your car’s look. The downside to having larger tires on your car is increased fuel consumption.
Larger tires often pair with larger, compatible wheels. With increased size comes increased weight, which is the first and most obvious reason for increased fuel consumption. With larger wheels and tires, a car’s aerodynamics will also be different. With increased drag, the fuel consumption will also be a bit higher.
Engine load also plays an important role in a vehicle’s MPG, and with larger tires compared to a stock setup, there will be increased engine load. Larger tires are often wider as well, making the rotational mass larger as well. This makes it harder for the engine to accelerate and brake, increasing the fuel consumption further.
Impact of Smaller Tires on Fuel Consumption
Smaller tires don’t have a positive effect on a car’s visual appearance, but they have an impact on ride quality, comfort, and fuel consumption. Smaller wheels and tires are commonly used for winter sets, and considering their size, they’re also lighter. This means that fuel economy could be better, simply because of less weight being pulled. But the flip side is that there’s less distance traveled with each rotation of the tire, so the benefits get negated somewhat.
Smaller tires also mean less width, which reduces engine load and can have a significant effect on fuel consumption. This is exactly why smaller cars with less power come with small wheels and tires.
In city driving conditions, smaller tires can have a huge effect on fuel efficiency. Due to smaller rotational mass, there’s less engine load that causes increased fuel consumption in stop-and-go situations.
Tire Width as a Crucial Factor
All tires come in different width options, and this is one of the factors that’s most crucial for a car’s fuel consumption. Wider tires have a bigger contact surface, significantly increasing rotational mass and rolling resistance, both of which negatively affect a car’s fuel economy. The larger the tires, the worse fuel economy you’ll get, it’s as simple as that.
Other Factors That Determine Fuel Consumption
Aside from the tire size, there are a couple of other factors that determine a car’s fuel consumption, and it’s tire-related.
When compared, different tire types provide different fuel economy numbers. All-season tires are the best choice for everyday driving because they provide the perfect balance between grip, handling, and fuel efficiency. Most vehicles come with all-season tires from the factory because they’re the most versatile type, and provide the closest MPG numbers compared to factory numbers.
Performance tires and winter tires, for example, improve handling and grip, but the compound they’re made of and the tread design make them a bad choice if fuel economy is your primary goal.
Another small, but significant factor that can affect a car’s MPG is whether or not the tires are inflated correctly. Both overinflated and underinflated tires won’t perform as well as they should, but underinflated tires can harm MPG because the contact surface is bigger than it should. It’s recommended to check tire pressure levels every once in a while to keep the numbers at optimum levels.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right tires and tire size for your muscle car can play a significant role in how much fuel your car will use. An unwritten rule is that larger wheels and tires increase fuel consumption, but if you choose the wrong type of tire for your setup, your fuel consumption is most likely to increase.
We have a wide range of options when it comes to tires and wheels for muscle cars, from all-season tires that will reduce your car’s fuel consumption, to performance tires that will stick your car to the road like glue. With just a few clicks, you’ll find the perfect tires for your car.
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