Do Tires Affect MPG?

Your tires are an incredibly important, yet often overlooked, component of your vehicle that can have a major impact when it comes to safety and performance on the roads of Omaha and Bellevue. A common question we hear at the Edwards Nissan service center is, “Do tires affect mpg?” The answer to this question is yes! Tires do actually have quite an impact on how efficiently your vehicle operates on La Vista streets. 

In the guide below from Edwards Nissan, we will cover the following common questions: 

• Do bigger tires affect mpg?
• Do bigger wheels affect mpg?
• How much does tire weight affect mpg?
• And more!

Do Bigger Tires Affect MPG? 

So, do bigger tires affect mpg? Yes, bigger tires can negatively impact the efficiency of your vehicle. Why do bigger wheels affect mpg? It’s due to “rolling resistance.” Rolling resistance is the friction between your tires and the ground, and the more rolling resistance there is, the lower your fuel economy will be. Larger tires have more rolling resistance. What’s more? Air drag, road quality, and more will play a role in how much resistance is being put on your tires. For those who want their vehicles to operate as efficiently as possible in Council Bluffs, consider low-resistance tires with thinner sidewalls, lower weight, and shallower treads.

How Much Does Tire Weight Affect MPG?

How much does tire weight affect MPG? Weight can affect fuel economy in a couple of ways: 

• Since a smaller object takes less energy to move than a larger one, larger tires need more energy to propel the vehicle forward. 
• Smaller tires and wheels require less engine output and are better for stop-and-go city traffic. 
• Larger, heavier tires do have some benefits, though. They are ideal for heavy-duty vehicles and cover more distance once they’re rolling. If you do primarily highway driving, they actually have an advantage. 

Learn All About Tire Care and More with Edwards Nissan

Do you have questions about tire care and maintenance? We can help! Explore our service tips and tricks, or stop by our service center for more information. Contact us today.