How much does tire width affect MPG?
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Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 2,171
Likes: 20
From: Denton, TX
How much does tire width affect MPG?
I currently have a near brand new set of load range E, 235 width tires on my new-to-me four-dooor '96 F250. I'd prefer to have a wider tire primarily for looks. I'd buy a second set of rims (So I can use its load capacity when I need it.) just for wider tires for the looks and a cushier ride if it makes sense.
My question is: How much do the wider tires affect MPG? Most of my current driving is city streets and FM roads, very little freeway miles. But, I have a 16 hour each way family road trip next month and am trying to justify a smother ride. But at what fuel cost penalty?
Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience!!
My question is: How much do the wider tires affect MPG? Most of my current driving is city streets and FM roads, very little freeway miles. But, I have a 16 hour each way family road trip next month and am trying to justify a smother ride. But at what fuel cost penalty?
Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience!!
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 304
Likes: 0
From: Clare, MI
My old Cooper Discover 265/75R16 rode better, got better fuel economy, were quieter, had a higher load rating, and got better traction than my GoodYear 245/85R16 tires. Until I threw the tread off them. Full throttle sideways through all four gears finally killed them, and left a nice set of black marks that lasted 4 or 5 months.
Basically what I'm getting at is the tread compound and design have a much higher impact than the size, as long as you don't get ridiculous.
Basically what I'm getting at is the tread compound and design have a much higher impact than the size, as long as you don't get ridiculous.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,115
Likes: 13
From: west plains spokane,wa
If your talking larger tires go with a 285/75/16, they look better (to me anyway). I didn't notice any difference in ride or mpg between the 235 or 285, the bigger ones just look better.
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,417
Likes: 4
From: Braham MN
I've had 285/75/16 on my powerstokes for almost 10 years and the bearings are fine....
I did switch to some 235/85/16 for one winter and I gained almost 2mpg on my 97 diesel. I would guess a gasser would see the same.
I did switch to some 235/85/16 for one winter and I gained almost 2mpg on my 97 diesel. I would guess a gasser would see the same.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,115
Likes: 13
From: west plains spokane,wa
Keep in mind that your speedometer/ odometer will be off by 2 or 3 mph when changing between the 2 sizes. Could throw off mpg figures.
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