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Originally Posted by SentraSE-R
I am hoping the taller tires and taller effective gearing will result in better fuel economy, but the Internet is rife with claims that larger tires result in worse fuel economy for users.
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From reading on EM, there are varied reports here as well.
The engine must be able to make as much power as efficiently, at the lower rpm.
They don't always do that.
Can you still gain some MPGs by slowing down as much as the gearing would slow down the engine ?
You also reduce aero drag when testing it this way, so the drop in fuel use must be significant.
With the V50, I'm at the point where slowing down no longer helps the MPG as the engine can't produce the power as efficiently anymore.
What about 185/65 R15 ?
A moderate 2.6% bigger.
Fits same rims.
Not wider than the current tyres.
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Adverse factors are potential increased wheel/tire weight with the larger wheels and tires, and worse aerodynamics from the new alloy wheels v. the stock steel wheel/hubcap combo.
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You're losing on 2 fronts here.
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Unfortunately, there are no LRR tires small enough in 17" size to fit my car.
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That's the 3rd battle being lost.
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I could possibly go with 205/50-17 tires, but they're >5% taller, and may start rubbing.
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I've had that tyre size before, and requiring a LI of at least 91, the rubber got pretty expensive.
On average 150% of the price of the 205/55/16 I'm running now.
The situation in the US might be different, but my feeling is it will be the 4th battle being lost.
Do you still think you can win the war against excessive fuel use ?
