Which tire setup is better for fuel economy? - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

camopaint0707 · 07-14-2011, 04:22 AM

Would it be better to get a 195/60/14 tire with a moderately decent LLR tire or to get a slightly larger size 185/65/14 and get the B381 which are supposed to be the BEST LLR tire out there?

justjohn · 07-14-2011, 09:40 PM

Taller is a good thing. Go for the B381s.

camopaint0707 · 07-15-2011, 12:18 AM

ok thanks man!!

camopaint0707 · 07-15-2011, 12:44 AM

really? a taller tire is better?

Kodak · 07-15-2011, 01:15 AM

There was a discussion about this a while back. Here's the deal: the downside of taller is that ride height is [very slightly] higher, and you have a bit more frontal area. On the other hand, if you do a lot of highway driving, a taller tire will simulate taller gearing, lower cruising rpm. The lower rpm could save fuel. And now the kicker: if you do a lot of in-town driving or have an underpowered engine, the simulated higher gearing may cause more downshifting to be necessary, resulting in lower FE.

I think some hard data is needed to display which of the above factors carries more weight (which reminds me that taller may mean heavier ie. more rotating mass). I don't think there appears to be an across-the-board winner. Rather, there are numerous factors to be considered, some of which are admittedly splitting hairs, but they are worth mentioning nonetheless.

camopaint0707 · 07-15-2011, 01:36 AM

but I feel as if these tires are the best llr tires out there and worth the slightly bigger size

arcosine · 07-15-2011, 11:35 AM

185/65 would be better than 195/60 and 175/70 would be even better for mpg

SentraSE-R · 07-15-2011, 06:48 PM

My tall tire test. Taller was definitely better for my short-geared car. Taller was nearly a wash even when heavier, less aerodynamic, and wider. Taller but otherwise equal was a definite winner.

Taller with LRR tires should be even better.

camopaint0707 · 07-15-2011, 11:11 PM

and the b381 are the best llr tires out there?

mcrews · 07-16-2011, 02:59 AM

I have beat this dead horse adnausium.

As he said......the key is rpm at cruise.
Then how much 'cruise " (hgway) you do.

Generally, same rim taller tire is an instant winner. maybe 1lb difference in the tires.

SentraSE-R did an amazingly accurate and detailed test