Do Bigger Tires Affect MPG?

If you’re like most Cartersville drivers and concerned about your safety on Rome drives, you know that tire care is crucial for a safe driving experience. From checking your PSI to rotating your tires to knowing how to make your tires last longer, our service team is here for all of your tire-related needs. One question we get often at the Cartersville service center is, “Do bigger tires affect mpg?” The answer is yes, tires do impact the performance and efficiency of your vehicle. Here we answer the following questions: 

• Do bigger tires affect mpg?
• How much does tire weight affect mpg?
• Do bigger wheels affect mpg?
• What is Rolling Resistance?
• Are there any benefits to larger, heavier tires?
• And more

Keep reading to get tips on tire care, and you can always browse our service and parts tips to learn about other auto care topics. 

What is Rolling Resistance?

So, do bigger wheels affect mpg? Yes, because they impact rolling resistance. What is rolling resistance? When you’re driving around Acworth, “rolling resistance” is the force that slows your tires and helps bring you to a stop. Technically, rolling resistance is the friction between your tires and the ground. The more resistance, the worse your fuel economy. Larger tires (and wheels) have more rolling resistance, contributing to poor rolling resistance. 

Along with tire size, other factors affect your mpg, such as air drag, tire tread, road conditions, and more. If your goal is to enhance your mpg, consider purchasing low-resistance tires with lower weight, thinner sidewalls, and shallower treads from our parts center.

How Much Does Tire Weight Affect MPG?

Now let’s discuss how much tire weight affects mpg on your Canton travels.

• Smaller objects require less energy to move than larger ones, which means that larger tires cause the engine to burn more fuel to move your vehicle. 
• Smaller tires and wheels demand less engine output and handle stop-and-go traffic better. 
• Are there any benefits to larger, heavier tires? Yes, bigger tires are excellent for heavy-duty vehicles and cover more distance quickly once they’re rolling. So, they can boost your mpg if you mostly travel on Cartersville highway!

Welborn GMC Of Cartersville is Your Best Source for Car Care!

Not only can the Welborn GMC Of Cartersville service advisors answer questions like, “Do tires affect mpg?” but they can also explain how to jump-start a car and provide other helpful service tips. Please check our service specials and schedule a service appointment if you need new tires.