Bigger rims and fuel consumption

• freakass

  31 Jul 09, 10:04

  Hi guys,

  Can anyone explain  to me why bigger rims will lead to worse fuel consumption?

  I'm thinking of upgrading from 17" to 18".

  Thanks!

• nightsky87

  31 Jul 09, 10:11

  Originally posted by freakass:

  Hi guys,

  Can anyone explain  to me why bigger rims will lead to worse fuel consumption?

  I'm thinking of upgrading from 17" to 18".

  Thanks!

  In layman terms, an increase in rim size also equates to an increase in tyre width. Bigger contact patch, more rolling resistance and hence higher fuel consumption.

  By that same token, more friction also means better grip, which is why you will feel an improvement in the handling of your car.

• breytonhartge

  31 Jul 09, 10:41

  though to some degree you could theoretically get bigger tyres with less rolling resistance... and still not suffer too much in the fuel department but suffer in the handling

• carbikebus

  31 Jul 09, 11:45

  TS,If you dont want the FC to suffer take this example as a reference..

  If you're using 215/50-17 wanna upgrade to 18 make sure your new 18inch rims weight less than the 17 one.Tyre recommend is 225/40 then the rotation will be quite same.

• ahlong199

  3 Aug 09, 15:38

  Hi Car Forum Fans, My friend changed 14" to 15" and his red Mazda 3 fuel consumption went up. He switched back to 14" and his fuel consumption is reduced. Now he sticks back to 14". Just to share with you. His car plate number came out 2nd time first prize 4D last night, 2168 ! Last year also came out !