Do Tires Affect MPG?

If you’re a safety-conscious driver, you know that tire care is essential for a secure driving experience. From rotating your tires to get a smoother commute from Arlington to Washington D.C. to learning how to make your tires last longer, our team is here for all of your tire-related questions. One question we hear a lot at our Alexandria service center is, “Do tires affect mpg?” You might be surprised to learn that the answer is yes, tires do have an impact on the performance and efficiency of your vehicle. 

In addition to answering, “Do tires affect mpg?”, we’ll address the following in our guide:

• Do bigger tires affect mpg?
• Do bigger wheels affect mpg?
• How much does tire weight affect mpg?
• And more!

Review our tips and tricks below to learn more about how tires impact your vehicle’s fuel economy.

Do Bigger Tires Affect MPG? What is Rolling Resistance?

So, do bigger tires affect mpg? Yes, they do. When you put your vehicle in drive, “rolling resistance” is the force that slows down your tires. Rolling resistance is the friction between your tires and the ground. More resistance equates to poorer fuel economy. Tire size, air drag, road quality, and more play a role in how much resistance is being put on your tires. If you want to boost your mpg, you can explore low-resistance tires with thinner sidewalls, lower weight, and shallower treads.

How Much Does Tire Weight Affect MPG?

How much does tire weight affect mpg? Find out here: 

• Since a smaller object takes less energy to move than a larger one, larger tires require the engine to burn more fuel to move the vehicle. 
• Smaller tires and wheels require less engine output and handle stop-and-go city traffic better. 
• Do larger, heavier tires have any benefits? Of course! Larger tires are great for heavy-duty vehicles and cover more distance once they’re rolling. This is a solid mpg boost if you mostly travel on the highway!

Learn More About Car Care with Alexandria Volkswagen

Not only can our Alexandria service team answer questions like, “Do bigger wheels affect mpg?” but they can also teach you how to jump-start a car and even what happens if you don’t change your oil. Our mission is to ensure that your Springfield travels are safe and secure by offering proper car care guidance, allowing you to drive with total peace of mind.