rim size and fuel

[urasula]

i'm wondering do bigger rims make the car less fuel efficient comparing to the stock rims?

i dunno if this is right, but i think it would. my reasoning is that bigger rims yields more weight and mass, thus requiring more energy; so using more fuel. what do u guys think?

[Primera-TDLX]

That`s right, I noticed a little more fuel consumption, but the bigger problem is the performance. I noticed that, I lost about 5-10 mph in some steep upphils. I went from 185-75-13 to 215-40ZR-17".
But the bether grip and handling is worth it I think!

[FlossinPrimera]

Actually getting bigger wheels doesn't neccesarly add weight, if you buy quality wheels. Tires are very heavy, a good wheel should weigh no more than 20lbs. If the wheel is heavier than 20lbs don't buy it. Probably the reason for the change in fuel mileage is that the aftermarked wheel tire combo is shorter than the factory combo which translates into a higher RPM for any given speed which increases fuel consumption and the fact that the tire is wider means that there is greater rolling resistance (sorry I'm a physics guy). Not to mention the fact that because of the wider wheel there is greater drag which increases fuel consumption, but in this aspect it is neglagable.

[b-b00gie]

Originally posted by FlossinPrimera
Actually getting bigger wheels doesn't neccesarly add weight, if you buy quality wheels. Tires are very heavy, a good wheel should weigh no more than 20lbs. If the wheel is heavier than 20lbs don't buy it....

I have to dissagree.


If you want to talk about quality, then the first thing that comes to mind is a strong 3 pc wheel, which about 99.9999% of all 3pc wheels are well over 20lbs.


I can name more than 10 wheels off the top of my head that are less than 20lbs and IN NO WAY are they quality! More than half of wheels I've seen that are under 20lbs ARE HORRIBLE quality and they are susceptable to breaking way more frequently and easier than a heavier 3pc style wheel.


Take for example a very popular manufacturer, Racing Hart. They have both 1pc (lightwieght) and 3pc (heavy!!) wheels, are you trying to tell me the 1pc wheels are better quality cause they're lighter??? You better be kidding.


Performancewise, yes, the lighter wheel does have advantages, but basing your purchase solely on wieght is a big mistake. Materials/contruction/brand reputation comes first...


*end of my rant*

[Dsilver]

Originally Posted by urasula

i'm wondering do bigger rims make the car less fuel efficient comparing to the stock rims?

i dunno if this is right, but i think it would. my reasoning is that bigger rims yields more weight and mass, thus requiring more energy; so using more fuel. what do u guys think?

I would say, ask Grant@TireRack, he is the expert