A while back I was complaining about mpg (10-12). So I was thinking about tires. Presently, I have Toyo 285 60 18's which are about 12 inches wide and, compared to my original Wranglers, cost me about 1 mpg. Since I need new rubber I was thinking of going to a 20 inch wheel and getting 275/55-20's which are about 1 inch narrower. I like the wider tire because it holds better at high speeds; however, if I have a lower profile tire (more of a right angle to the road) will this compensate stabilitywise for less rubber on the road.

Thanks.

 

Anybody?

 

Tough SCrew, your question(s) is/are a little too nebulous.
Narrower tires do get better mileage, but you aren’t gonna notice it much. We are not talking bicycle wheels here.

When you changed your tires, you changed your gearing due to diameter. that also changed your odometer. I have no idea what your mileage really is, or how close you are to actually tracking it based on your post.

10-12 mpg is not from your tires, unless they are a LOT taller than the stock ones.


A ten percent change in tire width does not make a heck of a lot of difference anywhere.

Chris

 

I not only found his questions nebulous but, loqacious and speculative while completely lacking in satire.

 

Raul, your goats need you. Please return to them. Now. Hurry, Hurry Hurry.

Thank you
Chris

 

When I went down from my 305's to my 285's I had Ford reset my computer for the smaller diameter tires. What I am asking is whether getting an 11 inch wide tire will give me the stability of a 12 inch wide tire if I get a 20 inch wheel and have less sidewall.

Sorry, but this is as clear as I can make it.

Thanks

 

LOL! Most I've laughed all day, thanks.

Going back to the original question - 1 centimeter width difference isn't going to matter much in mpg. Also, lower profile tires will not give you more "stability'. They will improve steering response but what matters most in stability or handling is rubber compund and contact patch. Just look at how high profile the NASCAR tires are. The low profile tires will most likely be high performace so they will probably be stickier. You'll probably get better handling overall.

 

don't forget the added weight of the larger wheels...