Postby CPLTECH » Wed Jan 04, 2012 7:23 pm
You probably don’t remember this, but 30-40 yr ago the hot rod crowd wanted mag(nesium) rims that were lighter which made the tire assembly lighter than steel rims which made the 0-60 times quicker. Wide tires were needed for the extra traction. I had some big wide tires on a used S10 and that truck couldn’t roll down a hill. Finally put some standard width passenger tires on it and got fantastic MPG.
Also those 80# PSI “truck” tires affect MPG as well. So unless carrying heavy loads, think twice. Tall tires affect the final gear ratio the mfg determined best for that engine/truck setup. With gas now predicted to get to $5 a gal this summer, divide that by 11 = 45¢ per mile ! ! ! Some tires now have a “LRR” rating which rates the rolling resistance for those who are MPG concerned. I think this $3 gas has made us lazy.