Does having bad tires really make that much of a difference on gas mileage?

Question

i know it will hurt your gas mileage. but my mote carlo just seems to be sucking gas. its a 3.1 liter and should be getting way better gas mileage.

Answer 1

First of all, what mileage are you getting? But, yes...it does effect your mileage. Problem is though, there may be other things that are contributing to it as well. Be sure that you have a clean fuel filter, get and maintain a tune-up, be sure that there are no check engine lights on and that your emissions system is operating properly. All of these will also contribute to poor fuel mileage. Bad tires or incorrect tire pressure will make a difference, but not so significant all alone. Of course, with fuel prices today, ever little bit makes all the difference right?

Answer 2

Tires if they are properly inflated have only very small impact on gas mileage. I mean replacing the tires won't give you any significant difference in the gas mileage. Mostly the engine-related problems have bigger impact. For example, bad oxygen sensor, clogged injectors, bad spark plugs, dirty air flilter, etc.
However, it's hard to expect a car with 3.1-liter engine to be economical.
If you care about saving on gas you need something with 4 cylinders, something like Corolla or Civic.

Answer 3

It will definitely make that much difference in your mileage. You might also consider getting a tune up on the car. New plugs and wires, belts and hoses and new tires would go a long way towards getting your mileage up again to where it should be...

Answer 4

tires can make a difference, not a 20% diffenrence unless you are running flat. try the air filter, change the oil regularly including flushing it out, consider an upgrade to a k&n cold air intake, change the oil filter, and read your manual, there is somertimes another air filter, a small foam rubber one on the carb, or one in the firewall. make sure you are running the engine cool enough. heat is a killer for engines, even if it isn't over heating, the cooler it runs, the faster with better mpg. consider cleaning the injectors too if you have more than 60 miles. not the dump in the tank cleaner, physically removing them and cleaning or replacing them. and of course, good plugs and wires are essential, they must be properly gapped as well.

Answer 5

Don't know how bad they are, but tires can make a 10 - 20% difference in mileage. Worse if they're improperly inflated. They're one of the easiest things to work on, go out and swap them.

Answer 6

Tire inflation is critical not only on the life of the tire but it will effect your mileage 2-3 mpg.

Answer 7

Yep

http://money.cnn.com/2005/09/01/Autos/tipsandadvice/gas_saving_test/index.htm

http://www.cmu.edu/cmnews/extra/050921_tire.html

Answer 8

Yes having deflated tires can increase your rolling resistance. Thus having the engine work harder. Its like you pedalling a big with big foot tires, or you pedalling a bike with ten speed tires. Which would you be most tired of pedalling? :)

Answer 9

I don;t know the science of it all, but the tyre dealer I go to told me to keep my tyres at the proper psi for various reasons gas economy is one of them. So better tyres =better gas economy

Answer 10

ABSOLUTELY!!!! and so can your driving habbits. got your foot in the floor or fast accelerating would also cause it. if this doesnt apply then is a leak possible? do you smell gas when you start or turn off the car?