How do bigger tires affect gas mileage, ride quality, and braking?

Upgrading to bigger tires is one of the most popular modifications for trucks and SUVs, and for good reason. Larger tires look great, improve off-road capability, and give your build a more aggressive stance. However, there are some real world trade offs to be aware of before making the switch. Here is a complete breakdown of how bigger tires affect gas mileage, ride quality, and braking.

Gas Mileage

One of the most common concerns when upgrading to bigger tires is the impact on fuel economy. Here is what to expect:

• Larger tires are heavier than factory tires, and the added rotating mass requires more energy from your engine to get them moving and keep them moving
• Wider tires have a larger contact patch with the road, which increases rolling resistance and requires more fuel to maintain speed
• The more aggressive tread patterns common on larger all-terrain and mud-terrain tires also contribute to increased rolling resistance compared to highway tires
• The bigger the jump in tire size from your factory tires, the more noticeable the impact on fuel economy will be
• While the exact reduction in fuel economy varies depending on the tire size, weight, and type, many truck owners report a noticeable decrease in miles per gallon after upgrading to significantly larger tires
• Recalibrating your speedometer and tuning your vehicle for the new tire size can help minimize the impact on fuel economy

Ride Quality

The impact of bigger tires on ride quality depends on the type of tire and the size change. Here is what to know:

• Larger tires with a taller sidewall can actually improve ride quality in some situations by providing more cushioning between the wheel and the road surface. A taller sidewall absorbs bumps and road imperfections better than a shorter, lower profile sidewall
• However, more aggressive tires like mud-terrain tires come with a stiffer sidewall and a more aggressive tread pattern that can make the ride feel firmer and rougher on pavement
• Wider tires feel more planted and stable on the road, which many drivers appreciate, but can also transmit more road feel into the cabin
• All-terrain tires typically offer a good balance of on-road comfort and off-road capability, while mud-terrain tires trade some on-road comfort for maximum off-road performance
• Road noise is another factor to consider. Larger, more aggressive tires are generally louder on the highway than factory or highway tires. This is completely normal and not a sign of anything being wrong with your tires

Braking

Upgrading to bigger tires can also have an impact on your vehicle's braking performance. Here is what to know:

• Larger, heavier tires have more rotating mass than factory tires, which means they require more force to slow down and stop
• This increased rotating mass can slightly extend braking distances, particularly in emergency stopping situations
• Wider tires provide a larger contact patch with the road, which can actually improve dry traction and braking performance in some situations. However, this benefit can be offset by the added weight of larger tires
• More aggressive tread patterns like those found on mud-terrain tires can reduce braking performance on dry pavement compared to highway or all-terrain tires, as the widely spaced tread blocks provide less contact with the road surface
• Your factory brake system was designed for your factory tire size and weight. If you are upgrading to significantly larger and heavier tires, it may be worth considering a brake upgrade as part of your build

Other things to consider

Beyond gas mileage, ride quality, and braking, here are a few other effects of upgrading to bigger tires worth keeping in mind:

• Speedometer accuracy: Larger tires cover more ground per rotation, which can cause your speedometer to read lower than your actual speed. A tuner or shop recalibration can correct this
• Transmission shift points: Some vehicles use wheel speed data to determine shift points, which can be affected by a change in tire size
• Suspension and drivetrain wear: Larger, heavier tires put more stress on your suspension, wheel bearings, and drivetrain components over time
• Acceleration: The added weight of larger tires can reduce acceleration performance, particularly from a stop

How do I minimize the trade offs?

If you want to upgrade to bigger tires while minimizing the impact on gas mileage, ride quality, and braking, here are a few tips:

• Choose a tire size that is not dramatically larger than your factory tires to keep the trade offs manageable
• Consider an all-terrain tire rather than a mud-terrain if you primarily drive on the road, as all-terrain tires offer a better balance of on-road and off-road performance
• Have your speedometer recalibrated after installing new tires to ensure accurate speed and odometer readings
• Consider a tune or programmer to optimize your vehicle's performance for the new tire size
• Make sure your lift kit or leveling kit is properly sized to accommodate your new tires without rubbing

Not sure what tire size is right for your build?

Use our guided fitment tool on our homepage to find the right tire options for your specific year, make, and model. You can also reach out to our sales team and we will be happy to help you find a tire size that looks great and works well for your specific vehicle and driving needs!