Currently own a 2.3L Mazda 3 and have MS6 oem 18 rims with kumho SPT tires that weigh approx. 24lbs (225/40/18). I feel my gas mileage has decreased a lot.
If I get lighter tires would it help, or should I just scrap my 18s and go to 17s?
Currently own a 2.3L Mazda 3 and have MS6 oem 18 rims with kumho SPT tires that weigh approx. 24lbs (225/40/18). I feel my gas mileage has decreased a lot.
If I get lighter tires would it help, or should I just scrap my 18s and go to 17s?
Dude really? "I feel my gas mileage has decreased a lot." Really?
How about recording the odometer and litres to fill over a couple weeks? It would be good if you've done this previously for a baseline too. Perception isn't really a good gauge of fuel economy.
2010 Mazda3 Graphite Mica GS Auto with Comfort Package
When I had my 17 stock wheels, which was before the summer I would normally get between 500-550km on a full tank. Since the switch to 18s, I get about 420-450km, 500 if I'm lucky.
And it's mostly city driving.
There is a slight change in mileage due to weight, but don't forget to account for the change in weather as well.
Also, we're assuming that nothing else on the car has changed. (Tire pressures, and mechanical condition of everything else).
A change of 100km/tank seems excessive to me. Double check everything.
Kleeeean-lad and certified Cone-killer
Tire pressure is a big one.
When I had the RX-8 rims on my 3, at first I was running close to 7L/100km highway. I checked the tire pressure, it was at 30 and I put it up to 32 on all 4 corners. I ran about 6.5L/100km highway after that.
NO CREW
It will decrease a little, but not enough for you to notice. The cold weather has a very dramatic influence on your fuel mileage. I guarantee that is what you have noticed.
I got rid of my 18's because of the weight mainly, and a few other factors. Weight was what really bothered me. I had 2010 Speed3 18's. Overall I'm glad they're gone but I will miss the awesome look come springtime.
Justin in Barrie - 2010 Mazda 3 GT Sport 6MT - 2007 Suzuki GSX-R600
could you speedo/odometer be off due to the larger diameter, thus altering your mileage?
Are you sure the 18 inch rims are lighter?
http://www.caranddriver.com/features...sted-tech_dept
What mileage is everyone getting? I just calculated 8.9L/100km, and I got a 2.0L. WTF. Will check tire pressure tomorrow.
That's pretty bad since I get like 9.7 9.8 on the speed 3 and I am not a light foot.
rotational mass is a bizzatch at times
2007 Mazda 3 GS sedan - Arctic White / Tan cloth - SOLD
2018 Tesla Model S 75D - Multi Coat Red
Thanks for the offer. I might hold off trading them or selling them till next year. Checked tire pressure (33psi) and I calculated 10.1L/100km.
The temperature has dropped significantly over the past few weeks... cars don't get as good MPG in the cold, are you sure you're not comparing apples and oranges? you could get away with a few more PSI cold as well.
Could also be time for a new air filter etc.
If you're worried about weight get a set of these:
http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/resul...ort&sort=Brand
O.Z. Alleggerita HLT - 16.4lbs
My brother had a set of Super Leggera on his Integra GS-R which were also about the same weight, it made the steering feel a bit light.