The Effect of Taller Tires on Speed

While it is true that larger tires travel farther for the same number of rotations, they are less energy-efficient. The wheel carries the car further in a single rotation, but factors, such as friction and tire weight, counteract this benefit.

  1. Tires

    • A tire rotates the same number of rotations regardless of its height. But, it takes far more energy to turn a larger wheel one rotation, and thus larger tires actually end up less efficient -- which translates to slower, not faster.

    Axles

    • Similarly, a standard axle is less efficient, due to the greater energy required to turn it the same number of degrees. The trade-off ends up substantially less efficient in terms of speed and gas mileage -- especially when comparing cars or trucks of equal weight, which is what is usually in question when modifying a vehicle.

    Misconceptions

    • The most significant problem facing taller wheels is the greater resistance or friction they experience. If the axle can be made to rotate at the same rate as a smaller tire, the car will go faster. However, because of the greater force necessary to generate the same rotational acceleration on the larger tire, larger tires are actually slower when gas is burned at the same rate.