I just got a 1999 4Runner less than a week ago. It comes with the 265
Michelin tires, which at the beggining I though were customized by
later I realized they were the original size that came with the car.



So, I was wondering if there is a diference in gas mileage between the 265 and the 215 (or 225?).



If there is a huge diference I would like to change my tires, but if the diference is minimum i won't worry anymore.



What do you guys know about? Thanks.

 

<FONT color=#000066>it's still the same in terms of gas consumption. it effects only if you change the the size of rim/mugs. </FONT></P>

 

In metric sizes, I believe the first number (i.e. 265) is the width of the tire from the widest part of a sidewall to the opposite. Then judging by the rim size (last number), the middle number accounts for the percentage of the diameter the sidewalls of the tire take up of the overall diameter. So, to answer your question, changing to 215's from 265's will probably slightly increase your mpg seeing as how they'll be lighter and there will be less rotating mass. Plus, since you won't have as must contact surface on the ground, there is less friction and resistance.

 

265 is the overall diameter of the tire in milimeters...70 is width in milimeters and 16 is the rim size.