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17" vs 18" Tires

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Hi All,

I am looking forward to buy a new FFH. I am a bit confused about what size tires to go for? The areas I would like to focus on are FE and ride comfort.

Also does color affect the FE in a hybrid? Eg. Black color would absorb more heat during the frigid winters.


PS:I know this is not the right place to ask questions related to color.

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I think it's generally accepted that the 17" wheels/tires result in better fuel economy.

 

Although I'm sure red cars are faster, I don't believe anyone has noticed any color being more efficient than another. ;)

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If FE and ride comfort are your priority than there's nothing to be confused about, the 17in tires are the obvious choice.

 

Black cars might hold a bit more heat in the winter but they'll cause the A/C to run harder in the summer.

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Agree with the above about the tires. The color makes a major difference in the summer -- years ago I was in a car lot with a white and black car next to each other and the difference was very noticeable. Don't forget the interior colors as well. At least around here with overcast winter skies I can't imagine black being that much of a heating advantage -- it would depend on where you live. And of course a light colored car is easier for others to see during those long winter lights so probably is safer.

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I have 18" wheels on my 2013 Fusion Hybrid and have sat in Fusions with 17" and even 16" (2008 model) wheels and didn't feel any difference in comfort.

 

The fuel economy does take a hit with 18" wheels. I got a pre-owned car so I didn't have a choice, but if I were buying new I'd save the $$$.

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If FE and ride comfort are your priority than there's nothing to be confused about, the 17in tires [compared to 18 or 19] are the obvious choice.

/quote]

In regards to ride comfort, the smaller the wheel, the better to the ride [i say -- no mechanic].

 

Take things to the extreme. This is just for arguments sake to illustrate.. Speed under, say 20MPH, and ignore other factors but feeling potholes)

 

Imagine if you had 10 inch wheels (and giant sidewalls that might not fit in the wheel well). You would expect the added rubber and more air to cushion the ride. [if there were two potholes you would "float" over the second one :skateboard:

 

Imagine if your had 23 inch wheels -- (or the largest possible -- just go with it). We've all seen them, with rotating hub caps. Can you imagine going over a pot hole in a 23 inch tire? It would probably dent the rim. A horrible idea.

So, in conclusion, 17 inch rims should be a little more cushy than 18 inch rims.

 

Another question: I assume your mechanic would have to "tell the car" you just changed something the wheel geometry) affecting the CVT. and speedomete. [Like I'm going to swap wheels in my garage].

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I am sitting in my neighborhood Firestone Auto Care station. Tire sales dude says with same tire specifications (sidewall is key) a 17 inch will ride smoother than a 18 inch whee(or 19, or 20,..)

Edited by stlouisgeorge

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So, in conclusion, 17 inch rims should be a little more cushy than 18 inch rims.

 

Another question: I assume your mechanic would have to "tell the car" you just changed something the wheel geometry) affecting the CVT. and speedomete. [Like I'm going to swap wheels in my garage].

 

The key is finding tires that have the same overall outside diameter. Ford generally keeps them all pretty close, so a change from a factory 17in tire to a factory 18in tire is not going to change the overall diameter by enough to make it necessary to reset any of the computers.

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