Tire Fuel Cost Scenario Calculator
Model the fuel cost effect of a tire change from entered fuel economy assumptions. Annual gallons, liters and dollars for each scenario.
Use entered fuel consumption assumptions.
Tire Fuel Cost Scenario Calculator: Tire Size Inputs
Compare two tire sizes here. Use the formulas and reference tables below for this tool's specific calculation.
How Tire Fuel Cost Scenario Calculator Works?
The Tire Fuel Cost Scenario Calculator works by applying an assumed percent change in fuel economy to annual distance and fuel price. The tool uses 4 steps.
Enter baseline economy
Type current economy, for example 25 mpg (9.41 L/100 km).
Enter the assumed change
Type the expected change from the new tires, for example −2% for heavier all-terrain tires.
Enter distance and price
Type annual distance (12,000 mi, 19,312 km) and fuel price ($3.50 per gallon).
Read the cost change
The calculator returns 490 gallons instead of 480 and +$34 a year.
Tire Fuel Cost Scenario Calculator Formula
The Tire Fuel Cost Scenario Calculator formula is Annual fuel cost = Distance ÷ (Economy × (1 + Δ%)) × Fuel price.
E_new = E_base × (1 + Δ%)F = D ÷ E_newC = F × pΔC = C_new − C_base- E_base
- Baseline economy (mpg)
- Δ%
- Assumed change (negative = worse)
- D
- Annual distance (mi)
- p
- Fuel price per gallon
Worked example
At 25 mpg, 12,000 mi and $3.50 per gallon, a 4% economy loss from heavier tires raises annual fuel from 480 to 500 gallons (1,893 L) and cost by $70 a year.
Tire Fuel Cost Scenario Calculator Conversion Table
The Tire Fuel Cost Scenario Calculator conversion table models 6 fuel economy change assumptions for a 25 mpg car driven 12,000 mi a year.
| Economy change | New economy | Annual fuel | Annual cost | Extra cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| −0.0% | 25.00 mpg (9.41 L/100 km) | 480 gal (1817 L) | $1,680 | +$0 |
| −0.5% | 24.88 mpg (9.46 L/100 km) | 482 gal (1826 L) | $1,688 | +$8 |
| −1.0% | 24.75 mpg (9.50 L/100 km) | 485 gal (1835 L) | $1,697 | +$17 |
| −2.0% | 24.50 mpg (9.60 L/100 km) | 490 gal (1854 L) | $1,714 | +$34 |
| −3.0% | 24.25 mpg (9.70 L/100 km) | 495 gal (1873 L) | $1,732 | +$52 |
| −4.0% | 24.00 mpg (9.80 L/100 km) | 500 gal (1893 L) | $1,750 | +$70 |
What is Tire Fuel Cost Scenario Calculator?
A Tire Fuel Cost Scenario Calculator is a tool that turns an assumed fuel economy change from a tire choice into annual fuel volume and cost. The tool works from entered assumptions, not a measured result.
Heavier tires, aggressive tread, wider sizes and higher rolling resistance lower fuel economy. Low-rolling-resistance tires raise economy.
Measured economy after a size change needs the Corrected Fuel Economy Calculator first, so odometer error does not distort the input.
What are the uses of Tire Fuel Cost Scenario Calculator?
There are 4 main uses of the Tire Fuel Cost Scenario Calculator, including all-terrain upgrade costing and EV tire savings.
All-terrain upgrade costing
Put a yearly fuel cost on an off-road tire.
Eco tire savings
Estimate savings from a low-rolling-resistance tire.
Fleet scenarios
Model fuel costs across many vehicles.
Break-even input
Supply annual savings to the break-even calculator.
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