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Sedans Chevrolet Malibu 2008-2009 Chevrolet Malibu
1301 messages, Last post on Nov 24, 2009 at 8:22 AM
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| Just yesterday, I purchased a slightly "used" (2,700 miles) 2008 Malibu LT that has the Factory Chevy Malibu 18 inch polished LTZ rims. I was told that this was a demo car, which made sense, because it has never been never titled, and I bought it at the Chevy's dealership's used car lot. A Car fax report confirmed this. Since the LT package does not come from the factory with these rims and tires, I am assuming that original 17 inch tires and rims were removed at some point. I love the look of the shiny rims. However, since I bought this car mainly because of the fuel economy potential, I am now concerned that these tires and rims will have a negative effect on my 4 cylinder's MPG rating. Also, since the car's factory sticker located near the driver's rocker panel clearly shows 225/50 17 tires & wheels were on it from the factory, I am now worried that my odometer will be giving me readings on MPH and MPG that are not correct. Does anyone know: 1) if the larger 18 inch tires and rims will give me less fuel economy vs the normal LT 17 inchers, and 2) does Chevy at the factory level calibrate the odometer specifically differently for the 17 inch and 18 inch tires? If so, then maybe I should have my local Chevy dealership calibrate my odometer. Any and all advise is greatly appreciated. Thanks! | |
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Replying to: bwia (Apr 27, 2008 5:04 pm) 
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Replying to: bwia (Apr 27, 2008 5:04 pm) I just hope Japanese car owners will give it a shot, far to many people who won't walk into a Chevy dealer and that's just wrong. |
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Replying to: rw08malibu (Apr 27, 2008 5:21 pm) Usually, the increased wheel size is offset by a lower ratio tire, giving the outside diameter the same dimension. If that is the case, then technically there is no difference, and assuming the same weight between the 2 wheel types, there shouldn't be a noticable difference in MPG or speedo accuracy. Hope that helps...
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Replying to: busiris (Apr 27, 2008 6:07 pm) |
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Replying to: busiris (Apr 27, 2008 6:07 pm)
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Replying to: rw08malibu (Apr 27, 2008 6:43 pm) That's a potential issue...The 225 is the width of the tire in Millimeters, and the 50 is the % ratio of width to height. So, with no other modofications, expect the speedo to be off a bit.
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Replying to: busiris (Apr 27, 2008 6:48 pm) |
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Replying to: rw08malibu (Apr 27, 2008 7:12 pm) Now, do this 4 or 5 times to have several samples. Now you have enough information to tell you how "off" the odometer actually is, as well as calculate the speed differential between actual speed at, say 60 mph .vs. what is shown on the spedometer. Be aware, though, that it isn't unusual for new cars with everything original to have a variance. The last GM vehicle I had (2005 Aveo) was actually 5-6 mph off at 60 mph. I read several comments about that on the Aveo, but I have no idea how widespread it is on other vehicles, other than I do know it is fairly common. To answer your original question, you can take this information with you to the dealer to help substantiate your complaint, assuming you find a significant difference between actual and reported mileage. I don't think there is an accurate way to estimate the mpg difference, other than trying the same vehicle, driver, and location using both sets of wheels/tires .
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Replying to: busiris (Apr 27, 2008 9:05 pm) |
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