Going back to stock tires

I have been running 265/70/17 Firestone Destination ATs for 1.5 weeks (400miles) on my '07 V6 sport.

I've noticed a drop of 2.5mpg. I really don't mind the lost in gas mileage as much I hate having to work the throttle more when going uphill. It's even worse when the vehicle in front slows down. If I have to ease off the throttle at around 45-50mph, rpm drops from 1600 to about 1100/1200. This is really frustrating Also, coming from a turn, I don't seem to have that exit speed anymore.

The good news is that Tires Plus will swap out my tires tomorrow with original spec since they have a 30-day warranty period. I just have to pay for the $50- total price difference

Do you guys think I need to get another alignment done? I just had the dealership do that last week for $99-

 

You need to get alignment done due to change in tire size. I suggest you get a lifetime alignment so as not to pay $$ everytime you do alignment. Firestone sells it for $169 (I think).

 

why do you have to get an alignment done everytime you get tires changed? you aren't messing with any of the suspension or alignment components.

edit: to the OP, did you calculate the 3.5% tire size difference into your total mileage per tank?

 

Hmmmm. You made me think about it.
He's changing from 32" to 31" (stock). My answer is based from what the tire shop told me.

I hope someone can explain here.

 

I went from 245/65/16 to 265/70/17 and did not have a drop in MPG at all and I did not have to align it either.
Some of the tire shops out here are not even equipped to do alignments, so I can't see how just changing tires would require an alignment.

 

Are your new tires P-metric or LT-light truck tires? If they are LT they will weigh more and cause you to drop a few MPG.

 

you should not have to have the alignment done

 

I believe Destination ATs are still passenger tires.

 

I called the service department today and was told I should not need alignment work. I personally do not like the word 'should'. I wish things can be said in 'black and white'. Again, it's just a personal thing (being anal as usual).

I'm just going to confirm this statement with the guys at Tires Plus tonight.

As always, I appreciate the input folks.

 

they have both p-metric and lt because i have the p-metric destination a/t's on my tacoma. the lt's cost a few bucks more because of the extra material and they normally don't come with a milage warranty either because the tire manufacturer is under the assumption that you're going to use them more for towing and off-roading.

 

ok then you will not need a alignment

 

Haha. Thanks dude.

 

I think you are right. There are 2 types of 265/70/17s on tirerack.com. The ones I have right now have a lower speed rating but higher load capacity. So I guess I do have LT-rated tires.

The 265/65/17s I'm getting tonight come with a single speed rating (110T). I really like the look of the 32s but the driving experience I get with 31s trumps looks for now (until I decide I want to re-gear).

 

no kidding no need to do the alignment been selling tires
and doing alignments for 35pl yrs

 

Given that its a recent drop, could it be fuel? Out here in the west, it's about time for them to change to the winter oxygenated blend. It's the first season for my Tacoma, but my 2003 Chevy Silverado usually dropped 1-2+ MPG when the winter fuel came out. Don't know if they do the blend switch in your neck of the woods.

 

That's good to know. Maybe next time I buy tire I'll ask why.

Thanks.

 

That's why I love this site. We got experts here! You just saved me another night of surfing for more answers.

Thanks again.

 

I think they do. I've noticed a drop already even before getting these tires. I was 19+mpg this summer going thru 17 stop lights on my way to work. Come October I was just getting 18mpg.

After getting the 32s though I dropped 2 additional mpg.

I also factor in outside temperature when 'guess-timating' fuel consumption and it's been 50 degrees for maybe a couple of weeks now so that shouldn't matter.

 

Wait, what is the "stock" tire size on an 07? On, my 04, I thought I got 265/70/16 from the factory. Is that correct?

 

On a sport the stock is 265/65/17...I can't see how a 265/70/17 effected gas so much??