Tires: 2004 Nissan Armada Tires Option, 2004 nissan armada, nissan armada

Question
Hello, I own a 2004 Nissan Armada SE Off Road Package 2wd. It came with 285 70 R17 Tires. I've replaced them once but would like to know if a more fuel efficient size is available. I would prefer not to purchase new rims.
Thanks
Chris  

Answer
Chris,

Tire size is NOT a determining factor when it comes to a tire's fuel efficiency.  The tread compound is.  Unfortunately, it's a triangle relationship between traction, tread wear and fuel efficiency, so if you want fuel efficiency, you have to sacrifice one or the other (or a bit of both).

But determining a tire's fuel efficiency is a little difficult at the moment as there are many different testing methods and they yield different results.  As a result, the tire manufacturer may know where their particular tire ranks compared to some other tires (but not all), but they are unlikely to reveal that information - except in a general way.

That will all change when the new regulations come out.  They will specify the testing method and the way to report it. - but it will be several years before it becomes a requirement.