A tool exists that computes the effect of alterations in wheel and tire size on a vehicle’s final drive ratio and speedometer reading. It takes the original and new tire diameters, alongside the transmission and differential gear ratios, as input. The result is a calculated adjusted final drive ratio and a percentage difference in speedometer output, providing insight into how changes in rolling diameter influence vehicle performance and instrumentation.
Understanding the effect of tire size on gearing is crucial for optimizing vehicle acceleration, fuel economy, and speedometer accuracy. Historically, adjustments to gearing were made through physical modifications to the differential. However, the computational tool allows users to anticipate the effects of tire changes before any physical alteration, offering a convenient way to predict changes in engine RPM at certain speeds, optimize for off-road traction, or correct speedometer errors after modifying tire sizes. This ensures that the vehicle operates within its intended performance parameters, with an added focus on safety.