The relationship between a vehicle’s tire circumference and its final drive is a critical factor in overall performance. Altering tire dimensions impacts the effective leverage exerted by the engine. For example, increasing tire diameter reduces the engine’s revolutions per mile, potentially affecting acceleration and fuel economy. Conversely, smaller tires increase engine revolutions per mile, often improving acceleration at the expense of fuel efficiency.
Understanding the relationship is essential for maintaining or optimizing vehicle performance after tire modifications. Historically, mechanics relied on manual calculations, often leading to inaccuracies. Modern tools streamline this process, providing accurate assessments of the effect of tire size on the transmission’s output. This facilitates informed decisions regarding gear selection and other modifications to restore or enhance desired characteristics.