What's with the Prius's hub caps?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by Skoorbmax, Mar 28, 2010.

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  1. tall_derek

    tall_derek New Member

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    Here is a set of pics of my new 2011 Blue Ribbon Prius with them on and with them off. I personally like the look with them off.
    Check the previous posts for the center caps for Toyota, they fit the 2011 without a problem.
    2011_Toyota_Prius_With_1015x420.jpg

    2011_Toyota_Prius_Without_1015x420.jpg
     
    #101 tall_derek, Aug 6, 2011
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  2. txl146

    txl146 Member

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    I had always thought that alloy wheels were optional on Prius models until I came across this thread.

    I honestly think Prius looks better with caps off.
     
    #102 txl146, Aug 7, 2011
  3. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Nope. They're lightweight alloys. Two wheels with tyres mounted probably feels the same as one steel rim without a tyre mounted. (don't have the exact weight but just lifting them up so I'm doing so subjectively).
     
    #103 Tideland Prius, Aug 7, 2011
  4. txl146

    txl146 Member

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    16" wheel that came in our matrix weighs about 20 lbs, which is considered heavy. Wonder how heavy 15" alloy wheel is on the Prius. I would guess around 17 lbs?

    Edit: just searched and found out that it weighs about 16.3lbs
     
    #104 txl146, Aug 7, 2011
  5. MovnSilent

    MovnSilent New Member

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    The 15" hubcaps are to be used as frisbees and prius owners are to upgrade to better looking wheels.
     
    #105 MovnSilent, Aug 8, 2011
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  6. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    I could've sworn they're 14.4lbs (6.5kg). They're really really light. Maybe the Gen 3 ones are heavier?? But when I took the rear wheel off to install the mudguards, they were easy to carry with one hand.
     
    #106 Tideland Prius, Aug 9, 2011
  7. swoodchuk

    swoodchuk Junior Member

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    Are the hub caps protecting anything on the brakes? And by doing this ,does it break any kind of warrenties? I like the look better and don't know why they are on there.
     
    #107 swoodchuk, Apr 11, 2012
  8. 32kcolors

    32kcolors Senior Member

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    No official word from Toyota as to why they're there, but we are suspecting they're for aerodynamic purposes. Members here have reported a slight mpg hit when doing lots of driving with the covers off at highway speed (the effect is negligible if you drive mostly in the city).

    No, removing them won't void any warranties.
     
    #108 32kcolors, Apr 11, 2012
  9. Vege-Taco

    Vege-Taco Junior Member

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    I like the look of mine with the newly-tinted windows and wheel covers removed. I added some Toyota center caps to finish off the look. It works for me and it's a really inexpensive upgrade over the stock plastic look.

    Shawn
     

    Attached Files:

    #109 Vege-Taco, Apr 11, 2012
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