My Prius C Three just shipped from Japan yesterday and I have been looking at new wheels. The stock 15" 8 spoke wheels look good, but am curious how much they weigh. Thanks everyone!
Any threads I'm missing about the difference with the stock steel wheels and OEM 15" alloy wheels in gas mileage?
I could not give you any clue but would also very much like to know. What im really interested in know is there any way to know weight vs the arrow of different wheels?
OE steel wheel = 15.5-16.5lbs with TPMS installed The alloy wheels are close to that or a 1lb more. In the real world as long as you choose a wheel that is with a few lbs of that weight you'll be fine. If it were me I would set the limit at 17-18lbs/ea. if you are worried about braking and acceleration. If you drive mostly city then stick to the lighter weight wheels but don't break the bank or go with an ugly wheel just because it is light. Get one you really like.
Hmm this lines up with the dealership parts counter telling me the 15" alloy and 15" steel wheels are almost the same weight.. I didn't believe him when he told me. But I will bring a hanging luggage scale when I pick up my steels along with winter tires..
Thats about right for wheels of the same size: like 5.5x15". Generally most people go for wider and often larger diameter wheels aftermarket. And there you will often find the aftermarket wheels are usually but not always heavier. Use tirerack to get the actual weight of wheels you're looking at. Note also that while there are expensive wheels that weigh as little as 10 lb, some 5 lb lighter than OEM its the weight of the tire that matters most; the heavier the less mpg and acceleration due to more weight at the circumfewrence thats harder for the engine to turn,. So if cornering is your interest wider yes but go a trifle smaller diameter to offset the increase in centripetal force. Up to a half inch will not really affect the speedometer or odometer.
Our OEM are Michelin Pilot 215/45R17 on the stock alloy rims. Our snows are Michelin XIce 195/65R15 on Corolla steel rims. My back-o-meter tells me the snows are a lot lighter every time I'm hoisting tire, trying to get it on the hub.
