anyone else prefer running WITHOUT hubcaps?

Real world performance is a better indication. So far, we've heard from Judgeless who claims a 5 mpg hit but nobody else. It would be nice if others could do their own testing (especially if they regularly drive at highway speed).

But at highway speed, doesn't the car always cut through air in the forward motion but we don't exactly get cross-winds at 60-75 mph aiming perpendicular at the wheels?

I'm not sure if I believe that. How many cars have wheel covers over alloy wheels, as most are just hubcaps over naked wheels? Why not wheel covers over the 17" rims as well?

I bet they're getting far more complaints day after day regarding blurry AC screen, backup beeps, etc.

 

Don't you think this is very hard to measure in the real world with all the continuously changing circumstances and driving habits, etc? You should set up a controlled test with people driving their cars without knowing whether they have the wheel covers on or off, etc and then take into account the traffic, avg speeds, wind, temperature, etc. I'm afraid we'll have to do with the subjective observations that we have seen so far.

 

I've had mine for 2400 miles, and a little over 5 weeks. Probably 3 weeks without the covers. So far, no hit on my mileage. Nothing scientific, other than go to the same station and pump, fill until it stops, note mileage, and make calculation.

 

I don't think it matters when it boils down to deciding whether or not to run without the hubcaps. Sure, it's not scientific; however, if someone like Judgeless regularly and consistently gets 5 mpg less with the covers off on the same highway route, then the difference is significant. Each individual will have to do their own testing though.

 

THESE CAPS ARE LISTED FOR A 2009 AND BELOW. NOT A 2010
GEN 3 CAR.

Auto Parts - Parts.com, For Every Part of Your Life

 

The ones I ordered were for a 2004 prius.. they fit perfect on my GenIII

 

Very good... if you would have read the previous messages in this post, you would have found out that they also fit the 2010.

 

I think the speed you travel with out the hub caps make a difference. My work route is 35 miles, 33 miles of that route is 65 MPH. I drive 60 MPH using cruise control.

I noticed a 5 MPG difference when the hub caps were off. I bet if you drive an average of 40 MPG or less the MPG difference would be less.

I bought this car to save gas. Removing the hub caps has a negative result to the reason I purchased a Prius.

 

Yes, but they will put a little bit of pressure on the middle area where the center caps go and may scratch a bit or make it more likely that a wheel cover could pop off. As I stated in an earlier post, the center caps are a cinch to remove anytime you want to change out and will not damage the center cap over multiple removals and placing back on! Did you read prior pages of this thread?

 

I managed to lose 2 of my hubcaps and wheel rims when I hit a pot hole/curb the other day. my bad. I am going to get 2 new hubcaps which only cost around $16 at the dealer but the rims are $94 each! Any thoughts if they should be replaced or just let it be and see how the MPG role.... First trauma to my new 2010 prius!

 

Just to be clear,

Can you give us your (very detailed) definition of rims and hubcaps?

 

I've noticed no MPG hit.

 

Cassandra,

Those don't look like the high-domed, chromed Prius center caps.

Any chance they're the flatish Corolla/Camry caps with the slightly
grooved textured background? I didn't know they fit the Prius.

I have the chromed ones and I'd like to get a less glitzy look.

Edit: Oops, Gen III wheels, maybe they're diferent than my Gen II.

 

So if I lost 2 on the right side, does it make sense to put the 2 remaining on the front wheels so I get some of the cool aerodynamic help for the front of the car?

 

As I understand it, the hubcap is the toyota symbol that covers the center part of the wheel, small circular piece that runs about $15. The additional part I am missing is the ring around the outside of the wheelbase and has an additional part inside the wheel that covers the brake pads. I am NOT a technical person so this is the best I can do...

 

Are you driving a 2010 now, or an earlier year? Your description sounds like a center cap and trim ring from a 2009 or earlier model.

 

Whoops. Missed it. Sorry. PLease let me know if it affects fuel efficiency.

 

OK you seem pretty sure this is so but here on PC we demand proof so here is your challenge.

1. Fill your tank.

2. Remove the wheel covers from the passenger side of the car only.

3. Drive a freeway until 10 gallons of fuel have been consumed.

4. Stop and take photos of the car.

5. Hitch a ride back 50 miles and take photos of the passenger side because that where it should have run out of fuel.

6. Post account and photos here will full account of the effect of separation on the vehicle systems.

7. Become famous!!

 

Huh?.. what'd he say???