Hi there Prius MPG experts. I have noticed that the slightly tweaked styling of the 2012 Prius has different wheel covers than my 2011 model. Today the Toyota guy who sold me my car said that the wheel covers are designed to increase the aerodynamic profile of the wheels as compared to the wheels w/o covers. So, does anyone know how much effect the wheel covers have in this regard? Are wheels w/o covers really all that much less fuel efficient, and maybe more importantly, are the new (2012) wheel covers any more/less efficient than the 2011's? Any info. is appreciated!
Well, there are people that say they are good for a few mpg's. I took mine off about a month after I got it, and haven't noticed a difference in my mpg at all.
I beleive I would have to say I don't think the caps make any signifigant difference. If they do may <slightly> more resistance at higher speed. (Like above 70's) Simply all the air is being pushed aside by your car's front there isn't going to be much stagnant air coming in from the side at high speed...But I am no physicist.
