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Alloy wheels = More MPG?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Fuel Economy' started by KelleyLafitte, Mar 8, 2016.

  1. KelleyLafitte

    KelleyLafitte New Member

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    I bought a base model 06 about a month ago, wondering whether getting the nicer (and apparently larger?) alloy wheels would be worth it. They look a lot better and I'm wondering if they'd fit, if the fuel economy would be improved/ impacted, and what other considerations might be taken when looking at purchasing new wheels for this model. I know there's plenty of threads for tires so I'll look to those for advice there.
     
    #1 KelleyLafitte, Mar 8, 2016
  2. valde3

    valde3 Senior Member

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    Stock Prius alloy wheels are very light. Almost any other wheel is heavier. Fitting larger rim will make it even heavier since rim gets bigger and amount of air (that’s weights almost nothing) gets smaller. And bigger rims are normally wider too.
    Weight of the wheel matters a lot more for fuel economy than other weight since it’s unsprung and rotating mass.
     
    #2 valde3, Mar 8, 2016
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  3. KelleyLafitte

    KelleyLafitte New Member

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    Thanks for the input, kind of a noob when it comes to this so I wanted to ask first before whipping out the card
     
    #3 KelleyLafitte, Mar 8, 2016
  4. Kevin_Denver

    Kevin_Denver Active Member

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    valde3 hit the basics. As far as rims go, lighter is more fuel efficient. However what will have a larger impact on fuel economy is the tires. Properly inflated low rolling resistance tires can significantly reduce fuel economy. However low rolling resistance tires often have tradeoffs - such as worse snow handling.
     
    #4 Kevin_Denver, May 31, 2016
  5. 69shovlhed

    69shovlhed Surly tree hugger

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    snow handling isn't a factor in tampa, but yes, lighter wheels and LRR tires inflated to 40psi will give you better mpg. there are several choices for very light 16" wheels. bigger than 16" not too many. I have ecopias, and they give good mpg, but handling isn't all that.
     
    #5 69shovlhed, May 31, 2016
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