Plastic Wheel Rings

its just to protect the rims from scratches. i have mine off, and the other day i got too close to the sidewalk when getting out of the parking spot, and it scratched it alittle

 

They generate a homing signal that aliens use to track the Prius.

That is the only logical explanation for them. :tinfoil3:

 

They are there for aero reasons. I removed mine for aesthetic reasons. I've not experienced much, if any of a mpg drop.

... Brad

 

Yes, it's really quite simple. I keep them on because I am cultivating the nerdy look. A nerd with a Prius is a real chick magnet, just don't let my wife find out.

Tom

 

When I took mine off they were being used as protection for insect dwellings. After a good cleaning four beautiful touring wheels emerged.

 

GILBERT - may i offer you a suggestion about parking? just use the passenger side mirror, angle it DOWN AND CLOSER, so you can see the curb and the car.............it's a luxury that my cadillac sts offered when you shift into reverse. it's relatively easy to work and it does a wonderful job. just my two cents to help you out.

but on a more serious note, good point................DO THESE TRIM RINGS DO ANYTHING BESIDES LOOKS AND PROTECTION>???????

 

They necessitate a groove in the rim which catches brake dust.

 

Took mine off when I took delivery in Aug 07 and sold them on eBay for $100.

 

what does the standard rims look like without the plastic rims? i have a touring with its alloy wheels and the wheels off, but i have never seen a non touring without its plastic rims

 

Ugh ! Could you ask it to put its clothes back on please?

 

I LIKE IT!

Bob

 

LOL ... I agree (even if you were kidding). A lot of us think that the standard U.S. Prius 15" wheel looks better with the trim ring on. That the indentation at the end of each spoke (indented so that the trim ring will be flush) looks wierd at best, and ugly at worst.

On the other hand, the Touring U.S. Prius 16" wheel (which is also the standard wheel in some countries) looks good with its full cover on or off. The Touring's full cover covers all of the spokes, and thus there's no odd indentation at the end of each spoke. The issue with the Touring cover becomes which color you like best with your car ... the silver of the cover or the gun metal grey of the wheel beneath it.

 

yeah, i took mine off once and i prefer the trim rings ON.

now though, i've been thinking, POWDER COAT the rims black and run the trim rings. hmmmmmmmmmm..............thinking out loud.

i saw a stock rim without the trim rings CHROMED OUT...........that did not float my boat either...............................suggestions????

 

hey, sorry to make another post, but i have a question here.....................DOES THE STANDARD PRIUS OR ANY OTHER PACKAGE not include the trim rings????

for example, does the base, #1 prius have trim rings too????

 

The 2008 Base/Standard Prius (no option packages) does not come with the trim rings. heated outside mirrors, front seatback pockets, cruise control or tonneau cover.

Prior to 2008, the trim rings, heated outside mirrors, pockets in the front seatbacks, cruise control and tonneau cover were part of the Base/Standard Prius.

 

Drive around with them on for a few hundred miles first.
Take them off when you wash the car, you'll see why I want them off my car. Wish the non-car washer in the family would see it my way!

 

From the aspect of doing a dynamic tire balance using clip on weights... The guy or gal will like you alot better if you go ringless.

I have had times when i put that trim ring back on when the weight gets in the way and the ring has a gap between the rim and it's self.

It just looks bad...