New Wheels vs. Expected MPG Loss

18" wheel Prius owners seem to be reporting around 43 mpg or so.

Bronze wheels would be cool on blue.

 

Your tire size choice is very close to stock so your speedometer will not be off much. The speedometer is 1-2 mph fast one the Geniii and because your tires are a tad smaller in diameter than the OEM tires, the speedometer may be even a little faster.

Since you really don't have LRR tire choice, I think the DWS is a good choice due to its high treadwear rating and decent price. Just be prepared ford the mpg drop.

 

Not that I am aware of. At least i've never heard of anyone getting its done.

Y ournew tires are a pretty close match to OEM and most passenger cars can handle around a 3% difference in tire size. I wouldn't worry about.

If you get a chance to compare your speedometer with a GPS before and after the swap I would appreciate you posting the info ford us.

 

Thanks, Matt.

 

Every car I've owned in the recent past had MPH overstated by a few MPH. I believe manufacturers do this intentionally. My recollection (though not certain on this) is it has to do with laws in Germany (and other countries?) that hold the manufacturer liable if the speedometer displays a slower speed than the actual speed.

 

http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-iii...-about-1-mph-some-evidence-2.html#post1282039. There's also a mention of UNECE regulations further down.

 

Expect 2-3mpg less for 18"s in good driving conditions. Rain, Wind, Snow, extra weight in car all lower MPG.

 

Or much more if you chose the wrong tire.

 

I am getting about 42 with my 225-40r18's with Nexen N5000 rubber. This setup was off my 2007 Matrix. I plan on getting the Conti DWS when the Nexen's wear out.

 

So, it is considered a SMART thing to spend extra money on 18" tires and rims in order to get 18% lower MPG????

 

To some yes. Kind of like a trophy wife. She looks great but its gonna cost you in the long run.

 

Larger wheels will effect mpg. What is the weight difference between the 2 set ups including tires at each wheel. What i am getting at is unsprung weight. It can make a difference in breaking, handling and acceleration. I changed wheels and tires on a past vehicle honda civic and saved 7 pounds at each corner from combined wheel and tires. That made a noticeable difference in positive above issues. Just my 2 cents but i would not make the weight heavier with any change but its your call. Just enjoy yourself and your prius.

 

They should be Aluminum, unless you have Prius I with no cruise control, etc and which is very rare as it wasn't officially imported only for fleet.

Why are you swapping wheels? for looks? to improve handling? /not a stretch of a guess as you live next to Sedona/

 

Good Morning, I'm new here, but I understand the desire for different wheels. We have a 2010 Prius and both my wife (the fuel conscious one) and I feel the wheels are a bit enemic. She drove her brother Prius with the OE 17's and they seem to be a good compromise between looks (style) and efficiency (fuel mileage). I would think if the new wheel/tire setup is the same weight, or less and the tires are LRR, and not much wider, there would be little sacrafice.