"Real" reason to remove wheel trim rings

[David Beale]

A few weeks ago I was at a "show and shine" and was asked about the wheels and trim rings. So I reached down and pulled one off (they come off very easily without any tools - I just grabbed and pulled). I was shocked at how much dirt was trapped underneath the rings. After some thought, I removed the trim rings. In the winter they will trap and hold salt, sand, and mud, which could easily corrode the aluminum wheels.

Anyone have any data on fuel efficiency changes with/without the rings?

[tekn0wledg]

That's interesting, I had never thought of that, but it seems like a reasonable trap for dirt, salt etc.

I'd also like to see any studies done on removing the wheel trim and the effects on FE. I can't imagine they'd have a significant drag factor, but then again, I'm not an aerodynamics expert.

[aaf709]

When I first pulled them off, I put them back on right away because of how they looked with all the dirt trapped there. A week later I removed them again and cleaned the rims. I haven't put them back on yet.

[mrnice]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(tekn0wledg @ Aug 15 2007, 12:11 PM) [snapback]496171[/snapback]</div>

That's interesting, I had never thought of that, but it seems like a reasonable trap for dirt, salt etc.

I'd also like to see any studies done on removing the wheel trim and the effects on FE. I can't imagine they'd have a significant drag factor, but then again, I'm not an aerodynamics expert.
[/b]

Dumb question. How do I remove the trims. Do I really just pull them off? Are they just held by clips? Any tips? I pulled on them a bit by was afraid to break them.

Thanks

[Malarkey]

Give it a quick sharp tug and off it goes.

I popped mine of when the car had 100 miles and there already was gunk in there.

[Sarge]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(David Beale @ Aug 15 2007, 12:06 PM) [snapback]496167[/snapback]</div>

In the winter they will trap and hold salt, sand, and mud, which could easily corrode the aluminum wheels.
[/b]

Hmmm... that's interesting. My trim rings don't trap and "salt, sand or mud" at all in the winter.

... then again, I guess that that would be expected, with my stock wheels sitting in the garage while I use steel rims and real winter tires...

[patsparks]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(mrnice @ Aug 16 2007, 03:13 AM) [snapback]496252[/snapback]</div>

Dumb question. How do I remove the trims. Do I really just pull them off? Are they just held by clips? Any tips? I pulled on them a bit by was afraid to break them.

Thanks
[/b]

Grab the ring with 2 hands with 2 spokes between your hands to prevent cracking.
I took my trim rings off and cleaned behind them and didn't put the trims back on.
Thinking about the stainless steel 15 inch racing dome caps, was thinking the aluminium domes but I think the stainless steel ones will fit, are less likely to scratch and there is no need to drill holes in the trim ring so I can put them back on if I like. Oh, the stainless ones are cheaper too.

Has anyone tried any standard type wheel covers designed for steel wheels?

[hill]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(tekn0wledg @ Aug 15 2007, 12:11 PM) [snapback]496171[/snapback]</div>

That's interesting, I had never thought of that, but it seems like a reasonable trap for dirt, salt etc.

I'd also like to see any studies done on removing the wheel trim and the effects on FE. I can't imagine they'd have a significant drag factor, but then again, I'm not an aerodynamics expert.
[/b]

Same topic ... different thread. The search tool is a wonderful thing :P Re FE: Maybe less than 1/2 of 1% ?? IN other words, unnoticable. As others have said, if you raise your tire pressue 3 or 4 lbs, that pretty much makes up any theoretical mpg loss.

[geodosch]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(hill @ Aug 16 2007, 10:25 AM) [snapback]496847[/snapback]</div>

As others have said, if you raise your tire pressue 3 or 4 lbs, that pretty much makes up any theoretical mpg loss.
[/b]

But if I increase my TP, AND prevent the theoretical loss, wouldn't my MPG be ever better still?

I don't know whether or not the trim rings affect the MPG. I've removed mine, though I did wonder (and search) about what affect they would have good or bad. I haven't seen any obvious difference in FE, but I also wouldn't be too quick to dismiss the possibility that they make a difference. Aerodynamics is a tricky (and often counter-intuitive) thing. For one, the top of the wheel is moving forward with a relative airspeed of nearly double the car speed. And it's not only the drag on the rotating wheels themselves; there's also the potential turbulence they can create, which could affect the airflow over the rest of the car. I have no answers, but I think it's a valid question.

[tekn0wledg]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(GeoDosch @ Aug 16 2007, 10:59 AM) [snapback]496874[/snapback]</div>

I have no answers, but I think it's a valid question.
[/b]

I was thinking about this, and if you look at the curves of the Prius, the front end should pretty much deflect the airflow around the front wheels entirely. The air may hit the rear wheels more, but I am fairly certain the amount of drag is probably insignificant.