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Hub caps on alloy rims?

Discussion in 'Newbie Forum' started by TheCanuck, Aug 30, 2015.

  1. TheCanuck

    TheCanuck New Member

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    I just bought a new leftover 2014 Prius V. Why did Toyota place hubcaps on my alloy rims?
     
  2. jadziasman

    jadziasman Prius owner emeritus

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    Good question. It's like when folks put clear plastic covers on their sofas. They want to keep them nice.
     
    Dael and Mendel Leisk like this.
  3. TheCanuck

    TheCanuck New Member

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    But in this case. It's an ugly nagahide cover over the sofa. Otherwise I'm enjoying the car. It replaced a FJ Cruiser that was lucky if it saw 16mpg.
     
  4. jadziasman

    jadziasman Prius owner emeritus

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    On the Gen 2, you can take the trim rings off (which I did). Looks much better.

    Any reason why you can't do the same with your "plastics"?
     
  5. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    Aerodynamics seems to be why they are there, you can decide ugly is worse than whatever MPG hit there may be.
     
  6. hill

    hill High Fiber Member

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    Darell (evnut on this forum) found data indicating less than ½ a mile per gallon loss, on the gen II, while driving @ freeway speeds. Probably similar for gen III. Roughly 1%. Statistics say it's nothing - if it's under 5%, so I say chuck 'em ... that's what we did.
    And welcome!
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    .
     
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  7. CR94

    CR94 Senior Member

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    If the difference in drag is really that small at steady high speeds, then they may well have slightly detrimental net effect on fuel consumption during low-speed stop-and-go urban conditions or on hills, because of their weight.

    But if the difference in drag is really that small, why does Toyota spend their money on them, when their aesthetics are so unpopular?
     
  8. Oldwolf

    Oldwolf Prius Enthusiast

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    Where did you find a new left-over '14? That's the kind of deal I am looking for.

    - Galaxy S5
     
  9. TheCanuck

    TheCanuck New Member

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    Canada. They have another one at their dealer for the equivalent of 18230usd.