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Keep or Remove Plastic Wheel Covers?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Accessories & Modifications' started by Muhahahahaz, Jul 23, 2009.

  1. Muhahahahaz

    Muhahahahaz Member

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    Hi everyone! New owner here! :D

    So I just discovered how to remove the plastic wheel covers on my 2007 Prius. I suspect that I may like that look better, although currently the rims are dirty. Apparently the dealer didn't clean underneath the plastic covers when I bought it used recently, but that's fine. I'm gonna get it washed soon anyway for some pictures! :D

    Anyway, are there any down-sides to removing them? Will this expose the brakes/other wheel parts to possible damage, will MPG be negatively affected, etc? Which way should I go? (Total automotive newb here. I'm great with building computers though! :))

    Thanks in advance! :)
     
    #1 Muhahahahaz, Jul 23, 2009
  2. dogfriend

    dogfriend Human - Animal Hybrid

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    #2 dogfriend, Jul 24, 2009
  3. Boo

    Boo Boola Boola Member

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    Consider getting Chrome Wheel Skins covers for around $70 delivered:

    [imglink]http://priuschat.com/forums/attachments/gen-ii-prius-main-forum/14121d1239917381-chrome-wheel-skins-dsc00225.jpg[/imglink]

    [imglink]http://priuschat.com/forums/attachments/gen-ii-prius-main-forum/14122d1239917381-chrome-wheel-skins-dsc00222.jpg[/imglink]

    [imglink]http://priuschat.com/forums/members/boo-albums-prius-picture1558-chrome-plastic-wheel-skins.jpg[/imglink]

    [imglink]http://priuschat.com/forums/members/boo-albums-prius-picture1701-sunroof-chrome-wheel-skins.jpg[/imglink]

    [imglink]http://priuschat.com/forums/attachments/gen-ii-prius-main-forum/16475d1247144536-chrome-wheel-skins-chromeskins1.jpg[/imglink]

    [imglink]http://priuschat.com/forums/attachments/gen-ii-prius-main-forum/16476d1247144536-chrome-wheel-skins-chromeskins2.jpg[/imglink]

    Discussed in this thread: http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-prius-main-forum/60560-chrome-wheel-skins.html

    Purchase for $70 delivered from here:

    2005-2009 TOYOTA PRIUS 15" CHROME WHEELSKINS HUBCAPS:eBay Motors (item 360171629682 end time Aug-16-09 09:35:17 PDT)
     
    #3 Boo, Jul 24, 2009
  4. Muhahahahaz

    Muhahahahaz Member

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    Oooh, those look nice. :)

    I'll see how I like them off first. ;)
     
    #4 Muhahahahaz, Jul 24, 2009
  5. Doc Willie

    Doc Willie Shuttlecraft Commander

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    The trim rings do offer a small bit of protection to the alloy wheels if you scrape up against curbs.
     
    #5 Doc Willie, Jul 28, 2009
  6. Muhahahahaz

    Muhahahahaz Member

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    Yeah, I did that to the plastic itself the other day... but I won't be doing that again now that I'm used to the car. ;)

    However, when I took all the rings off, I discovered that one of the alloys is already scraped anyway (since I got mine used), so I guess I'll leave them off. The wheels look so much better that way too. :D
     
    #6 Muhahahahaz, Jul 31, 2009
  7. a_gray_prius

    a_gray_prius Rare Non-Old-Blowhard Priuschat Member

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    I'm assuming you have a regular, non-touring prius in which case I don't think it makes too much of a difference. On the touring, the downside to taking them off is that the part normally covered by a center cap is exposed. Center caps are ~$10 if I recall correctly.
     
    #7 a_gray_prius, Aug 1, 2009
  8. Genoz World

    Genoz World ZEN-style living

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    A GRAY PRIUS - you're correct, but you can get the center caps from the stock 15's. they will fit.

    TOM - those chromies are beeeuuutiful! it doesn't even look like the stock rims. nice.
     
    #8 Genoz World, Aug 1, 2009
  9. The_Gunrunner

    The_Gunrunner New Member

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    There's one other reason to take the rings off. Dirt and other material get underneath the ring causing the tire to become unbalanced. Yes, even the smallest amount, an ounce or less, can cause a minor but no less annoying vibration. I had this problem and once I removed the rings and cleaned the rims well, it went away.
     
    #9 The_Gunrunner, Oct 11, 2009
    1 person likes this.
  10. mbarlow

    mbarlow Junior Member

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    Another Prius guy in my parking lot at work told me how much he liked my "new wheels" (without covers). I told him I knew where he could get a set for $10 and he could have them today. He laughed when I told him to remove the covers and contribute $10 to his favorite charity.
     
    #10 mbarlow, Oct 28, 2009
  11. PriusLewis

    PriusLewis Management Scientist

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    OFF!!! Off with those ugly plastic rings! On with the full chrome caps if you have the few dollars to spend. :D
     
    #11 PriusLewis, Oct 28, 2009
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