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New Wheels vs. Expected MPG Loss

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Fuel Economy' started by matt ackerman, Apr 23, 2011.

  1. matt ackerman

    matt ackerman Junior Member

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    Hey Everyone. Just got my first PRIUS-- a 2011 Blue Ribbon Metallic from Avondale Toyota in SW of Metro Phoenix. I l-o-v-e it!

    I can can see why there's so much passion here about these cars.

    I come from a design background, and seem to be a little more interested in tuning aesthetics, even- dare I say- at the expense of some MPG loss.

    The wheels that came with my blue baby are the 15" steel variety (I think). What I'd like to do is go with the following 18" wheel/tire combo:

    Tires: Continental Extreme Contact DWS 215/40ZR/18
    Wheels: DRAG DR-33 18x17.55-100/11445Br

    Does anyone know what kind of MPG loss I might expect with such a setup?

    The attached image below shows what I'm hoping this setup (in bronze) would look like. I plan on tinting the clear taillights (like Chizeld has done-- nice Chizeld!). I've already got the color-matched and chrome door moldings installed, and the shark fin's on it's way)

    Thanks for your help...!

    Matt Ackerman
    Prescott, AZ
     

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  2. 32kcolors

    32kcolors Senior Member

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

    Bronze wheels would be cool on blue.
     
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  3. matt ackerman

    matt ackerman Junior Member

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    ...not as bad as I feared.

    Thx 32k
     
  4. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    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. :)
     
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  5. matt ackerman

    matt ackerman Junior Member

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    Thanks-- Yeah I noticed that about the speedometer. I even took it back into the dealership to see if I could get this fixed. They didn't have a clue.

    F8L- do you know if this is something that can be calibrated accurately, for the new tire size?
     
  6. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    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. :)
     
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  7. matt ackerman

    matt ackerman Junior Member

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    I've had two different GPS units in this car already, and both show the speedometer to be 1-2 MPH fast with the stock tires. I'll post any changes I notice with the new 18" tire/wheel setup-- as soon as it's installed-- which expect to have done later this week.
     
  8. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    Thanks, Matt. :)
     
  9. stream

    stream Senior Member

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    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.
     
  10. cwerdna

    cwerdna Senior Member

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

    nickfromny Member since 2007

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    Expect 2-3mpg less for 18"s in good driving conditions. Rain, Wind, Snow, extra weight in car all lower MPG.
     
  12. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    Or much more if you chose the wrong tire. :)
     
  13. randydid

    randydid New Member

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    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.
     
  14. Teakwood

    Teakwood Member

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    So, it is considered a SMART thing :cool:to spend extra money on 18" tires and rims in order to get 18% lower MPG?:confused:???
    :rolleyes:
     
  15. jburns

    jburns Senior Senior Member

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

    oldasdust Member

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    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.
     
  17. matt ackerman

    matt ackerman Junior Member

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    Smart? No, i wouldn't necessarily say so. It's more a case of competing needs- both of which are legit. A need for beauty, balanced with a need to be more fuel efficient. Sometimes they don't exactly line up.
     
  18. cyclopathic

    cyclopathic Senior Member

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    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/
     
  19. ebenke

    ebenke Eco Member

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    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.
     
  20. matt ackerman

    matt ackerman Junior Member

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    Mainly for aesthetics. The handling has improved a bit, though I can definitely feel the need for some of the suspension upgrades that are available for our Prius's.

    As a footnote, F8L's initial prediction of about 43 MPG is turning out to be fairly accurate. That's pretty much what I've been averaging since the wheel change...

    I was actually expecting a little worse, esp. given how hilly it is in my town (Prescott, AZ ~5,300 elevation). I suspect it'd be better in a relatively level city-- like Phoenix or Vegas?