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5 spoke vs 6 spoke wheels

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Technical Discussion' started by EffinRed, Sep 30, 2011.

  1. EffinRed

    EffinRed Junior Member

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    Hi all -

    My 2009 Prius has 6 spoke wheels with 15 inch tires. I thought the 6 spoke wheels were for 16 inch wheels. Any idea why I have this odd combo? I don't believe I have the touring package - is there a way I could find out other than the tires? Is there a VIN marker or something?

    Thanks.

    chris
     
    #1 EffinRed, Sep 30, 2011
  2. xpcman

    xpcman Senior Member

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    six spoke is standard for 15 inch. I thought the 16 inch had SEVEN spokes.
     
    #2 xpcman, Sep 30, 2011
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  3. qbee42

    qbee42 My other car is a boat

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    Based on the MFD animated graphic, Gen II Prius have five spokes on the right side and four spokes on the left. I've always wondered why they did that.

    Tom
     
    #3 qbee42, Sep 30, 2011
  4. EffinRed

    EffinRed Junior Member

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    I saw another GII Prius this morning and it only had 5 spokes with 15 inch wheels.
     
    #4 EffinRed, Sep 30, 2011
  5. KK6PD

    KK6PD _ . _ . / _ _ . _

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    It was a weight saving feature built into the MFD. Everyone knows that 4 spoke virtual wheels are lighter than 5 spoke virtual wheels!
     
    #5 KK6PD, Sep 30, 2011
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  6. David Beale

    David Beale Senior Member

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    Pearl has 6 spoke 15" wheels (without spats - removed after 4 months of use).
    Touring has a larger rear spoiler and 16" wheels. They come with full covers over "gun metal" painted aluminum wheels. If you search on this site you should be able to see pictures of them.
     
    #6 David Beale, Sep 30, 2011
  7. uart

    uart Senior Member

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    LOL Tom, that graphic is not meant to be used for checking the number of spokes, it's purpose to so you can check that your wheels are turning while you're driving along. Personally I'm constantly checking that animation every few seconds to make sure my wheels are still turning. :p
     
    #7 uart, Oct 1, 2011
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