Are steelies okay on a Prius?

Steel rims of this type are intended to be used with Toyota's push-on style (Corolla) full covers. Alloy rims have a much deeper center socket, allowing the cap to fit. Those covers would make the wheel look a lot nicer, but they're pricey, about $70 per.

If it's possible, I'd just avoid TPMS on the snows. They're a component inside the wheel, at the base of valve stem. They're pricey, require initialization by the dealership. Transferring from one rim to another would require demounting the tire every time. Really a solution in search of a problem.

I didn't get extra TPMS with ours, which basically means there's a tiny amber light on in the dash, for 5 months or so.

 

You can also get center caps/cones for steel rims too.

 

Spider-Man do you have any link or company names. Have to say the exposed hubs are the big negative with steel rims. I'd speculate they would clamp to the outside of the hub opening flange.

 

Something like this is what I am thinking of... just finding the right size is the problem.

Trailer Wheel Center Cap, Chrome, 3.19" Pilot Size Excalibur Accessories and Parts 319EZ

 

I just put on my new Michelin X-ice3's on steel rims purchased from the Tire Rack.

I was pleasantly surprised by a few things while changing the wheels. One, Toyota thought to put proper front and rear jacking points on the Prius, meaning it requires just two lifts to change the wheels. Nice touch. Two, the stock wheels and tires are nice and light for a modern car at just over 36lbs each. Nice! Even better is the fact that the new ones were even lighter at just under 36lbs. Oh - one other thing - I haven't seen any sign of the TPMS light. Does that take some time to respond or should it just come on as these wheels have no sensors?

Haven't seen any snow yet, but expecting a bit tonight. Tires feel good on the car - more responsive than the stock tires which I was expecting given the ratings of the Michelins. They sure don't roll as well however. One hill I like to coast down the last bit to carry speed on the long flat that follows I only made it about half as far as on the stock tires! When I shift into N on the stock tires it almost feels like I hit the accelerator it rolls so freely. On the Michelins it feels like I'm plowing through mud! Good thing most of my driving is all electric, as I suspect these will have a bit of an effect on mileage.

Here she is. My wife hates my preference for bare steel wheels, but I kind of like it.

 

Looks like mine.

The TPMS light will eventually light up... within 5 or so minutes.

 

Hmm. Must not have noticed the light while driving around today then. That's a good sign that it won't be irritating me all winter!

 

Yes they are! What you can't see is the rusty axle nut sticking out of the front wheels. Doesn't bother me as every recent car I've had has shown the same thing on steelies.

 

Thinking just now: to wire brush the loose rust off the rusty hubs, then spray the area with some matt black plasti-dip I have. Or not, LOL.

 

thats a good idea... next year,

 

I have had my '13 Prius 3 for a week now and just bought some steelies with snow tires, off a Cavalier. They have the same size bolt pattern, same size tire, but the steel centre hole is 57.1mm; the Prius' is 54.1mm. I did a quick search for hub-centric adapter rings, and have seen from $20 to $65 plus tax and shipping. But - being the McGyver type - I am going to buy a short chunk of aluminium tube with 2.25" OD and 2.125" ID, and make my own. Expected cost $0 to $6. The retail on the tube is $6 per linear foot; however I only would use 1" of that.

 

Follow-up: Cavalier 15" rims do not fit over Prius brakes.

 

I hear that. However I was lucky enough that the 2008 Matrix I traded in for my prius was able to donate steelies and blizzak winter's. Dealer switch wheels when I purchased it. Can't compare what the plus 17" rims and tires feel like but the winters are pretty good. TPMS light didn't come on until a day later... Hate that annoying little thing hahah

TLDR: Steelies are fine so far.

 

It looked to be a mid-2000s car; I didn't ask when I bought them - just checked the hole pattern.
BTW, are you using a hub centre ring?

 

Pontiac's don't fit too...

 

Sorry for double-posting, but do these look identical to the steelies on your cars, guys? (sorry, I'm not allowed to insert hyperlinks in my messages due to being new to the forum...)
h**p://goo.gl/nDv2wL
h**p://goo.gl/oTr7ev

Need to find a set quick as the winter's just hit Midwest.

 

bump