Newbie here, bought rims/tires, OMG, what a mistake

Looks like they kind'a stuck out a bit? Wonder if the offset was not quite right combined with being regular tires? Justin might have some technical info on this to explain it better. The 17's sure look nice compared to the 15's. Gotta be some combo that works on that car.

Mike

 

Were you stock tires 175-65-15

Here is a JAVA tire size calculator site. Tire size calculator

Mike

 

I guess I must have worked to many years as an engineer. I see anything that obviously works poorly as not looking good. I've never seen the point of most of the fad type "bolt-ons"

 

So you've never heard of improved steering feel or quicker weight transfer, and can't be bothered to understand how aesthetics do matter to mere humans? If the OP loved the look, then they obviously worked great in that department.

 

I agree, the offset wasn't helping. Still, even a LRR 17" tire would have produced a noticeable mpg hit. I've tried many times and cannot seem to find a way to upsize and not take a hit. It's just something you have to live with for better looks and driving dynamics.

 

The next best option is to go to a lightweight 16" wheels with a high offset and use a 205/50/16 tire like the Ecopia EP422. You'll get improved looks and handling but the mpg hit will be less.

 

Isn't there a fellow named Dennis who runs 16's on his car? He's the guy with the white MR2 I believe.

Mike

 

Motegi Racing MR121 in 15x6.5 is what I'm rolling on

 

The additional cooling for the brakes is worth the hit to me. Toyota used LRR tires and wheel covers as well as the donut spare to increase the EPA mileage.

I have a full size spare, and aluminum floor jack. I also dispensed with the ehrrl covers.

That penalty is worth is to me. Others might not agree. But, that's their choice.

 

Mine on 16x7
Jury still out on mpg loss. Thinking around 3-5 so far..

 

I really noticed no mpg hit from hub caps to the custom wheels.
Dan

 

I agree if anything I believe I'm getting better mileage with my custom wheels.

 

I changed mine out at ~1400 miles, my MPG since then is 46.68 on 19 fill ups. They range from 54.53 to a low of 40.71MPG. The Lowest one (40.71) was with the car loaded as I was moving from IN to AZ & I think there were some mountain passes on that tank too. I don't practice pulse & glide or have any special hypermiling techniques, I just drive and I don't drive slow or with an eye towards max-MPG... If there is a hit with the wheels it's not enough for me to care

ps. I didn't track MPG before I changed wheels so all I have is data from after the change.

 

I am curious since so many comment on a loss of mpg with 16's - yet the C4 optioned cars seem to do just fine.

Can anyone comment on adding the C4 wheels later? That is what I want to do , however with my brand new C3 averaging almost 55mpg with 100 miles on it, I am hesitant to change them out (as my car had alloys from the factory given a late 2012)

 

The problem stems from aftermarket tires not being as good for fuel economy as the OE tires. Toyota can get away with the same EPA claim with both wheels because they use tires THEY design to be ultra low rolling resistance. A lot of aftermarket tires are not as fuel efficient, especially when you go up in diameter. The GenIII 17" tire is very fuel efficient but when you switch to a LRR aftermarket tire you usually suffer a permanent hit to fuel economy. What I am saying is that the 15" and16" OE tires are very capable of getting great fuel economy but one you wear those tires out and have to buy an aftermarket tire, you may notice a hit in mpg with the larger diameter tire depending on what models are available.

If you want the best possible fuel economy then stick with the 15s. If you don't hypermile and won't be upset if you are a couple mpg lower then get the 16s and smile while you take corners faster.

 

Installing Aftermarket Wheels on the c | PriusChat