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Removing wheel covers (hub caps) may help with gas mileage - they're heavy!

Discussion in 'Prius v Main Forum' started by anewhouse, Apr 5, 2012.

  1. Donrim

    Donrim Junior Member

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  2. swg

    swg 12 Prius / 13 Volt

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  3. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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  4. 2sk21

    2sk21 Member

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    In general disk wheels will offer a lower aerodynamic drag. The Prius v wheel covers seem to be aimed at covering the wheels partially.

    Now, I have seen several manufacturers equip their hybrid or Eco versions with such wheels. See for example the previous generation Honda Civic Hybrid. I doubt that it could have much of an impact though. In my opinion, the actual alloy wheels look much nicer than the covers but I am too lazy to remove mine :)
     
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  5. Mike500

    Mike500 Senior Member

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    The covers, I would conject, have been tested in a wind tunnel. They would have to be a compromise with some attention paid to achieving some air flow to cool the brakes.
     
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