1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

will 18" aftermarket wheels affect MPG ?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Fuel Economy' started by VIP hybrid, Oct 15, 2010.

  1. VIP hybrid

    VIP hybrid New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 13, 2010
    4
    0
    0
    Location:
    california
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    assuming the average 18" cast wheel is about 23 lbs, do u think it will affect mpg...if so by how much ?
     
    #1 VIP hybrid, Oct 15, 2010
  2. deltron3030

    deltron3030 New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 25, 2009
    437
    64
    0
    Location:
    Lakewood, CA
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Yeah, unsprung weight and increased drag will both contribute to lower mpgs...looking around the boards, the 17" scion tc wheels some people are using on their prius' report a 3-5 mpg drop. Tc wheel weight is in the same range as what you're considering
     
    #2 deltron3030, Oct 15, 2010
  3. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

    Joined:
    Aug 14, 2006
    19,011
    4,081
    50
    Location:
    Grass Valley, CA.
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    Additionally, You will have trouble finding low rolling resistance tires. Most 17" and larger tires tend to be performance oriented and thus emphasis traction over ease of rolling. While the weight of the wheel will indeed lower your MPG, I feel the tire choice is even more crucial. After the debut of the 2010 Prius there are a few decent 17" fuel efficient tires available but I have not seen any really good ones in a 17" or 18" size yet. :(
     
    #3 F8L, Oct 16, 2010
  4. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

    Joined:
    Apr 14, 2009
    12,470
    6,862
    2
    Location:
    Greenwood MS USA
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Three
    #4 JimboPalmer, Oct 16, 2010
  5. Former Member 68813

    Former Member 68813 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 3, 2010
    3,524
    981
    8
    Location:
    US
    Vehicle:
    Other Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    In addition to what is mentioned above, wider tire will increase friction regardles of LRR rating.
     
    #5 Former Member 68813, Oct 16, 2010
  6. KK6PD

    KK6PD _ . _ . / _ _ . _

    Joined:
    Mar 24, 2008
    4,003
    944
    118
    Location:
    Los Angeles Foothills
    Vehicle:
    Other Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    You also have to consider the RPM, (Rotations Per Mile) from factory OEM tire/wheel combo vs what you want to now put on your car. That pecentage of difference will also affect MPG.....
     
    #6 KK6PD, Oct 16, 2010
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)