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Old 12-12-2017, 06:15 AM   #2 (permalink)
Stubby79
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You're trying to compare the fuel difference between steel and aluminum(alloy) wheels, is that correct?

If so, you can get aluminum wheels that weigh more than their steel counterparts, so you might actually be worse off running aluminum wheels. Lighter wheels will use less energy to accelerate and braking will take more energy to stop them. Cruising at the same speed and there won't be any notable fuel use difference.

And then there's the actual shape of the wheel/spokes and how it affects air flow. If they're acting as big fans, they're going to put more drag on the car than if they were smooth/flat and did not.

Its not as simple as saying aluminum (alloy) wheels give better MPGs than steel.
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