Steel rim vs hubcaps for aero

[ps2fixer]

When I bought my Corolla it came with no hubcaps with fairly solid steel rims. I could put Camry hubcaps on it which look fairly good and appear to be fair aero, but was wondering what way would be less aero drag?


Camry stock hubcaps:
http://static.cargurus.com/images/si...pic-22154.jpeg

My corolla steel rims look like the ones on this car:
http://www.punny.org/wp-content/imag...0070817car.jpg


I know smooth hubcaps are best, but I'm not so sure about the moon cap look. I think I would rather clear tape (plastic maybe) camry hubcaps instead some time down the road, or maybe plastic over the steelies.

[tru]

i dont think you'll notice a difference between the steelies vs hubcaps. Moon caps would be the best, but the difference between moonies and steelies/ hubcaps i feel is slim. the advantage of the moonies probably comes into play with aggressive wheel/rim patterns that are more for looks or brake cooling.

Ive taped the holes in my steelies to not allow a transfer of air between the inside and outside of the rim and cannot tell a difference in aero / mileage benefits. I can tell a difference in brake dust accumulation. good luck with whatever you decide.

[euromodder]

The smoother the better.
The lighter the better - though hubcaps won't add that much weight to the wheel.

The lightweight smooth hubcaps a lot of people on ecomodder have made for their cars, is the best choice - and often the cheapest as well.

If brake dust accumulation is an issue, you're braking too much

[ps2fixer]

Thanks for the input, I was thinking no hubcaps would be better on the side of being a tad bit lighter. I actually have 2 different rim styles, the second style is even more smooth with around 5-6 holes instead of the factory one with ~15. Black car, black rims, black tires, it all fits together fairly well too .

I guess I better aim for larger mods before picking all the little ones. I guess next up is the lower grill block since it is huge on my corolla.