Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum - EcoModder.com - View Single Post - ---Wheel Cover Question---

firesice18 · 02-21-2011, 11:45 AM

So I have been doing some research on wheel covers and have found research that shows that with 16" wheel covers (pizza pans) there was a proven improvement in fuel economy (@ 65mph) of about 4.6%.

Now here is my question, "Is this directly related to rim size?"

I understand that the shape and design of the rim itself will yield a certain degree of positive gain but what is the yield for rim size?

SO, I have a 2004 Nissan Maxima SE and I drive about 60 miles of highway DAILY. I also have 18" rims (not hubcaps). If I put on some 18" wheel covers, how much more gain would I see?

Is there anyway to calculate this, like per inch of size difference?

02-21-2011, 11:45 AM	#1 (permalink)
firesice18 EcoModding Lurker Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Portland, TN Posts: 4 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	---Wheel Cover Question--- So I have been doing some research on wheel covers and have found research that shows that with 16" wheel covers (pizza pans) there was a proven improvement in fuel economy (@ 65mph) of about 4.6%. Now here is my question, "Is this directly related to rim size?" I understand that the shape and design of the rim itself will yield a certain degree of positive gain but what is the yield for rim size? SO, I have a 2004 Nissan Maxima SE and I drive about 60 miles of highway DAILY. I also have 18" rims (not hubcaps). If I put on some 18" wheel covers, how much more gain would I see? Is there anyway to calculate this, like per inch of size difference?