Quote:
Originally Posted by Synchronicity
What about extended climbing in mountainous terrain? I routinely have to climb at least 3000feet (cumulative) on my commute (it's a delivery run really). Sometimes 6000 or more...
Would alloy wheels offer some kind of improved fuel efficiency in that situation?
|
Yes, it will offer "some kind of improved fuel efficiency", but you won't be able to see the difference in fuel savings because it is too small.
Unless you get the wheels for free, the fuel savings will likely never offset their cost, and you will be disappointed that you can't measure the amount of fuel saved.
That said, I'm considering lightweight wheels for my TSX. I like the idea of miniscule fuel savings, but the real reason to get light-weight wheels is to decrease unsprung mass and increase handling performance. In other words, I want lighter wheels so I can have more fun driving. To save money, I will look for a used set.
In my experience, driving up and down mountains is very efficient because I get to use the 80% engine load sweet spot, and then coast back down in neutral or DFCO. My estimate is that I get 15% better FE when driving mountains vs my normal routine of freeway and city traffic.