Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum - EcoModder.com - View Single Post - Prius 15's are better than aftermarket 17's! (Wrong wheels/tires can wreck your MPG)

LeanBurn · 10-01-2012, 10:56 AM

Many factors make this totally understandable.
1) How much did the 17" wheel weigh in comparison to the 15"?...17" will typically weigh a few pounds more.
2) With wheel up-sizing, tire width almost universally increases as well. 195 -> 215+.
3) OE tires on most vehicles (even on a Hybrid) are bottom rung for performance or value, moving to a better LRR tire would decrease fuel consumption.

I run 15" Prius wheels on my Corolla. At ~14lbs, they are a full 5+ lbs lighter per tire than the stock 15" steelie, the 16" or 17" wheel options... and the tire width is definitely narrower than the latter two as well. Steering response is quicker, initial steer in is snappier compared to all other options. Consequently fuel economy is better.

10-01-2012, 10:56 AM	#5 (permalink)
LeanBurn Got MPG? Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Southern Alberta, Canada Posts: 330 The Car - '09 Toyota Corolla CE Enhanced Thanks: 13 Thanked 43 Times in 38 Posts	Many factors make this totally understandable. 1) How much did the 17" wheel weigh in comparison to the 15"?...17" will typically weigh a few pounds more. 2) With wheel up-sizing, tire width almost universally increases as well. 195 -> 215+. 3) OE tires on most vehicles (even on a Hybrid) are bottom rung for performance or value, moving to a better LRR tire would decrease fuel consumption. I run 15" Prius wheels on my Corolla. At ~14lbs, they are a full 5+ lbs lighter per tire than the stock 15" steelie, the 16" or 17" wheel options... and the tire width is definitely narrower than the latter two as well. Steering response is quicker, initial steer in is snappier compared to all other options. Consequently fuel economy is better. __________________ 2013 Honda Civic Si - 2.4L OEM front to back belly pan from the factory.