Steelies or Alloys? - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

digitaldissent · 05-31-2008, 12:32 PM

So its time for tires, I may just go with the originals but that's another story.

But my questions is should I keep the stock 15" steel wheels and put smooth hubcaps on or get a lighter aftermarket alloy wheel that wouldn't be smooth?

Any idea what would give me the better MPG?

Seems like a lighter wheel would be better because the engine would have less load to go a given speed.

SVOboy · 05-31-2008, 12:40 PM

What type of driving to you usually do? It doesn't really matter how much they weigh on the highway, just going up/down hills or in start stop traffic.

digitaldissent · 05-31-2008, 12:53 PM

I live in a big city and I drive allot. So lots of crowded highway driving and around town. Its really hard to say like its all city or all highway. I would say there is quite a bit of start and stop.

I may need to keep a log to see what I am really doing. How much would smooth hubcaps really help I wonder? The steel wheels seem so heavy

SVOboy · 05-31-2008, 01:01 PM

It's hard to say how much of either of them would really help,

Why not do both?

ankit · 05-31-2008, 01:05 PM

I doubt that you can count on seeing the money that you will spend on lighter aftermarket rims pay off in terms of Fuel Economy. As you probably know, lightweight rims are a pretty penny (unless you have some hook-up or find a good deal on used ones.)

But if you are going for looks in addition to fuel economy then it might be worth it for you.

digitaldissent · 05-31-2008, 01:09 PM

ankit good point, moonies are like 85 bucks a set. I think I'll just start there, order that scangauge and keep a better log.

Thanks

Otto · 05-31-2008, 01:14 PM

Light wheels need less energy to accelerate and decelerate. Some, such as Porsche "sewer lid" and Design 90 style wheels are also smooth contour as well as being very light.

Keep an eye on Craigs List for good, cheap aftermarket wheels to fit your car.

TheDon · 05-31-2008, 01:23 PM

what is the lug pattern on the yaris? I have a set of CLK wheels that are like 13 lbs each. and an Audi wheel that is 11 lbs. Plus I can always get you a set of aluminum "steel wheel look" wheels which are very light.

digitaldissent · 05-31-2008, 01:39 PM

from some quick searching they should be 4X100, aluminum wheels I can put moonies on now that would be cool

Chris D. · 05-31-2008, 01:40 PM

Rota sells lightweight affordable wheels..
their lightest model is called the Slipstream..
11 pounds a piece for 15x6.5' wheels..

I have the 16x7's and they weigh 13.9 lbs.

www.18racing.com
the most direct way to get the best pricing,
I went directly to the importer of these in Hayward CA to get mine..

www.rotawheels.com for more info..

www.wheelweights.net to see how much they weigh..