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SageBrush
REJECT Fascism
The Prius forums used to be awash with posts from people reporting large fuel economy losses after they replaced the stock 15 inch wheels with 18 and 19 inch.
Has technology changed this, or were other factors in play ? I used to think the effect was due to wider tyres leading to greater friction but I'm not even sure of that bit of physics anymore.
Has technology changed this, or were other factors in play ? I used to think the effect was due to wider tyres leading to greater friction but I'm not even sure of that bit of physics anymore.
JoaoD
Tech Enthusiast
If the rims are the same but different size, weight of the bigger wheels would contribute to the loss of range. Wider tires also contribute to that.
SageBrush
REJECT Fascism
Can someone explain to me the appeal of bigger wheels? You lose like 2-3% of your highway-speed range going from 19" to 21" wheels. What's the attraction of them? Is it purely a style thing, pretending that your car is "tough" or something?
I guess I'm just too into efficiency to understand that thought process
JeffK
Well-Known Member
Sure, ...they look cool. They make the car look more sporty. Are they practical? No, but that's not what it's all about. Also, if you hit a large pothole you'd be out of luck so that's something to consider.
You loose even more, like over 5%, depending on exact weight of the chosen rims and tires.
First is the looks, second is the looks and as a distant third comes the responsiveness to the steering input.
They often cite the handling but this one is moot, handling could also get worse.
In general cars drive best with stock wheels with smallest rims (i.e. base trim).
They can contribute, but the drive train is pretty efficient to begin with. At low speeds the key factor is friction in the moving parts, which is proportional to the weight. At higher speeds the biggest factor is aerodynamic drag.
Can someone explain to me the appeal of bigger wheels? You lose like 2-3% of your highway-speed range going from 19" to 21" wheels. What's the attraction of them? Is it purely a style thing, pretending that your car is "tough" or something?
I guess I'm just too into efficiency to understand that thought process
I don't get the bigger wheels thing either. Larger wheels contribute a little to cornering performance, but they wear out quicker, are more prone to damage and IMO can look goofy. Smaller wheels are more efficient, last longer and are less prone to damage.
I'm not into sports cars, I'll sacrifice a little handling for all the upsides of smaller wheels. I wish 17 inch wheels were available for the Model S, I would have gone for them.
Foxhound199
Member
No thought process. These ones look nice to me, the aeros don't. If aesthetics weren't important, maybe I would consider a Bolt.Can someone explain to me the appeal of bigger wheels? You lose like 2-3% of your highway-speed range going from 19" to 21" wheels. What's the attraction of them? Is it purely a style thing, pretending that your car is "tough" or something?
I guess I'm just too into efficiency to understand that thought process
Reciprocity
Active Member
Preferences change overtime. My guess is that aero wheels are going to become very popular over the next 10 years or so. I am rather stunned at how good this new version looks, seriously considering them. I used to love the diamond spokes on Trans-ams and later BMWs, then spinners where big and of course those spokes and white walls in the 70s. Beauty is in the eye and all. If caring about the environment is S3XY then aero wheels will be sexy. Especially if they are just covers that can snap on and off. I will 100% buy whatever wheels that work with that.
Foxhound199
Member
3PHASE
3PHASE
3PHASE
3PHASE
Everyone that is concerned with a loss of range with larger wheels and tires should be far more concerned with tire choice and making sure they always use good low rolling resistance (LLR) tires.
The MPG difference between a non-LLR tire and a quality LLR tire can easily be 8% or more. Even the difference between a mediocre LLR tire and a quality LLR tire can be 4% or more.
When Round and Black Becomes Lean and Green
Anecdotally, I put LLR tires on the family minivan and through observation over 40k miles felt they offered a 5% increase in MPG (and they werent even Michelin Energy Savers).
The MPG difference between a non-LLR tire and a quality LLR tire can easily be 8% or more. Even the difference between a mediocre LLR tire and a quality LLR tire can be 4% or more.
When Round and Black Becomes Lean and Green
Anecdotally, I put LLR tires on the family minivan and through observation over 40k miles felt they offered a 5% increase in MPG (and they werent even Michelin Energy Savers).
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Heavy cars do require large brakes to stop within the distances needed for highway safety. However, I believe some people have managed to put 18 inch snow tires on Model Ss.
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