um. Yeah. Okay. Here is the deal. I had my guys at Good Roads (more then twenty years in the tire/rim biz), do the math, knowing that I did not want to lose much MPG. And they did.

Like I said, a minor difference in the size overall, with little width difference.

And the truth is in the pudding: 37.8 MPG before the switch, 37.1 MPG after. So, I am happy with that little loss.

 

Oh, and I had an alignment, and also made sure the car's CPU knew what was going on. GPS helps with that. So it's all good.

 

What size were the OEM equipped wheels? It's plausible that the loss is minute, assuming you found a light weight and not-too-wide width 18" rim. But the truth is the truth, upsizing reduces power and decreases MPG.

And yes, I'm sure they have lots of experience installing tires and SELLING them all day long. I really doubth they really sit around pondering the efficiency energy losses of wheel radiuses. If anything, larger rims cost more, and they'll do whatever it takes to sell them and make $$$. . . vs me. . . I'm doing this for free. No personal gain here.

There calculations may/may not affect real world experience. The fact remains that hybrids consume the most gasoline during acceleration. And the fact that rotational inertia is a major factor in acceleration means that it is going to affect MPG.

But hey, if the dealer equipped the car with wheels that inefficient, you could see a significant increase in MPG and acceleration by downsizing. . . lol. . . which I don't think you'd be interested in.

But yeah, you did it for aesthetics. That's cool. And it looks good. I'm not trying to rain on your parade or anything like that, just makin sure that you were aware. That's all.[/i]

 

16...
If you get the wrong tire/wheel combo, sure. On my xB when I went to 18, it lost a lot. But I also got a much wider tire. The Camry came with a wide tire.

Well, if you knew Good Roads like I do (nationally known) and also knew the manager (like I do), and you knew he was looking out for me (I mean, I first put Verde wheels on it, an did not like them; he took them back after a week, which he does not do for anyone), and also already mentioned, he worked on the weight/height ratio, so I would not lose much MPG, if any...but that's okay. You don't know the guy. And I have bought rims/tires from him for four cars now, so yeah, I trust him. He has not steered me wrong yet.


In this case, the trade from the Verde to the Status was more expensive for him, but he did it because he treats me well.

Yes, they do, but if you know how to drive a hybrid (pulse/glide) you gain what you lose, and then some. Like I said, I have only lost a bit of MPG. Now, on my Prius, where I also put Status rims, and a wider tire then stock, I lost a bit more. However, I still get over 40 MPG in that car, which is fine by me. And the stock wheels/tire combo in the Prius is a weak link. The car had a tendency to 'float' in the water with the stock combo, but not now. Safety has increased, so that is a plus.


That and safety. The Bridgestone tires I had on the Camry? They have a nasty rep. And the Kumho's I put on both cars are much better then stock. Heck, the Goodyears on the Prius were losing tread, at less then 15,000 miles. Not good.

I am well aware. Have been tricking out cars for over 27 years, since before I could drive them. Just because I have grown older, and want to work a bit on saving the planet, does not mean that I want to stop tricking out cars.

Heck, a friend and I are thinking of a major project, of taking a '65 Mustang, and putting a hybrid system in it. Now that should be something.

 

What kind of Kumhoes did you put on? I'm lookin into getting some Kumhoe Ecstsa (sp) ASX

 

On safety's note, you could go for a smaller diameter tire with the same width and quality tire. . . it would have done the same. Plus sizing drastically increases braking distances.

Again, all safety and performance increases can be addressed by tire quality and and width.

Also, FYI, hydroplaning is a function of how much water your tire displaces (a function of speed and width). Going wider increases the liklihood of hydroplaning. However, by choosing tires with a smaller contact patch or better water channeling design, you can do the same (which is likely what happened when you switched to the new tires on the 18's).

I'm not trying to get you to stop tricking out your car. But there's the truth and then there are rumors. It's purely an aesthetic upgrade (and it looks good, and I'm all for it).

My main goal was to convey that you will lose some MPG and HP. The main losses will be during city driving. Cruising and highway driving will feel a smaller impact.

And yes. . . all Toyota tires suck! They opt for low rolling resistance tires which suck in all conditions of driving. It's best to get those nasty things off the car ASAP.