wheel/tire combo for best fuel economy?

[sodo_moj0]

I've been learning a ton off of this website while waiting for my scion xd, but I am a "mod" neophyte who was attracted to the xD because of its slick stock look, good fuel economy, low sticker price, and it was the most fun to test drive.

Of course its hard not to spend time here and start looking at all the cool mods ppl have done. But, to practicality, can I improve fuel efficiency by replacing 16 inch steel wheels with custom wheels? If so, what do you recommend, keeping in mind that anyone who would be asking this question is frugal and budget conscious?

[ack154]

The only way it might improve is if the wheels are lighter.

[Zefoxe]

15 inch rotas :P only weigh 12 lbs each

[cobaltbravo]

back when i rode super sports one of the easiest ways to drop weight was new wheels. aluminum, magnesuim, and carbon fiber were the way to go to drop some weight, but the lighter the wheel, the more expensive. gotta ask yourself how much ur willing to spend to drop weight to save on gas. look at some of the aluminum rims that have thin spokes and small hub mass. not all aftermarkets wheels are lighter than stock steelies.

[GeoUSA]

Great topic. Have only had my xD RS1 for a week but have already noted it coasts in neutral much better than my 06 Sonata with alloy wheels did. I was wondering if my xD's steel wheels were a factor in the better coasting.

[bmph8ter]

To get better mileage, you need to remember light and narrow.

[SeattleGuy]

In general OEM steel wheels are nearly as light or even lighter than the majority of aftermarket alloys - especially the cheaper ones. Look close at manufacturer's weights if you go this route.

Off the subject of tires: An unexpected bonus from installing lowering springs was significantly better highway mileage. About 2-3. No appreciable change for slower urban driving.

[Hokie-xD]

Hey SeattleGuy, How much do the stock 16" steel wheels weigh without the tires? Noticed on tirerack that 16" alloys weigh between 14 and 22 lbs.

Just took delivery of my xD and was wanted to use same tires but upgrade to alloys just for personal preference. Lighter weight would be a nice bonus, though.

[SeattleGuy]

I was speaking generally but Garage actually weighed his. (It's somewhere on the forum.) 40# wheel and tire. Tirerack says both stock xD tires weigh 20# so the the rims are also 20#, less the tpms and balancing weights. So. Knowing web site stats are usually rounded down, and assuming Garage got a good measure of a clean combo: a. Naked stock rims are probably a little over 19# and website rims weigh somewhat more than quoted.

I think that a person should basically go for looks (and budget) in an aftermarket wheel and not worry too much about a few pounds. Only a stopwatch will tell the difference anyway and, in my experience, ultralight (thus ultra-expensive) racing rims often don't take the abuse of real-world streets very well.

[sodo_moj0]

Thanks for all the thoughtful responses here... will probably keep the steelies on for awhile.